TRTA 64th Annual Convention and Day at the Capitol Next Week! Member Action Alert Included!

Click here to send an email to your legislators inviting them to join TRTA for Day at the Capitol on March 29!

The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is finalizing plans for the 64th Annual TRTA Convention to be held in Austin March 27-28, 2017. Nearly 1,000 retirees are registered for the event already, which is taking place at the Hilton Austin on 500 E. 4thStreet. Convention attendees and many other retirees and pre-retirees are also gearing up for a busy day of grassroots advocacy at the Texas Capitol on March 29!

This year’s convention theme, “TRTA: Teamwork is Key,” is the perfect sentiment that matches TRTA’s drive to succeed during this challenging legislative session in the Texas capital city! Early registration for the convention is now closed. Late, on-site registration will begin on Monday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m. To view the full convention schedule including event locations, please click here.

In addition to conducting the association’s business, such as voting on several bylaws amendments, members will attend a number of training and educational sessions. A complete list of sessions, the descriptions and a schedule are available on our website here.

Legislation is always a key focus of TRTA’s annual conventions, and this year our members are ready to address the looming $1 billion shortfall expected for the TRS-Care health insurance program. During the Legislative Luncheon being held on March 28, members will hear from TRTA Executive Director Tim Lee, Texas House Appropriations Chairman John Zerwas, Representative Lance Gooden and TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie about what potential solutions are on the table and how it will affect retirees.

Members will also be able to attend a special legislative session that occurs after the House of Delegates on March 28. Legislative Coordinator Bill Barnes will provide updates on the 85th Legislative Session, including what is happening with bills (SB 1750 and SB 1751) that propose changing the TRS defined benefit plan to a 401k-style defined contribution plan. Mr. Barnes will be sharing techniques to help members advocate during TRTA Day at the Capitol on March 29.

For any questions about your registration or delegate certification, please contact our Membership Department at 1.800.880.1650 or email us at membership@trta.org. We look forward to seeing you in Austin soon! Please be sure to share our press release about Convention with your fellow retirees and media outlets.

Day at the Capitol: Important Updates!

TRTA Day at the Capitol, which is open to all Convention attendees as well as any member or friend who wishes to join us, will occur on Wednesday, March 29! TRTA is expecting nearly 2,000 attendees for this day of grassroots lobbying. Attendees will receive a bag and materials, including a special button to wear.

TRTA has noted that the weather a week out from this important event is predicted to be rainy! While we are working out details to ensure our visiting members and friends will be as comfortable as possible, we ask that you please consider bringing your umbrellas and appropriate shoes and outerwear for the weather.

For a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions about Day at the Capitol, as well as links to maps and information about parking, please click here!

Don’t forget to invite your legislators to TRTA Day at the Capitol by clicking here!

Thank You

TRTA and its members have the respect of both congressmen and legislators. Your membership is making a difference as we lobby here in Texas and at the U.S. Capitol. We will continue to bring you the latest updates on all issues involving retired educators.

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