Fighting for Fairness: AFSCME Texas Retirees Push for a 13th Check and a COLA Adjustment at the Legislature

For more than two decades, Texas state retirees have been waiting for a well-deserved pension increase. Since 2001—when Rick Perry was in his first months as governor—retirees have gone without a boost to their pensions, even as the cost of living has skyrocketed by 78%. The rising cost of essentials like food, housing, and healthcare has made it harder than ever for retirees to make ends meet.

That’s why AFSCME Texas Retirees is fighting at the Capitol to demand action. 

Our lead statewide organizer, Veronica Adams, recently testified before the Texas Legislature, insisting that it’s time for the Legislature to provide retired state employees with real financial relief.

What We’re Fighting For

AFSCME Texas Retirees is calling on lawmakers to:

✅ Approve a one-time 13th check – This would provide immediate relief to retirees who are struggling with the long-term effects of record inflation. Texas lawmakers have provided this type of support to retired teachers in recent years, and state retirees deserve the same respect and consideration.

✅ Implement a permanent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) – While a 13th check would help in the short term, retirees need long-term stability to plan for the future. A COLA ensures that retirees’ pensions start to catch up to inflation and don’t fall further behind every year.

Why This Matters

Texas retirees spent their careers keeping the state running—from public safety and healthcare to transportation and social services. They dedicated their lives to making Texas safer, stronger, and healthier; now they deserve the dignity of a secure retirement.

The state has the money. The $250 million cost of a 13th check is just a small fraction of Texas’ budget surplus, but it would mean everything to retirees trying to keep up with rising costs.

The Fight Continues

AFSCME Texas Retirees will continue to show up, speak out, and fight for the retirement security that every state retiree deserves. We won’t stop pushing until lawmakers do right by the workers who kept Texas running.

Watch Veronica’s full testimony to learn more.