On April 3, the Texas Retired Teachers Association had a “Day at the Capitol event”! More than 1000 retired educators from across the state arrived on the east lawn of the Texas Capitol wearing red shirts, #RAISETHEBASE bracelets and stickers, rallying in support of funding for vital pension and health care programs!
TRTA IS THE VOICE FOR TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION RETIREES, and we want to be seen and heard!
Freestone County Retired Teachers Association President, Terry Dunlap and Legislative Chair, Alicia Smith were among “the sea of red” retired attendees spreading their stories to Texas Legislators.
Both the House and Senate presented resolutions honoring the TRTA members visiting the capital galleries. The chambers usual silence, was interrupted by the legislators rousing applause for Texas Retired Teachers and Public School Employees, followed by attendees loudly clapping and a standing ovation to thank our legislators for listening and voting to send funding and support to the thousands of public school retirees across Texas that are depending on them to #raise the base to shore up our retirement fund. That action will lay the foundation for a much needed Cost-of-Living Raise in the future. Many retirees have never had any raise even though insurance premiums, medical costs, prescriptions, and daily basic needs have drastically gone up.
On Wednesday, the House passed HB 3, Dan Huberty’s “Texas Plan” sending funding to public schools including a much needed non-administration public school employee raises, funding Pre K, adding more money per student allotment to Texas Public schools, some property tax reform, and some help in recapture schools. Other Bills being debated are SB 12 and HB 9 for retired school employees issues funding.
All Texas retired school teachers and employees should join TRTA. TRTA is the only one lobbing for retirees. The more members TRTA has the more the legislators listen to us. The climate in Austin is so much better this session than the last. In the last session the legislators ended the session without passing any funding for public schools or help for retired teachers healthcare that was spiraling to bankruptcy. Governor Abbott had to call them back to a special session to get legislation that was “this or nothing” “Take it or leave it! “ This session, they are listening. They are coming up with multiple options. Such a difference!
Please join Freestone County Retired Teachers. Contact any FCRT officer. We need you!
