Back to Archives
Texas Public Employees Association Seeks Benefit Increase for State Retirees
With Approval of 13th Check for TRS retirees, TPEA Wants Equitable Treatment
AUSTIN, Texas (November 8, 2007) – The Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA) today called on state leaders to take action as soon as possible to assure that state retirees under the Employees Retirement System (ERS) will receive a benefit increase comparable to the 13th check approved for retirees under the Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Action by the TRS Board will authorize a supplemental payment, or 13th check, for qualifying TRS retirees equal to a normal monthly annuity check, or $2400, whichever is less, in January of 2008.
“This is a matter of simple fairness,” said Gary Anderson, Executive Director of TPEA, “while TRS retirees are deserving of this benefit enhancement, ERS retirees are equally deserving. It has been nearly six years since the last benefit enhancement for ERS retirees and costs have increased significantly. TPEA is calling on Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst and the legislative leadership to correct this inequitable situation as soon as possible.”
Established in 1946, TPEA is a non-union, professional association representing the interests of active and retired state employees before the Texas Legislature. With over 15,000 active and retired members, TPEA is the oldest and largest legislative advocacy group for state employees.