Dear Editor,
My name is Rhonda Lawton and I am a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. I am a retired Texas public school employee and educated Texas children for 30 years.
I am asking for your support of Proposition 9 on the November General Election ballot. Prop 9, when passed, will provide the first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) since 2024 for 420,000 Teacher Retirement System of Texas annuitants. No Texas public-school employee who has retired since September 1, 2004, has ever received a COLA. That’s 70% of TRS retirees! TRS annuitants are living on an average monthly annuity of just $2,174, though more than 140,000 receive $1,000 or less per month!
Inflation is the highest it’s been in 40 years. A pension increase for TRS retirees is needed and is overdue! All TRS retirees are suffering from inflation; but longer-term retirees are very must struggling to pay their bills, get their monthly medications and make necessary food choices. Prop 9 will provide tremendous value to our retirees, which in turn will benefit our local economy.
As a voter and taxpayer, you should know that when passed, Prop 9 will not create a tax increase! The Texas Legislature has already set aside the funds to make this happen with voter approval using surplus funds. In fact, Prop 9 has unanimous legislative support. Every member of the Texas Senate and House voted to support this much needed retirement boost!
Please show your dedicated retired educators and the Texas Legislature that you support providing mush needed financial relief for TRS annuitants by voting for Prop 9.
Respectfully,
Rhonda Lawton
Freestone County
