Election
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
As inflation and increases in the cost of daily life further shrink the budgets of those on a fixed income, some retired Texas teachers could receive a cost-of-living adjustment based on the outcome of the Nov. 7 election. Senate Bill 10 was passed by both the Texas House of Representatives and Senate in May, but part of it will not go into effect unless it is approved by voters. Appearing as Proposition 9, the ballot measure would see educators receive either a 2%, 4% or 6% cost-of-living increase, dependent on when the recipient retired. SB 10 also included a one-time stipend for some retired teachers dependent on their age. This portion of the legislation went into effect in May and does not need voter approval. Voters to weigh ex-teacher pay
COMBATING INFLATION
What's next
Cost-of-living adjustment for retired teachers
Requires voter approval
Cost-of-living adjustment
Retirement date
Tim Lee, executive director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, said at a Sept. 8 meeting of the Williamson County Retired Teachers Association that the cost-of-living increase leaves out educators who retired after Aug. 31, 2020. Still, if it passes, it would be a message to legislators that teacher pay is a priority for Texas voters, he said. “I think the state of Texas realizes that they really cannot expect people to live on the same retirement benefits that they had 20 years ago.” TIM LEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TEXAS RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
on or before Aug. 31, 2001
6%
Sept. 1, 2001-Aug. 31, 2013
4%
Sept. 1, 2013-Aug. 31, 2020
2%
One-time stipend for retired teachers
Went into effect in May
Age
One-time stipend
70-74
$2,400
75 or older
$7,500
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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