We are state retirees participating in the Employees Retirement System of Texas who advocate on behalf of retirement systems created for public employees and retirees in Texas. After 20 years of inadequate funding, the 2021 legislature stepped up. Senate Bill 321 has passed the legislature and is awaiting his signature on the Governor’s desk.  Find out more at our blog.

AFSCME Texas Retirees heartily endorses SB 321! It provides much-needed funding in order to sustain the ERS plan and keep a defined benefit pension plan in the future.

SB 321 increases funding for the ERS pension plan by $510 million a year for 30 years to make the plan sound again. It would also make it possible for retirees to get a cost of living adjustment as soon as the next legislative session.  The bill also changes the calculation of retirement benefits for employees hired after Sep 1, 2022, although they would still be in a defined benefit plan.  Please go to our Blog page for detailed information and updates on the progress of this bill.

Join us in preserving our retirement benefits.  We have a board of activist members who, along with all activist members, keep track of legislation and ongoing budget issues. We attend meetings at ERS, hearings at the Legislature, testify at hearings, and meet with our legislators.  We write letters to our legislators and to the editors of our local newspapers and media outlets, send emails, and make phone calls. We are committed to doing everything we can think of to keep our 70-year old retirement system alive.