TPEA's Legislative Priorities
- Funding for a 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 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 your 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!
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.
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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