Click Here to Email Your Legislator about TRTA Day at the Capitol!
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) will host its biennial Day at the Capitol event on April 8, 2015 in conjunction with the 62nd Annual Convention in Austin.
Thousands of Texas public education retirees will fill the halls of the Texas Capitol wearing red shirts and promoting the preservation of the TRS defined benefit plan and TRS-Care retiree health insurance program!
TRTA is expecting just as many retirees, if not more, to arrive this year on the east lawn on the Capitol grounds for a day filled with legislator visits, House and Senate honors and an old-fashioned ice cream social!
We need your help reaching out to legislators to let them know that Texas public education retirees need their support! Help us extend an invitation to all legislators and their staff members to join us for our ice cream social and rally on the east lawn.
Click here to send an email to your Representatives and Senators!
Below please find a brief overview of what to expect on April 8. A comprehensive overview can be found by clicking here.
Day at the Capitol Schedule of Events
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
| 8am – 9am | Legislative Visits (optional). |
| 9:30am | House Gallery (start heading to gallery at about 9am). |
| 10am – 2pm | Photo opportunities with Legislators. |
| 10:30am | Senate Gallery (start heading to gallery at about 10am). |
| 11:30am | Rally on the East Lawn. |
| 12pm | Additional Legislative Visits (optional). |
| 12pm – 2:30pm | Ice Cream Social. |
Capitol Maps
Second, Third and Fourth Floors
What to Wear
We are asking all attendees to wear a red shirt to show solidarity and impress legislators with the “Sea of Red” when TRTA members fill the hallways! It is also important to wear comfortable shoes.
What to Bring
Attending the Convention? Bring your Convention bag and name badge with you! Capitol maps are included in your Convention program. Not attending Convention? A bag and materials will be provided for you as you enter the Capitol grounds on the east lawn.
Bring your business cards, identification and any pertinent medical information you may need in the event of an emergency.
Shuttles and Parking
The JW Marriott shuttle to the Capitol begins at 7:00 a.m. and runs in twenty minute intervals through 10:30 a.m. and begins returning members to the hotel at 1:30 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. (final pickup).
Parking near the Capitol? Use a state parking garage located along San Jacinto or Trinity streets (between 12th, 13th and 14th).
Entering the Capitol
Long lines may form at the Capitol’s east door. Consider utilizing alternate Capitol entrances (north, south, and west). The only wheelchair accessible ramp is located at the north entrance. All Capitol entrances require visitors to pass through metal detectors and have their bags searched. Quicker entry into the Capitol is available for persons who have a concealed handgun license.
Scheduled Activities
At 9:30 a.m., Texas public education retirees will be honored with a resolution in the House gallery on the third floor. We recommend that you try to arrive in the gallery by 9:00 a.m. to find a seat.
If the gallery is full, a short walk across the hallway to the Senate gallery will give members the opportunity to hear a similar resolution by the Texas Senate at 10:30 a.m. (arriving half an hour sooner will better enable you to find a seat).
By 11:30 a.m., members may begin gathering on the East Lawn for a rally and ice cream social.
Appointments with Legislators
To set an appointment with your legislator, call the Legislator Hotline (888.674.3788) and speak with the scheduler in your Senator’s or Representative’s office.
What about Lunch?
TRTA will not provide lunch during the Day at the Capitol event, however, the Capitol Grill (located on floor E1 inside the Capitol) offers a variety of delicious and quick food and beverage options.
Photo Opportunities
TRTA staff will be available to take photos during the day. In order to have a TRTA staff member take your photo, please send an email to info@trta.org (Subject Line: Capitol Photo). Please include the date, time and location of your appointment as well as the number of TRTA members expected.
Coming on Your Own?
If you are travelling alone and spending the night, a good place to stay may be the Drury Inn at I-H 35 North (St. John’s Avenue Exit). TRTA members receive 5 percent discount off Drury’s corporate rates. Contact the Drury Inn for details by calling 1.800.378.7946 and providing Corporate ID #311435 or by visiting www.druryhotels.com and using BizTrip Corporate ID #311435.
Thank You!
TRTA IS THE VOICE FOR EDUCATION RETIREES, and we want to be seen and heard on April 8!
We want to thank all of you who plan to attend or help us communicate with legislators about the big day. The planning is well underway and we are looking forward to having as many members as possible here for this legislative event.
For now, we ask that you begin making phone calls and letting your legislators know we are looking forward to SEEING THEM ON APRIL 8! Call 888.674.3788 to reach out to your legislators now or send an email using the link above!
Please be sure to stay tuned into the Inside Line throughout the 84th Legislative Session, as we will be bringing you all the latest updates on our broad legislative agenda, including any bills concerning TRS-Care, the continued funding of the TRS pension trust fund, pension increases for all TRS retirees, and also congressional issues such as the WEP and GPO.
Thank you for your membership in the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). If you are not a member of TRTA and want more information about joining, please contact us at 1.800.880.1650. Follow us on Facebook! Visit our YouTube channel for regular video updates.
