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.
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.
Do you have any questions about other bills? Complete our contact us form. Thank you.
Founded by State of Texas Employees
“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. All of this was before I realized what role TPEA played as my advocate at the Capitol. Through TPEA, I also have access to gym memberships, travel discounts and many other benefits that I’ve taken advantage of to save money."

Joe Golson
ERS Retiree | Employees Retirement System (ERS)
“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."

John DeWitt
Director of Planning & Development | TxDOT
“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."

Tim Fitzpatrick
Director III for Classification & Records | TDCJ
“I’m a member of TPEA because they continuously keep me in the loop with issues that impact me. TPEA staff is advocating for state employees and retirees daily – and they connect us with a ton of resources, including an easy way to reach out to my state representatives. On top of all this – they provide some great benefits! They are the only association that fights for all state employees and retirees."

Julie Beaubien
Public Involvement Section Team Lead | TxDOT
“Without 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."

Carroll Fuchs
ERS Retiree | Texas Department of Insurance
“I relied on TPEA for years regarding information about changes in our benefits and what’s going on in the Legislature. Then, I decided to become a member and eventually volunteer so that I could help advocate for myself. The advocacy helped get our recent state raises. TPEA showed up to over 50 hearings to get the across the board pay raises. And they fight for our benefits like keeping premiums low. TPEA fights for employees, they fight for us."

Kerrie Summerfield
Budget Team Lead | Texas Education Agency
“I think state employees should be a part of TPEA because they help all state employees, like they did with getting us two across-the-board pay raises. TPEA also helps us into retirement as they advocate for our pensions, stabilizing the funds, and other benefits too. We should all join because it’s not just helping ourselves but each other too."

Jimmy Teal
Waco District Railroad Coordinator | TxDOT
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If you're an active or retired state employee, it's important to have a professional and effective advocate on your side to protect your valuable benefits. Without such representation, there is no guarantee that your benefits won't be reduced or eliminated. Joining TPEA is an affordable investment that ensures you have a respected voice at the Capitol advocating for your interests and protecting the benefits that are crucial for your financial well-being.