As the Texas Retired Teachers Association’s (TRTA) Executive Director Tim Lee reported recently, the truth is the truth: inflation is the enemy. We need TRTA’s leaders and members to be resources who can educate legislators on why TRS retirees need a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and why they need it NOW!
TRTA is asking you to share very specific examples, in 250 words or less, of purchasing trade-offs you have made due to rising inflation.
For example, some TRTA members are reporting they have had to give up medications to afford food or vice versa. Some members report being unable to purchase necessary items, such as appliances, because they are simply too expensive. We have also heard of members delaying medical procedures or appointments because their financial resources are stretched due to inflationary pressure. We have seen social media posts from members saying that their rents are rising, their insurance costs are skyrocketing, and that their home or vehicle repairs are being pushed off because of major cost increases.
These are just a few examples of the types of trade-offs retirees may have experienced, among many others. We are asking for your experience and a story we can share with your elected official. If this is something you are comfortable sharing, we know it will be help our elected leaders understand that retirees need help this session. Please be as detailed as possible when describing the trade-offs you have had to make in order to make ends meet.