Allrights reserved. 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. All PERS retirees and beneficiaries who have been receiving benefit payments for at least one full fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) are eligible to receive a COLA. Retired Texas teachers closer to getting But he also points out participants in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, or TRS, are not only teachers. Rep. Greg Bonnen, chair of the Appropriations Committee, pointed out that if retirees receive a 13th check this year and a COLA in the 2023 Legislative Session, theyd actually be receiving more money overall than they would have if a 13th Check to Retired Teachers Will Be Issued in January 2022 Posted on September 17, 2021 by hinojosa AUSTIN, TX Today, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) adopted a resolution directing TRS staff to prepare and issue the 13th check authorized by the Texas Legislature during the Second Called Special Session. 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. TRTA members, we are at a pivotal time. 13th All PERS retirees and beneficiaries who have been receiving benefit payments for at least one full fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) are eligible to receive a COLA. 6:57 PM on Jul 13, 2021 CDT. 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. These FAQs are a guide to common questions related to public benefits as a result of the 13th Check Payment. Why retired teachers struggle to make ends WebNOW is the time for a meaningful and substantial COLA for TRS retirees. 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? 2017: $603,318,841 ($43 million) Photographs and illustrations, as well as text, cannot be used without permission from AFT. Every year about this time we hear the unfortunate forecasts of being able to meet these obligations while funding other needs.. 1000 Red River St. - Austin, Texas 78701 Mississippi is no exception, Sen. Wiggins said. 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? Amendment #2 to House Bill 1260 would have provided a $250 payment in 2022 to the Teachers' Retirement Fund (TRF) 25-11-112 (Rev. All Rights Reserved. Texas Senate unanimously passes '13th check' for retired teachers The Texas AFT Legislative Team lobbied for and supported the passage of this bill but have continued to push legislators to pass a much needed and much overdue cost of living adjustment to permanently increase the regular monthly payments which TRS members receive. The Legislature has provided 13th checks to retired teachers during each of the last two sessions, as well as in 2007. "Representative Jeff Smith tried to calm retirees fears via Facebook. 13th check for retired teachers looks likely; COLA members set to receive 13th check January 14 For many, TRS may offer the only form of retirement income. 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. 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.". TRTA members, we are at a pivotal time. 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. 13th Retired Texas teachers closer to getting Franks interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications such as the Daily Caller. That's an insult to the service of our retired teachers and state workers. Texas AFT represents all non-administrative certified and classified public school employees in the state of Texas. Teacher's Retirement System. Retired teachers in Texas have not received a cost-of-living increase since 2013. How sustainable is the 13th Check Retired 2008: $281,124,000 ($25 million) 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. 6:57 PM on Jul 13, 2021 CDT. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Unanimous Passage of 2023 Magnolia Tribune. 2006: $232,710,000 ($22 million) Only the Texas Legislature can approve a COLA for TRS retirees. The health of PERS has perhaps the greatest impact on our states credit rating., By joining our newsletter, you are confirming that you agree with the Privacy Policy, Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. 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? 13th Check What I read is this is the foundation for taking away that promise. Built by Moticos Studios. 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. And there's talk on social media that it could be in jeopardy next session. Earning your trust every day. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. I look forward to my first meeting as a member of the PERS board next month and helping address this issue, Treasurer McRae told Yall Politics. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com. Dr. Robert Taylor, the state's new Superintendent, says there is much to celebrate about Mississippis progress in public education. A 13th check was first authorized by the Mississippi Legislature in 1966 as an additional check in December; however, Miss. How sustainable is the 13th Check 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. More Than 650 Texas Laws Go Into Effect Sept. 1. Sen. Wiggins expects this discussion will be on the table as Appropriations works through the state budget process this session. I suspect these questions will continue to be asked as we enter the appropriations process.. 2023 Copyright American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. 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. 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. 13th 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. Earning your trust every day. As a state, we must honor our legal obligations to current and soon-to-be retirees, Wiggins said. Why retired teachers struggle to make ends retired teachers Advocates are pushing for legislation to help them. Texas Legislature Provides 13th Check "People depend on that pension," Scott explained. 1000 Red River St. - Austin, Texas 78701 Here Are 13 You Should Know. 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. PERS Executive Director Pat Robertson sent the follow information: "What is often referred to as the 13th check is not a bonus, but, in reality, is simply a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) added to a retirement benefit to account for effects of inflation. 13th Check to Retired Teachers Will Be Issued in January 2022 Posted on September 17, 2021 by hinojosa AUSTIN, TX Today, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) adopted a resolution directing TRS staff to prepare and issue the 13th check authorized by the Texas Legislature during the Second Called Special Session. Teachers who retired after Sept. 1, 2004 have never seen a cost-of-living increase to their pension plan. New State Treasurer David McRae will be delving into this issue, as well, given the impact on Mississippis credit rating. 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. Texas Senate unanimously passes '13th check' for retired teachers 13th Capo argues that an adjustment is fair for former teachers degreed professionals paid far below what others in comparable industries are paid. 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. For nearly two decades, he has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, business and matters of faith. Retired 1. Retired The amendment was ruled out of order and therefore not granted a vote. The Legislature has provided 13th checks to retired teachers during each of the last two sessions, as well as in 2007. 13th check 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. Occasionally, rumors circulate that the COLA will be eliminated or adjusted. But is it ultimately just a drop in the bucket? 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. $5 billion is currently sitting in our surplus, gathering dust, with even more expected in the coming year. members set to receive 13th check January 14 Developed by. We have a tremendous number of bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others that do not collect Social Security. The Senate can take action on the House bill as soon as the week of March 6. 2007: $255,939,000 ($23 million) 2013: $437,808,691 ($36 million) Gulf of Mexico warming at faster rate than global ocean, study finds, At these old-school restaurants in Texas, you feel like its an extension of your home, Greg Abbott says if these corporate tax breaks return, renewable energy should be excluded. Final passage of this bill into law will require the House Democrats who have fled the state to return to the House for a quorum. 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. "Rumors are about 90 percent of the way things happen here at the Capitol and they're always based on something that was heard," added Representative Jay Hughes.Representatives Tom Miles and Jay Hughes have posted concerns over a rumor that there might be a push next year to do away with the "COLA" (13th check) for retirees during the coming session. Texas Legislature Provides 13th Check 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. The bill was referred to the Senate on February 15. It's nearly a month till lawmakers fill these hallways again but the chatter is already starting up. 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.. JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) - Public retirees get a cost of living adjustment added to their benefits every year. Will retired Texas teachers receive The Legislature has provided 13th checks to retired teachers during each of the last two sessions, as well as in 2007. Texas Senate unanimously passes '13th check' for retired teachers COLAs help ensure that retiree purchasing power remains relatively the same no matter how long a retiree may live and how quickly prices might rise. 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 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. 2015: $517,283,072 ($41 million) The walkout in the Legislature could end up hitting retired teachers in their pockets. EARLIER THIS YEAR: More than 400,000 retired Texas teachers receive 13th check today. 13th Check 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. 13th Check to Retired Teachers Will Be Issued The least this body can do is show our retired Hoosiers the respect they deserve and pay them what they are owed..