TRTA Breaking News: Abbott Adds Thirteenth Check for TRS Annuitants to Special Session Agenda

Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation to call a special session of the 87th Legislature. The session will convene on Thursday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Here is the link to Gov. Abbott’s proclamation. The proclamation includes a list of agenda items that will be addressed.

Members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) will be happy to know that, per the proclamation, “legislation similar to House Bill 3507 . . . relating to a ‘thirteenth check’ or supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas” has been added to the list of special session priorities.

As our members may recall, TRTA asked Gov. Abbott to add a benefit enhancement for retirees to the call. Bills that were filed during the regular 87th Legislative Session to provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit enhancement failed to pass.

A letter composed by TRTA President Leroy DeHaven in June stated that “members of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) who retired after September 1, 2004, have never seen an increase in their retirement checks. Seventeen years is too long for retired educators to go without a meaningful benefit enhancement! A raise is long overdue. Inflation is on the rise, and the only way retired educators will receive help is if the Legislature takes action.”

TRTA is very pleased to hear this news, and we are working to ensure TRS retirees receive the best possible benefit increase.

Please stay tuned to the Inside Line for information about bills that are filed and urgent Action Alerts that will be needed on this vital issue! If you haven’t joined us yet, please do so today! If you’re already a member, be sure to renew your dues.

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