A Series of Joint Budget Hearings (JBH)

The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) has scheduled a series of Joint Budget Hearings (JBH) for all agencies to present their LARs, including any additional funding requests, known as Exceptional Item Requests (EIR).

#ICYMI (in case you missed it)

ERS August 21 Board Meeting Recap

Insights into the current status of our health plan

  • For the first time since 2017, ERS has successfully managed to sustain our health plan without requiring additional funding. However, in light of escalating medical and drug expenses, ERS has identified the necessity for extra financial support during the upcoming Legislative Session this year.
  • Retired state employees are typically eligible for fully paid health insurance from the State of Texas based on their years of service at retirement. The cost breakdown below pertains to retirees who qualify for this benefit, with a slight increase for those including a spouse.
  • The ERS Plan will be financially sound for the first time in over 20 years. This annual actuarial valuation will be presented to the ERS Board of Trustees at the December 2024 meeting. The one-time COLA is limited to ERS retirees who have been retired for more than 20 years at the time the COLA is granted and is capped at the lesser of 3% of the monthly benefit or $100. Projections estimate 25% of ERS retirees will be eligible for the one-time COLA and more than 90% of those eligible will get the full 3%.  
  • *Both Ann Bishop and Ray Hymel from TPEA testified on behalf of retired state employees at the ERS board meeting for a benefit enhancement for all retired state employees.

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  • The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) released the Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) Instructions on their website for state agencies to submit their budget and other reporting. It's worth noting that both the Governor and the Senate issued a policy letter, while the Speaker of the House issued his own.  As a result, two sets of policy instructions were issued.
  • Fortunately, it seems that both letters prioritize the protection of retirement funds by ensuring funding at fiscal year 2025 budgeted levels, along with covering the impact of payroll growth for state pension systems.
  • Unfortunately, despite the insurance contribution being grandfathered, both letters caution that group benefit modifications may be under consideration, potentially resulting in funding or benefit cuts for insurance.

CLICK TO READ ABOUT THE BIENNIAL BUDGET CYCLE.

 

 

Are you a retired state employee?

Over the past year, we collaborated with various organizations to amplify our message and put forth significant efforts to try and secure a 13th check for ERS retirees. Unfortunately, we did not succeed in obtaining an additional check for retired state employees, as the Legislators allocated additional funds to ensure the actuarial soundness of the ERS pension fund -- which was a necessary step at the time. With that milestone achieved, we are now strategically advocating for a stipend similar to what retired teachers have received. For more in-depth knowledge, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that you can access by clicking on the documents below:

If you are retired state employee then learn the mission of TPEA and join other members like you. With a more robust membership base (only $30/year for retirees), we will not only have a stronger voice at the Capitol to advocate for your stipend, but we will also be here to support you more during retirement. 

Together, we can amplify our collective voice to make a stronger impact in the upcoming 89th Legislative Session. So join today! 

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John DeWitt, Director of Transportation Planning & Development at TxDOT
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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.

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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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