TPEA's Legislative Priorities
What we're advocating for:
- Funding for a meaningful Stipend, 13th Check or a COLA for ERS retirees
Over the last twenty years, the purchasing power of pensions for retired state employees has greatly diminished. Since the last annuity adjustment in 2001, retirees have experienced up to a 40% decrease in the value of their pension checks. TPEA asserts that it is high time for action. Texas must provide support to our retired state employees, as the last benefit increase occurred in 2001.
- TPEA advocates for additional state funding for raising state employee salaries to stabilize the workforce and help state agencies attract and maintain a proficient and effective workforce. General inflation-adjusted pay raises for all state employees in both years of the 2026-27 biennium.
- State employee and retiree health insurance - support continuing the same benefits and premium structure of the existing ERS health plan.
- State agencies’ legislative appropriation requests for targeted and inflation-adjusted pay raises, including retention payments.
If you are a retired state employee then learn the mission of TPEA and join other members like you. With more members, we can better advocate for a more meaningful stipend and offer increased retirement support.
Together, we can amplify our collective voice to make a stronger impact in the upcoming 89th Legislative Session. So join today!
Tim Fitzpatrick, Director III for Classification & Records at TDCJ
Stephanie DeWitt, HR Generalist at TxDOT
Carroll Fuchs, Retired from the Department of Insurance
As a state employee, it's so beneficial to have a non-partisan, non-union association looking out for our best interest. I've seen the mission of TPEA firsthand in action, and how they've been able to support us by working to ensure our state benefits are protected. They support us as current employees and into retirement.
TPEA has had my back from before I even started working for the state. They have supported and empowered state employees since 1946, so I know my membership is not only supporting myself, but any future state employees. And they’ll be there when I retire too! It’s an investment in the future for myself and for Texas.
Without the professional representation, state employees, both active and retired, have little or no voice at the Capitol. It’s time to join an organization that works for ALL of us. That organization is TPEA. Please help us to help you and other state employees by joining today. With more members like yourself, we will carry a louder voice when we need to be heard.
Joe Golson, Retired from the Employees Retirement System (ERS)
I love being a member of TPEA because I basically pay off my membership dues immediately with the benefits and discounts that I receive. I first joined TPEA in the mid-80s to take advantage of the dental program before ERS offered dental coverage. I then purchased the legal services plan after seeing how many members came to ERS with no will or estate plan. All of this was before I realized what role TPEA played as my advocate at the Capitol. Through TPEA, I have access to gym memberships, travel discounts and many other benefits that I’ve taken advantage of to save money.
State of Texas Employees Matter
TPEA is unlike any other advocacy organization because we solely focus just on Texas and we're not governed by a national organization. Created by state employees more than 78 years ago, TPEA has worked to protect the financial security of current and former state employees.
We believe that your invaluable contribution to keeping the state of Texas running deserves continuous advocacy to ensure that you are paid fairly, and your benefits are continuously funded. Our membership funds remain in Texas to advocate exclusively for the rights of our public employees.
We are dedicated to resolving issues through peaceful and thoughtful strategies, supported by thorough research that is shared with legislators to equip them with the necessary data for making informed decisions during budget allocations.
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