Texas Senate Bill SR674

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 4/22/09
• Enrolled: 4/22/09
• Passed: 4/22/09

Caption

Commending the Texas Retired Teachers Association and recognizing the week of March 29 through April 4, 2009, as Texas Retired Teachers Week.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the substantial volunteer service rendered by the members of the TRTA, who have collectively contributed almost five million hours valued at over $97 million. This volunteerism not only benefits local communities directly but also reflects the commitment of retired public educators to continue serving the educational landscape after their retirement. The narrative suggests that such engagement may bridge connections between retired educators and current educational practices, fostering an environment of mentorship and support.

Summary

Senate Resolution 674 commends the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) and recognizes the week of March 29 through April 4, 2009, as Texas Retired Teachers Week. The resolution highlights the significant contributions made by retired public educators in Texas, acknowledging their role in enhancing the community and fostering a lifelong learning environment. With nearly 70,000 members, the TRTA is celebrated for its relentless efforts to uplift public education retirees and the positive impact they make on local communities through various initiatives.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not seem to pose contentions, it highlights important themes concerning the welfare of retired teachers, especially regarding the TRS-Care program and the job creation linked to retiree annuity payments from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, which have exceeded $6 billion. Given the current climate regarding pension and healthcare benefits, discussions could arise about the adequacy and sustainability of such systems for public education retirees, particularly in maintaining their health and economic security.

Notable points

Moreover, as the TRTA engages in initiatives like the Walks-A-Million Program aimed at promoting better health among retirees, the resolution brings to light the importance of health programs tailored for educators. This aspect underscores a proactive approach towards the health and wellness of aged educators, which is an important consideration for policymakers when assessing the effectiveness of existing retirement and health care policies.