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US Vote SmartHome » 2023-11-07 election » Texas » Statewide Amendment 09 - NO RECOMMENDATION |
| Statewide Amendment 09 - NO RECOMMENDATION | |
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 Texas |
Statewide Amendment 09 - NO RECOMMENDATION
proposition
Texas Changes to Teacher Retirement System Amendment
(HJR 2 from the regular session): Authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Assertions
MCTP Position: Source 
Submitted by john wertz on 2023-10-22 19:39:27
NO RECOMMENDATION
We think people want to help teachers, in general, but it does break the legislative spending cap. As well, we think most of us would've liked to take off during 3 months of the summers for vacation, as well as two-one week each for Fall & Spring and the Holidays breaks - all totally 4 months off during the year.
Major Issues
Texas Scorecard has consolidated the recommendations for voting on the upcoming state constitutional amendments.October 7, 2023
Mark Ramsey 2023 Amendments Analysis - AGAINST
Tough one. Retired teachers haven’t had a COLA in several years. This TEMPORARY stopgap provision does not fix the structural problem and still breaks the constitutional “spending caps”. Bad compromise amendments rarely work out well for anyone.
JoAnn Fleming's "GRASSROOTS AMERICA We The People" '
"Voters, beware! You are being used to grow government! Here’s how."
Current Revolt Position
Must be nice. I want a cost-of-living adjustment.
VERDICT: MUST BE NICE
MCRP Position
A “yes” vote supports amending the State Constitution to authorize the State Legislature to make cost-of-living adjustments to certain annuitants, as defined by law, of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
A “no” vote opposes amending the State Constitution to authorize the State Legislature to make cost-of-living adjustments to certain annuitants, as defined by law, of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Note: This writer has a vested interest in this amendment, as a retired teacher.
This amendment would give eligible retired educators a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to their retirement payments for the first time in 20 years. The amount of the COLA is based on the length of time one has been retired: a 2% COLA for those who retired between Sep. 1, 2013 and Aug. 31, 2020; a 4% COLA for those who retired between Sept. 1, 2001 and Aug. 31, 2013; and a 6% COLA for those who retired on and before Aug. 31, 2001. The COLAs are not yet guaranteed as they are pending voter approval in November.
This amendment was HJR 2 from the regular legislative session.
Recommendation: YES - Considering that retirees have not had a COLA “raise” in benefits in 20 years and amount is determined by length of time retired, this is much needed.
Information Source: 2023 TRS Retiree Benefit Enhancements (texas.gov)
