MEMBERSHIP FAQs

I receive your informational emails, so why should I join TPEA?

Without a professional and effective advocate on your side, there’s no assurance your valuable benefits won’t be whittled away. TPEA membership is an inexpensive investment that ensures you have a professional and well-respected voice at the Capitol looking out for your interests and the benefits so critical to your financial well-being. Our advocacy is only possible with the support of a strong, engaged membership—in other words, with your support.

In addition to supporting advocacy for active and retired state employees, TPEA members also receive additional communications and have access to a variety of services and discounts. By using just a few of these discounts, you can easily save more than the cost of membership.

How are your dues dollars used?

Your dues dollars enable TPEA to provide professional legislative advocacy from an experienced team of lobbyists who have formed strong relationships with key decision-makers and have extensive knowledge of the issues facing active and retired state employees. In addition, dues allow us to deliver comprehensive yet easy-to-understand communications about legislative issues and policies, as well as facilitate valuable ancillary benefit programs. All of your dues dollars stay in Texas.

What type of member am I?

There are three types of memberships available at TPEA.

Active Member: This is a member that is currently working for a state of Texas agency. This does not include district, county, or ISD employees. Dues - $7.50 per month/ $90 per year

Retired Member: This is a member that retired from a state of Texas agency. If you receive an ERS annuity check, you are a Retired Member. Even if you worked in other sectors prior to your retirement, or you've returned to work since retiring, you still qualify as a Retired Member. Dues - $2.50 per month/ $30 per year

Associate Member - This is a member that is neither currently employed by the state or retired from a state agency. If you work for an ISD, district, or county office, you qualify as an Associate member. If you've left state employment, you can continue your membership as an Associate Member. Dues - $2.50 per month/ $30 per year

** Please note: Associate members can access all insurance and benefits offered to TPEA members but are not eligible to vote in board elections. 

How long will it take for my membership card to arrive?

We do not send physical membership cards. If you need a copy of a membership card to access certain benefits or for your records, we can provide a digital membership card via email. Please send your request to membersupport@tpea.org

I’m transferring agencies. Will my TPEA membership continue uninterrupted?

If your membership dues are deducted from your paycheck, then please click here to download a new payroll deduction form and submit it to your new agency. If your dues are being paid through credit card or bank draft, they will continue unless you request to cancel.

I’m not sure if I’m a TPEA member. How can I find out?

Email us at membersupport@tpea.org.  A TPEA staff member will look you up in our database and reply with your membership status.

Are TPEA memberships tax-deductible?

No. Unfortunately, TPEA membership dues are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes.

How do I cancel my membership?

We hate to see you go! Please contact us at membersupport@tpea.org to process your cancellation.

How can I get involved?

TPEA’s strength lies in its numbers. We encourage members to spread the good news about TPEA’s premier advocacy, outstanding communications, and valuable services and discounts programs to other state employees. We are happy to send you promotional materials to pass along to a friend. We offer several lunch-and-learn opportunities for state agencies.  

How do I access my TPEA services and discounts?

The most up-to-date information on TPEA services and discounts is available online; services and discounts are subject to change at any time and without notice.

When I sign up for TPEA am I automatically enrolled in the supplemental insurance programs, such as the dental and vision insurance?

No. These are supplemental insurance benefits available at specially negotiated rates to members. To take advantage of these programs, members must complete a separate online enrollment process and create a separate payment arrangement directly with the insurance broker. Insurance premiums may be paid by credit card or bank draft; they cannot be deducted from your paycheck.

What does TPEA advocate for?

Our message is simple: Every Texan benefits when our state’s public servants have a secure retirement, competitive salaries, and adequate and affordable health care options. These benefits help the State attract and retain the highly qualified, stable workforce needed to carry out its mission.

What does it mean when you say TPEA’s a nonpartisan, nonunion organization?

TPEA is a nonpartisan organization because we do not support one political party or group over another. Rather, we support elected officials who recognize that competitive compensation, quality health insurance and secure retirement benefits are necessary to attract and retain a quality state workforce. TPEA views itself as a partner in government with the Legislature. Our members are public servants dedicated to carrying out the State’s mission at a good value to the taxpayer.

TPEA is nonunion because we are an independent, Texas-only organization governed by members elected by their peers to serve on the TPEA Board of Directors. All of your dues dollars stay in Texas; none are spent on an unrelated national agenda. Our bylaws strictly prohibit TPEA from affiliating with or endorsing a labor union, as well as outline the association’s philosophy against collective bargaining. TPEA does not provide representation to individual employees during grievances or disputes with management.

What is EMPACT?

EMPACT is TPEA’s political action committee, or PAC, and is funded by voluntary member contributions. EMPACT allows TPEA members (who, as active and retired state employees, have limited financial resources) to combine their contributions and make a greater impact. EMPACT makes contributions and officeholders who support state employees and retirees.

I receive TPEA’s informational emails at work. Why do you need my home email address, too?

Your home email address is an important piece of information to share with TPEA. Although we can send emails about legislative activities or ERS benefits to work email addresses, we cannot send information about grassroots advocacy or TPEA membership benefits. Please complete email form to get up-to-date information affecting your salaries, pensions and benefits. Doing so ensures you receive TPEA’s Legislative alerts as well as our monthly Member Mails highlighting your membership benefits.