Tim Lee, the Executive Director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), and Bill Barnes, TRTA’s former Legislative Coordinator, were honored today by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) for their legacy of protecting and improving the lives of retired educators.
Lee received the “2025 Sandi Borden Tribute to Texas Children Award” for his work on repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). After more than 40 years, Lee spearheaded the successful repeal of these harmful Social Security measures that unfairly reduced the money that retired public workers across the nation received. According to TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart, “We are honored to recognize TRTA for championing retired educators and ensuring they have the security they deserve after a lifetime of service to Texas students.”
Barnes served as TRTA’s Legislative Coordinators for 14 years. During that time, he helped champion a cost-of-living increase, multiple 13th checks, and the infusion of funding for the retiree health care program, TRS-Care. Barnes now serves as the President of the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF), where he oversees the gathering and dispersal of donations to help educators, both active and retired.
For these reasons, and much more, Barnes is recognized as a TESPAN At-large, which TEPSA uses to recognize leaders who have given tremendous amounts of time, talents, and gifts to the profession and the Association. “Bill’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of public-school educators,” Eckhart said. “We are truly grateful for his outstanding service and invaluable contributions to our profession.”
You can learn more about Lee’s award here and Barnes’ recognition here.
Thank you to the TEPSA Board of Directors for bestowing these honors on two of our most accomplished leaders. TRTA will continue its work to improve the lives of all current and future retired educators!
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