The following is a record of TPEA's past legislative efforts and its agenda for the future. To learn more, see our EMPACT section. Check out our advocacy section for ways to get involved beyond joining TPEA.
Agenda (archives)
TPEA recognizes that the Legislature will face significant challenges in resolving the state’s 15 to 20 billion dollar budget deficit in 2011. Efforts to close the deficit should be broad based and equitable across every area of the state budget and all state expenditures should receive equal scrutiny for efficiency and effectiveness.
Active and retired state employees have worked hard for their health benefits, including foregoing pay raises as health care costs have escalated out of control. The Legislature should acknowledge that affordable health benefits are a primary incentive to reduce turnover and maintain an efficient and experienced workforce. Preserving affordable ERS health benefits is an investment in efficient state government.
TPEA supports preserving the state’s current contribution policy for active and retired ERS members by contributing the full contribution for members, and half the contribution for dependents. TPEA also opposes any significant increases in deductibles, coinsurance or copayments that would create economic barriers to participants accessing needed medical services or prescription drugs.
TPEA will continue to work to improve the actuarial status of the ERS retirement fund to allow an increase in ERS annuity payments or a one time supplemental payment.
TPEA opposes any efforts to reduce health care benefits for state retirees or their dependents.
Useful Information
State Employee Salary Increases 1970-2009
TPEA's Legislative Accomplishments 1945-1997
TPEA believes all state employees deserve a cost of living pay raise each year of the biennium of at least 2 percent, with an appropriate dollar minimum increase.
TPEA supports providing funding for all state agencies for adequate merit pay awards. At a minimum, all state agencies should be appropriated one percent of payroll to fund merit pay increases awarded on an equitable basis across all occupational categories.
TPEA supports targeted pay raises for particular occupational or agency groups that have experienced excessive turnover or whose compensation is significantly below market rates.