The Texas Legislative Session ends in 38 days. The funding bill for the 84th Texas Legislature is in its final phases, and it will include approximately $770 million toward TRS-Care, the health care program more than 240,000 retired public school educators rely upon.
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is asking you to call 1-888-674-3788 and thank your legislator for supporting TRS-Care. The importance of staying in contact with legislators cannot be understated, as they are the gateways through which bills are passed. The strength of TRTA lies in the active participation of our dedicated members. Your contributions are the reason why we are able work with the legislature and find the necessary funding for TRS-Care.
Show Your Support for HR 711
Additionally, now is a good time to contact your U.S. Congressman about HR 711. HR 711 is a bill to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which reduces the ability of public educators to receive Social Security. Congressman Kevin Brady (R – Texas) has filed the bill, which provides a more fair formula for Social Security calculations. However, HR 711 requires the support of other congressional members to advance.
The passage of HR 711 would represent a huge victory for the retirement benefits of public educators, firemen and police officers across the nation. Please show your support for this bill by making sure your Congressman has signed on to it.
TRTA is finalizing a “Support for HR 711” Inside Line that will be released later this week. It will have pointers on contacting Congressional members, major points that should be made, and a fact page for your use.
Making a phone call to your Congressman’s office will help draw more attention to this issue as advocacy campaigns supporting the adoption of this important bill are revving up all over the country.
Thank You!
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.