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Legislative Updates

Legislative Update No. 132, Session 82
By Tim Lee, Executive DirectorPrinter Friendly ||| Print as PDF

May 10, 2011

 

TRTA Update

 

HB 3639 (Fiscal Matters Bill), HB 3542, HB 2120 and Senate Action on TRS

Session is moving very quickly and TRTA members are doing an amazing job of keeping legislators informed about how they can help retirees!

The good news is your message is getting through. House Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts, a long-time friend and supporter of public education retirees, has worked on a technical amendment for HB 3639. In this amendment, he has adapted the language to change the “permanent” reduction to the TRS-Care program to a “temporary” reduction. TRTA is grateful that Chairman Pitts is adding this important provision to his amendment. Chairman Pitts’ support is vital to ensuring this language is eventually adopted for HB 3639.

As you know, TRTA members have been contacting their legislators asking them to support language that would make this fix through a separate amendment. Chairman Pitts believes this situation needs to be resolved and feels strongly about funding TRS-Care over the long term. His work on the amendment will protect the TRS-Care program so that we do not have to pass additional legislation that would reinstate the TRS-Care contribution back to 1 percent next session.

TRTA is also grateful to Representatives Gooden and Villarreal for working to protect TRS funding. TRTA members should be encouraged that so many legislators are willing to protect the retirement system programs.

TRTA supports raising the state contribution back to the 1 percent level. We are working with all members of the Texas Legislature to see that accomplished. As TRTA members know, there is a proposal in the Texas Senate by Robert Duncan that funds TRS-Care in a way that would prevent an increase in TRS-Care premiums in the coming biennium. This proposal funds TRS-Care at 1 percent in the first year of the biennium and at 0.5 percent in the second year.

The proposal helps TRS maximize their eligibility for federal dollars available through 2014. In addition to the increased state dollars being provided through the Duncan proposal, the TRS-Care program may receive as much as much as $135 million in federal dollars. The proposed increase in these revenue sources, along with special language crafted by Chairman Duncan, should help keep TRS-Care premiums from increasing in the coming biennium. TRTA members are encouraged to contact their Senator and ask for their support on Chairman Duncan’s TRS funding proposal.

Update on House Bills

TRTA members have done a great job contacting legislators about other important bills on the House floor. The thousands of emails and phone calls are making a difference!

HB 3542 by Representative Larry Gonzales would use TRS investment earnings to provide a supplemental payment for retirees. This legislation has many safeguards for TRS, while providing a realistic possibility of some financial relief for retirees.

This bill should come up today. Please CALL YOUR LEGISLATOR ASKING FOR THEM TO VOTE WITH REPRESENTATIVE LARRY GONZALES!

These legislators have joined as co-authors: Huberty, McClendon, Strama, Veasey, Burkett, Christian, Creighton, Flynn, King (Susan), Reynolds and Schwertner. If you are constituent of any of these representatives, please call them and thank them for their support!

HB 2120 by Representative Doug Miller would alter the composition of the TRS Board of Trustees by taking the existing seat designated for a higher education member and opening that up to anyone in TRS (retiree, active member, retired higher education, etc.). This legislation encourages more interest and participation in the TRS Board election process. TRTA encourages all House members to support Representative Doug Miller on this important piece of legislation.

This bill should come up today. Please CALL YOUR LEGISLATOR ASKING FOR THEM TO VOTE WITH REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER FOR HB 2120!

The TRTA Call Your Legislator Hotline number is 1.888.674.3788.

 

Update on Senate Action

As mentioned above, TRTA is still working with the Texas Senate to adopt a fiscal matters bill that helps protect TRS funding. The language for this proposal is authored by Senator Robert Duncan. Please call your Senator today and ask them to support the TRS funding proposal being carried by Senator Robert Duncan.

The TRTA Call Your Legislator Hotline number is 1.888.674.3788.

 

As I mentioned above, session is moving fast and time is running out. You have done a great job educating legislators about these vital issues. Thank you for your help and commitment to TRTA!

If you are not a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association and would like to join, please contact our staff so that we may answer any questions you may have.

 

 

 

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