Let’s Elect Leaders Who Back a 13th Check and COLA

The 88th Texas Legislature has yet again failed to approve a 13th check for State of Texas Retirees.

Even with a historic $33 billion budget surplus, our leaders refused to acknowledge the deep dedication — and dire need — of the former public servants who made Texas safer, stronger, and healthier. This is a stark reminder that we must work hard between now and the next session to elect leaders who will actually fight for retirees who have not seen a pension increase since 2001 and have been dealing with historic global inflation for years.

The $309 billion budget does include investments in ERS that were promised under Senate Bill 321 two years ago to ultimately get the plan fully funded.

This could clear the way for a partial and meager Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in the next two years — but only for those who have been retired for more than 20 years. We will continue pushing lawmakers to consider a fuller, long-overdue COLA for all retirees when they meet in two years.

We are sick and tired of always waiting “a few more years” as we watch our friends who are retired teachers get the benefits enhancements they deserve today.

Together with our sister organizations that represent current and retired state workers, AFSCME members worked tirelessly this session to educate lawmakers about the unparalleled contributions — and ongoing struggles — of retired state workers. We testified before committees, knocked on legislators’ doors, wrote hundreds of emails, submitted newspaper columns, spoke with reporters, and made countless phone calls. We highlighted that a 13th check would cost just $250 million.

We will continue that work during the interim, update you on our progress, and work to elect lawmakers who will listen.

The single most important thing you can do is vote for candidates who will look after our needs and recognize everything you did to make Texas great. In just six months, AFSCME Board members will start interviewing candidates for next year’s primary elections and endorse those who are committed to supporting us.

We elected some great lawmakers last year. Now we need more of them.