Advocating on Behalf of a 13th Check

AFSCME Texas retirees at the Texas Capitol.

We're nearing the end of the 88th legislative session, and the situation doesn't look good for retired state workers like us. As the budget conference committee wraps up its decisions for the upcoming budget, they've left out a crucial provision — a 13th check for retired state workers, just like the one retired teachers will be receiving. 

Now more than ever, this is the time to take action and contact key lawmakers! 

We need your voices to be heard by our state leaders, urging them to include a  13th check. Please take a moment out of your day and reach out to the members of the budget conference committee. 

Here are a few key points to include:

• Remind them that retirees like us have been without a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or a 13th check for more than two decades. It's been a challenge for many of us, with the relentless rise of global inflation making it difficult to cover basic necessities like food, gas, and housing.

• Emphasize that we deserve the same treatment as our retired teacher friends, who have enjoyed multiple 13th checks in the past and are set to receive another one this year. It's only fair that we're not left behind and are granted the same financial support.

If you haven't yet reached out to these lawmakers, the time is now. If you've already made your voice heard, don't hesitate to do so again. 

Let's make absolutely certain that "now" is the time for our 13th check, and not "never." Our collective strength lies in our unity and persistence as we fight for our financial security.