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
The Texas Legislature has not invested in a general state employee pay raise since 2014. Inadequate state compensation has caused a growing crisis in employee turnover that threatens the continued delivery of state services.

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:

  • General inflation-adjusted pay raises for all state employees in both years of the 2024-25 biennium
  • State agencies’ legislative appropriation requests for targeted and inflation-adjusted pay raises, including retention payments
  • Texas State Auditor’s recommendation in the Biennial Report on the State’s Position Classification Plan for the 2024-2025 biennium

Remote Work
TPEA supports maintaining current state law, allowing a hybrid work environment where state agencies can manage their workforce effectively.
Retired State Employees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Annuity Adjustment or 13th Check for ERS retirees
The purchasing power of pensions earned by retired state employees has declined significantly over the past two decades. Workers who retired since the last annuity adjustment in 2001 have seen the value of their pension checks reduced by as much as 40%.

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.

Funding for a 13th Check or other supplemental payment.
Current & Retired State Employees

 

 

 

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Retirement and Insurance
TPEA Supports ERS’ Appropriations Requests on retirement and insurance for both active and retired state employees, including money for:

  • State employee and retiree health insurance - support continuing the benefits and premium structure of the existing ERS health plan.
  • Employees’ Retirement Program
  • ERS Retirement Plan Legacy Payment
  • Law Enforcement and Custodial Officers Supplemental Fund (Normal Cost and Debt Reduction)
  • Retiree death benefit
  • ERS retirement plan legacy payment method of finance exchange
  • Financial assistance to survivors of law enforcement officers and firefighters
Action Center
History of State Salaries
Legislative Milestone-1
TARGETED PAY RAISES
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Resources created to help us get the pay raises:

Jon_DeWitt, TxDOT
John DeWitt, Director of Transportation Planning & Development at TxDOT
Canva Design DAF0dns5_C0-1

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.

TPEA Testimonies
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Conclusion to the 88th Legislative Session

Be Ready for the Next Legislative Session

Did you know?

  1.  Membership allows TPEA to continue advocating for you, your salaries, pensions and benefits all year round.
  2.  Membership helps with supplemental insurance discounts for you and your family that you might not be able to get otherwise. 
  3. 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.

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