Retired State Employees

Standing with our Retired State Employees

TPEA stands with the more than 120,000 retirees and their beneficiaries who receive their pensions through the Employees Retirement System (ERS).

We are grateful to our retired Texans who protected public safety, served endangered children and the elderly, built the public infrastructure that allowed our state to grow and prosper, and so much more. Look across our vast Texas region and you will find retired state workers. TPEA will always advocate for our dedicated retirees and help protect the pensions and benefits available.

The Legislature has stepped up for current state employees and retired teachers - ERS much be next. It’s been more than 22 years since retired State of Texas employees have gotten any sort of pension enhancement. That may be why so many of these “retirees” haven’t actually been able to retire.

Based on TPEA's survey findings, over 50% of state employees who have retired from their positions in the State of Texas has had to continue working in order to support themselves. Furthermore, a third of these retirees play a crucial financial role in supporting their family members.

We thank lawmakers for supporting the pay raises for current state employees and pension boosts for retired teachers. But these successes would be even better if it would include retired state employees too.

There is one solution available: We need Gov Abbott to include this issue in the special session this month. It's the right thing to do for our retired state employees, just like it is for current state employees and retired teachers.

We urge retired state employees to take action by sending an email to the Governor and/or their representative. Together, let's make a difference in the lives of our retired state employees.

With unwavering dedication, TPEA has tirelessly worked on behalf of our members, producing a multitude of documents, letters, ads, posts, and in-person meet and greets. Our primary goal has been to educate and serve as a constant reminder to our legislators and the public about the importance of caring for our state retirees. In addition, TPEA members have been actively present at the Capitol, actively participating in hearings and distributing vital documents that highlight the pressing needs of our retirees. We have also fostered collaborations with other organizations, pooling our efforts to implore the Legislature for assistance in supporting retired state employees.

As state retirees, you can also use these documents and information to educate your Legislator or contact them directly through the Advocacy Action Center. See available resources below.