Just to say we're not going to touch your retirement. This week the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) announced that retired teachers will be receiving their one-time supplemental benefit check (commonly referred to as a 13th check) next Friday, January 14. Texas AFT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers and AFL-CIO. "It doesn't matter what it's called," noted Hughes. Both the Texas House and Senate have unanimously approved a measure giving retired Texas public school teachers and staff a one-time check of up to $2,400. This 13th paycheck is a welcome gesture for retired teachers whose annuities have stagnated but can it make a long-term difference for retirees pocketbooks? 2005: $211,530,000, As JJ states in their analysis, The funding level has fluctuated around 60% over the last five years despite two employer contribution increases of 300 basis points. But it is definitely a Band-Aid. 1. 2023 Copyright American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. WebRetired Judges plan members will receive a 3.33% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2022. 2007: $255,939,000 ($23 million) WebNOW is the time for a meaningful and substantial COLA for TRS retirees. 1000 Red River St. - Austin, Texas 78701 Additionally, since 1994, retirees may receive the COLA in either monthly payments or in the lump sum form of a 13th check paid in December. 2006: $232,710,000 ($22 million) The Senate can take action on the House bill as soon as the week of March 6. Teachers who retired after Sept. 1, 2004 have never seen a cost-of-living increase to their pension plan. Questions arise about future of public retirees' 13th check, Former wrestler tied to TANF scandal pleads guilty to conspiracy in federal court, 42K Mississippians without power after strong winds cause outages, Request a First Alert Weather School Visit. "They depend on that 13th check. Copyright 2017 MSNewsNow. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate 31-0 and 145-1 in the House. TRTA members, we are at a pivotal time. This 13th paycheck is a welcome gesture for retired teachers whose annuities have stagnated but can it make a long-term difference for retirees pocketbooks? For many, TRS may offer the only form of retirement income. All rights reserved. Its an appreciated one; its certainly better than nothing, absolutely. where Lt. Gov. This week the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) announced that retired teachers will be receiving their one-time supplemental benefit check (commonly referred to as a 13th check) next Friday, January 14. WebNOW is the time for a meaningful and substantial COLA for TRS retirees. 2011: $368,645,000 ($30 million) Additionally, since 1994, retirees may receive the COLA in either monthly payments or in the lump sum form of a 13th check paid in December. The walkout in the Legislature could end up hitting retired teachers in their pockets. And that's why the president of the Mississippi Alliance for Public Employees Brenda Scott is holding her breath for the session and asking retirees to pay attention. 2018: $650,465,578 ($47 million) Advocates are pushing for legislation to help them. It's nearly a month till lawmakers fill these hallways again but the chatter is already starting up. Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR). Earning your trust every day. Teachers who retired after Sept. 1, 2004 have never seen a cost-of-living increase to their pension plan. HB 1028, 13 th check bill with a $50.00 increase from the last 13 th check paid in 2020, was passed unanimously by the House on February 14, 2023. 2021 Texas Standard. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. The COLA benefit increase of 3.33% is based upon the state-mandated increase to the salary for actively employed judges and magistrates in positions covered by the Judges' Retirement System. 1. INDIANAPOLIS State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, today offered a proposal to provide a 13th check for retired teachers and state employees. This would be the first 13th check retirees have received since 2007. At that rate of increase, the 13th Check could exceed $1 billion before the end of the next decade due to the manner in which the benefit is calculated. TRTA members, we are at a pivotal time. The bill was referred to the Senate on February 15. The Texas Pension Coalition (TPC) worked hard for retired teachers in Texas to receive a 13th check. Last week, Texas lawmakers passed SB 12, which will provide a 13th check of up to $2,000 for retired teachers. The least this body can do is show our retired Hoosiers the respect they deserve and pay them what they are owed.. The COLA was no small part of the deficit between contributions and payments that grew to $1.2 billion last year., Given the trends, the question before Mississippi leaders and taxpayers alike is, How sustainable is the 13th Check?, Senate Appropriations Vice Chairman Sen. Brice Wiggins told Yall Politics this is not an issue unique to Mississippi, Nationwide, states continue to struggle with how to pay for their obligations to retirees and potential retirees. The amendment was ruled out of order and therefore not granted a vote. This 13th paycheck is a welcome gesture for retired teachers whose annuities have stagnated but can it make a long-term difference for retirees pocketbooks? Retired teachers in Texas have not received a cost-of-living increase since 2013. Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, says while a 13th check is most certainly helpful in mitigating some of the harm thats been done to retirees in the form of stagnant annuities, its certainly not enough. Instead, the teachers union would prefer lawmakers look at a permanent cost of living adjustment that ensures that the system will be able to keep up with inflation. The COLA is equal to 3% of the annual retirement allowance for each full fiscal year of retirement up to the year in which the retired member reaches age 60 (55 for those who became members of PERS before July 1, 2011), with 3% compounded for each fiscal year thereafter. We represent the interests of teachers, counselors, librarians, diagnosticians, custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, nurses, teaching assistants, clerical employees, and the other employees who make our schools work. New State Treasurer David McRae will be delving into this issue, as well, given the impact on Mississippis credit rating. Developed by. The walkout in the Legislature could end up hitting retired teachers in their pockets. He says if there's every going to be a change, it may well be that. It's disappointing to see the supermajority once again place a rainy day fund over the everyday needs of hardworking Hoosiers, Porter said. Its Now Easier To File A Complaint In Texas, The Long Road To A New Performing Arts Center In Frisco, Heel To Toe: This Little Cowboy Has A Boot Obsession, Abortion Activists Say Pregnant Texans Are Collateral In Senate Bill 8s Battle Against Abortion, In a Central Texas county, high schoolers are jailed on felony charges for vaping what could be legal hemp, As Texas STAAR test goes fully online, teachers feel defeated, Texas Education Agency projects confidence. The COLA is equal to 3% of the annual retirement allowance for each full fiscal year of retirement up to the year in which the retired member reaches age 60 (55 for those who became members of PERS before July 1, 2011), with 3% compounded for each fiscal year thereafter. HB 1028, 13 th check bill with a $50.00 increase from the last 13 th check paid in 2020, was passed unanimously by the House on February 14, 2023. TRTA members, we are at a pivotal time. The payment has been dubbed a 13th check an addition to retired teachers monthly pension checks. WebRetired Judges plan members will receive a 3.33% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2022. Teacher's Retirement System. The 13th check comes as a result of legislation passed this September. Due diligence requires us to continue to look at such ways. Can I waive or disclaim my right to receive the supplement payment? More Than 650 Texas Laws Go Into Effect Sept. 1. All rights reserved. The work needed to get the Legislature to pass a COLA for TRS retirees does not begin in January: it starts NOW. The 13th check confused many retirees when it was distributed in mid-January, as their regular check came in that same month less than they expected. For nearly two decades, he has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, business and matters of faith. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com. "We should honor that commitment. Theyre completely dependent on the retirement check they receive from the state retirement system., Absent any broader action, Capo calls the 13th check a Band-Aid.. Only the Texas Legislature can approve a COLA for TRS retirees. WebRetired Judges plan members will receive a 3.33% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2022. Additionally, since 1994, retirees may receive the COLA in either monthly payments or in the lump sum form of a 13th check paid in December. The Texas Pension Coalition (TPC) worked hard for retired teachers in Texas to receive a 13th check. Last week, Texas lawmakers passed SB 12, which will provide a 13th check of up to $2,000 for retired teachers. Its not fixing the structural problem we have with the system, he said. While inflation may have been relatively modest in the last several years, the historical average is 3 percent (hence the 3 percent COLA). The bill passed unanimously in the Senate 31-0 and 145-1 in the House. The Kentucky swimmer is an outspoken proponent for protecting biological females in athletic competition. But, we, and I mean all Mississippians, have to be willing to make hard decisions if we want our state to be financially viable for the future. where Lt. Gov. We shouldn't back up on it. The COLA is equal to 3% of the annual retirement allowance for each full fiscal year of retirement up to the year in which the retired member reaches age 60 (55 for those who became members of PERS before July 1, 2011), with 3% compounded for each fiscal year thereafter. Amendment #2 to House Bill 1260 would have provided a $250 payment in 2022 to the Teachers' Retirement Fund (TRF) The 13th check confused many retirees when it was distributed in mid-January, as their regular check came in that same month less than they expected. The Senate can take action on the House bill as soon as the week of March 6. Passing Voting Bill Priority In Last Days Of Second Special Session, Orange Countys Running Two Hurricane Ida Shelters Amid Severe Coronavirus Spread, I Will Never Tell Anyone Theres No Hope San Antonio Afghans Who Helped US Troops Fear For Their Families, Sexually Harassed At Work? A 13th check, a one-time additional payment of up to $2,400, could be headed to retirees no later than January 2022, if approved in the special session "The fact is that employees worked their career at the state for that promise. What I read is this is the foundation for taking away that promise. EARLIER THIS YEAR: More than 400,000 retired Texas teachers receive 13th check today. Now it's time to follow that.". But he also points out participants in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, or TRS, are not only teachers. 1000 Red River St. - Austin, Texas 78701 The bill headed to the Governor will add restrictions to the opening of any new physical locations of EV manufacturers within the state, forcing them to follow franchise laws. A service of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin | Contact us, A service of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. The bill gives retired teachers, counselors and school staff in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRST) who retired on or before Dec. 31, 2020, an additional, one-time retirement check. While PERS cannot predict the actions of the Legislaturethe only governing body with the authority to change retirement benefitsI feel confident that providing a COLA is recognized as being important to the retirement security of retirees.". 6:57 PM on Jul 13, 2021 CDT. The work needed to get the Legislature to pass a COLA for TRS retirees does not begin in January: it starts NOW. Photographs and illustrations, as well as text, cannot be used without permission from AFT. Providing a 13th check for our retired teachers is yet another way we can honor their commitment to our children and to the future of Texas. Franks interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications such as the Daily Caller.