Retired Teachers fighting for COLA

  • Brindle Harper of Littlefield 4-H presented her educational program to the Early Risers Lions Club, Tuesday morning, April 25, 2023. She is preparaing for the state 4-H competition in June. Brindle’s program is about the dangers and seriousness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and she brought great visuals to illustrate the internal and external developmental risks associated with FASD. (Submitted Photo)
    Brindle Harper of Littlefield 4-H presented her educational program to the Early Risers Lions Club, Tuesday morning, April 25, 2023. She is preparaing for the state 4-H competition in June. Brindle’s program is about the dangers and seriousness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and she brought great visuals to illustrate the internal and external developmental risks associated with FASD. (Submitted Photo)
  • Tim and Cindie Walker at Rally Day at the Texas Capital on April 12, 2023. (Submitted Photo)
    Tim and Cindie Walker at Rally Day at the Texas Capital on April 12, 2023. (Submitted Photo)

    Tim and Cindie Walker, representing Lamb County Retired Teachers, attended Rally Day at the Capital on April 12th. This was a day where over 2,000 Retired School Personnel visited the Texas Capital in support of issues related to School Retirees.

    For 2023, the main issue was a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). The last COLA was given in 2013 and was only for those who retired before 2004.

    There are approximately 1.9 million retirees who receive retirement benefits from the Texas Retirement System. 29% of those retirees receive $1,000 monthly or less! Inflation is the highest it has been in 40 years. Many retirees cannot afford to pa their bills and are making difficult choices about food and medicine.

    Most retirees do not receive Social Security and depend solely on TRS Retiretment. Only the Texas Legislature can approve a COLA for retirees.

    The May meeting for Lamb County Retired Teachers Association will be on May 2, 2023 in the Fellowship Hall of Littlefield Methodist Church, at 10 a.m. All Lamb County School Personnel are invited to attend. The program will be a report from Rally day.