Answers to Common Questions

What is the status of the $10,000 pay raise, HB 237?

Based on historical patterns, there is usually a mix of targeted and general salary increases. This approach addresses the varied needs of state agency workforces, especially in departments with specialized roles or high employee turnover. In the previous legislative session, salary adjustments included numerous targeted increases alongside two consecutive 5% general increases. However, based on our extensive experience with the appropriations process, a $10,000 increase across the board as HB 237 suggests is unlikely because:

• The $1.5 billion cost is much higher than what the Legislature has previously allocated for pay raises, making it unlikely due to other state demands.
• In addition to employee salaries, the Legislature allocates 9.5% of these salaries towards retirement benefits and over $1 billion every two years for ERS legacy payments plus additional billions more for the health plan. This year, an extra $739 million was added to the health insurance plan to ensure coverage for the premium increases for all state employees and retirees.

TPEA, alongside the State Auditor and agencies, has pinpointed roles where salary increases can help curb retention, such as in the high-stress Department of Protective Services, which faces high turnover. Nonetheless, we anticipate a combination of targeted and general raises as a result of this legislative session.

What about the Targeted Pay Raises? What can you tell us about them?

TPEA gathers information from legislative documents to not only stay informed but to share the potential pay raise opportunities. Typically, any requests for targeted pay raises originate from the agencies themselves, as they are best positioned to identify their specific needs. However, it is important to note that not all agencies choose to request pay raises. This is precisely why TPEA was established in 1946 as a not-for-profit organization by state employees, with the mission of advocating for their interests and ensuring their voices are heard. Our commitment to supporting state employees is unwavering, which is why TPEA consistently champions the cause of securing across-the-board pay raises. In the last legislative session of 2023, we once again advocated for an across-the-board pay raise and successfully got the two 5% pay raises.  Therefore, some employees not only received the 5% pay raises, but targeted pay raises too.

As the legislative session progresses towards its conclusion, the focus intensifies on finalizing the biennial budget, a critical phase where decisions about pay raises are typically made. This stage is pivotal, as it determines the allocation of funds for the next two years, including potential salary adjustments for state employees. During this time, TPEA remains actively engaged, advocating for fair compensation and ensuring that the voices of state employees are heard. Our efforts are dedicated to securing both targeted and general pay raises, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of those who serve the state.

Where is the status on the Return-to-Office / Telework bill, HB 5196?

The bill is authored by Rep. Capriglione, and establishes a framework for telework arrangements, ensuring that employees and agency heads understand the associated conditions and expectations. H.B. 5196 also authorizes a state agency head to enter into an agreement with an employee authorizing telework to address a lack of available office space or provide reasonable flexibility that enhances the agency's ability to achieve its mission. A telework agreement must: 

• be in writing;
• include the reasons telework is being authorized;
• state the terms under which the agreement may be revoked; and
• be renewed at least once each year after the employee begins telework;
• must state that the agreement may be revoked by the state agency at any time and without notice; and 

The state agency may require an employee to report to the office on a day on which the agreement otherwise authorizes telework for a meeting, special event, or other engagement for which the agency determines in-person interaction is necessary. A state agency may not offer telework as a condition of employment by the agency.

This bill has passed the House and has moved onto the Senate for review. On May 13, it was read and referred to Business & Commerce.  This is a positive sign since the bill has already passed the House and is now awaiting to be heard in the Senate.  A public hearing has been scheduled for 05/22/2025 in the DOGE committee.

On May 22, 2025, TPEA testified once again on the importance of passing this telework bill for state employees. See the testimony and more by clicking here.

What's going on with HB 886, the one-time supplemental payment for ERS retirees? 

This bill is authored by Rep. Vasut, relating to a one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the ERS of Texas. If passed, the one-time payment would be in January of 2026, and the amount would equal to the lesser of $2,000 or the gross amount of the regular annuity payment. 

This bill has passed the House and has moved onto the Senate for review. **Please be advised that even if this bill successfully progresses through all legislative stages and is enacted, the Legislature must still allocate the necessary funds to ERS for distribution.

Although the supplemental appropriations bill (HB 500) doesn't include funding for a 13th check, it does still include the extra $1 billion for the ERS pension fund, and with HB 886 costing only $180 million (per Legislative Budget Board), this is a chance for Texas to support 125,000 ERS retirees if the bill passes. Apart from the recent average COLA of $55/month for only 25% of ERS retirees, it's been over 20 years since an extra benefit was given out to all ERS retirees. In comparison, TRS has had $5.7 billion in extra payments. It's time for our Legislature to provide a little relief to ERS retirees, especially since the average ERS annual pension check is only $22,000.

Our goal is to secure a 13th check, whether it comes from HB 886 or as a rider or amendment in HB 500.  What truly matters is that ERS retirees receive a benefit relief this session. That's why we continue to ask ERS retirees to call the Lt. Governor using our Advocacy Action Center. 

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