“Required” Reading for All TRS Members

            This post is for all TRS members, both active and retired. If you know me well, you know this isn’t a “teachers-only” blog post. This is for all of us—our custodians, campus and district support staff, cafeteria staff, librarians, teachers, bus drivers, maintenance staff, counselors, police officers, classroom aides and interpreters, administrators, and all of our other public-ed colleagues. There is so much to share with you.

            March 31, my friend Yvette (like me, a TRS retiree under 65) and I met with Morgan LaMantia, a candidate in the Rio Grande Valley running for Texas Senate. We wanted to share a packet of information with her about what TRS retirees are facing—and have been facing for far too long.  I would like to share with you the information we shared because ALL OF US need to fully understand this information.

COLA

            First, we shared with her the TRS History of Benefit Changes, specifically focusing on making sure she knows the facts behind TRS retirees spending the past 18 YEARS without a COLA. (Everyone should know by now that a COLA is a cost-of-living adjustment.) Go to the end of page 19 and the beginning of page 20 at the link above to read about the last COLA. Although it was decided in 2013, it was only for TRS members who retired on or before August 31, 2004. Since then, we’ve gone thirsty for a COLA.

            We also shared the 2020 TRS Benefit Distribution Chart. (The next one will be published for the 2023 Texas Legislative Session.) Look at it carefully to see just how little so many TRS retirees are making. The chart can be viewed on this blog post.

            We asked Morgan to compare the TRS members’ thirst to the COLAs those on Social Security have received over the years. There’s a stunning difference, and of course, most of us will never get Social Security—or it will be significantly reduced due to the Windfall Elimination Provision. (While you’re educating yourself on the WEP, don’t forget the Government Pension Offset, for those of you who have a spouse.)

            The final item on our agenda regarding COLA? We asked Morgan to check out the CPI (Consumer Price Index) Inflation Calculator . I encourage all of you to plug in a number, then plug in September 1, 2004, and then today’s date. Look at inflation since 2004 and yet TRS retirees have not had a single COLA since then.

HEALTH INSURANCE

            Our next topic involved health insurance. When I retired, although my health insurance was still inferior to the benefits all other state retirees—including state legislators—received under ERS, it was affordable. That changed in 2017 when the Texas Legislature completely dropped the ball on TRS retirees. Our insurance is no longer affordable, yet ERS retirees still enjoy no monthly premium and no deductible, except a $50 deductible for prescriptions. Their plan also includes dental and vision coverage. (Meanwhile, TRS retirees under 65 pay a $200-per-month premium, and our deductible is $1500. For married couples, it is $3000—not $1500 per person but the full $3000. We pay separately for dental and vision coverage, and many of us belong to an organization—with a membership fee—to get that insurance. My dental and vision coverage premium is just under $69.73 per month.)

            In March, something rather strange happened. We learned that during the third Special Session of the 2021 Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature threw us a bone to help with our health care. In March, we received a one-time check of $448.12. Sorry if I sound ungrateful. Every little bit helps, but we have been offered one too many band-aids rather than insurance equal to what ERS retirees receive.

WORK AFTER RETIREMENT

            Finally, we shared with Morgan the difference for TRS members who want to work for a school district after retirement and ERS members who want to work for the state after they retire. Click on those links, and you will see the huge discrepancy.

TEXAS TEACHER VACANCY TASK FORCE

            Yvette and I did not address this issue with Morgan because we focused on issues facing retirees, but I thought you might find this funny/disturbing/perplexing/unsurprising

            When I read that TEA put out a call for additional teachers who wanted to join this newly created task force (because the original list only had two and resulted in an outcry), called for by Gov. Abbott to address the impending and expected-to-be-overwhelming teacher shortage, I decided to apply. I firmly believe that one of the factors those leaving the field of education (and it isn’t just teachers!!!) is that they can see that all of the promises made to us throughout our careers about retirement have been shattered.

            So I applied, definitely not holding my breath.

            Last week, I received this letter:

I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone even looked at my application, since I clearly indicated I am a RETIRED teacher. It’s obvious this letter was intended for someone still in the classroom. Obviously, not even one retiree is wanted. More teachers are being added, but look who makes up the majority on a task force about TEACHERS leaving the field!

 

BILL WATERS, CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, SAN ANGELO ISD

In case you haven’t seen this video on my Facebook page, I urge ALL educators—and parents—to watch it. Start at 2:11:25, and then watch and listen as Mr. Waters delivers an impassioned speech about what needs to change if the District (and I think this is true for most districts in our state/country) has any hope of holding on to staff. I am not going to provide a summary because he says it best. I urge you to listen to the comments from members of the Board afterward, as well.

            I, for one, sincerely hope Mr. Waters is asked to lead the charge to make these things happen and that the San Angelo and San Angelo ISD communities immerse themselves in supporting his efforts. If this happens, they will be true agents of change and will lead the way!

FINALLY, INCORPORATE THIS HASHTAG!

            Over the past few years, I have heard time and again from candidates for local, state, and federal office when I speak to them about issues facing educators and retired educators, “The problem is, you all don’t vote.”

            The first time I heard it, I became indignant. But then I found out how right they are. I have many…MANY…friends who are educators and who do not vote.  That MUST change if we expect to see ANY changes in our conditions!

            If YOU vote in ANY election from now on, PLEASE post a picture and use #educatorsvote on the picture. This is the one I posted this morning after voting in the election for South Texas College trustee:

 

            WE NEED TO VOTE, and WE NEED TO SHOUT IT OUT!

            Until next time….

Chris Ardis retired in May of 2013 following a 29-year teaching career. She now works as a freelance writer and editor and is committed to education, educators, and students. Chris can be reached at cardis1022@aol.com. (Photo by Linda Blackwell, McAllen.)