LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR THE 88TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Securing a pay raise for state employees in the 88th Legislature
Across-the-board pay raises for state employees
For over 75 years, the Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA) has been dedicated to safeguarding the financial well-being of both current and retired state employees.
During the 88th Legislative Session, TPEA collaborated closely with legislators to secure a salary increase for the 140,000-plus state employees representing every region of Texas. These individuals play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable children, the elderly, and overseeing various industries, as well as maintaining essential public infrastructure for the state's growth and prosperity.
However, there has been a concerning trend of state employees leaving their positions and the state workforce in significant numbers. This trend is exacerbated by historic inflation and higher salaries in the private sector, which have led many to seek opportunities outside of state employment. As a result, state agency operations and public services are at risk as positions remain unfilled for extended periods in this competitive job market.
Without qualified workers in state agencies, the maintenance of our roads and parks, processing of unemployment claims, investigation of complaints, and smooth operation of state services are all at risk.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
TPEA's legislative agenda for the 88th Legislative Session includes annuity adjustments or 13th checks for state retirees, pay raises for active employees, and more including target pay raises. View the table below for details.
Current State Employees |
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State Employee Pay Raises TPEA supports increased state funding for state employee pay raises to stabilize the workforce and enable state agencies to recruit and retain an efficient and skilled workforce. TPEA supports and advocates for:
Remote Work |
Retired State Employees |
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Annuity Adjustment or 13th Check for ERS retirees TPEA believes an annuity adjustment for ERS retirees is long overdue, and the last benefit increase was in 2001. Given the drastic effects of inflation coupled with the sheer length of time since any annuity adjustment, the TPEA Board of Directors supports: An additional one-time legacy payment to the retirement fund accelerates actuarial soundness and allows the ERS trust fund to provide ERS retirees a COLA or Cost-of-Living Increase. |
Current & Retired State Employees |
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Retirement and Insurance
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Resources created to help us get the pay raises:
John DeWitt, Director of Transportation Planning & Development at TxDOT
I’ve been a TPEA member for a long time. TPEA is a recognized and respected resource our legislators rely on to make informed decisions about state employee benefits. One of the most effective things TPEA does is present sensible solutions that they can easily support. That approach benefits active employees and retirees alike, and those of us contemplating retirement soon should applaud TPEA for their leadership in preserving full benefits.
Be Ready for the Next Legislative Session
Did you know?
- Membership allows TPEA to continue advocating for you, your salaries, pensions and benefits all year round.
- Membership helps with supplemental insurance discounts for you and your family that you might not be able to get otherwise.
- Membership offers you and your family access to discounted products, entertainment, travel and more.
** Cost of membership is only $10/month for active employees and associates ($2.50/month for retiree), so help enhance your future and join. Remember TPEA = YOU.