AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Texas House passed two bills that will help teachers transition once they retire.
The measures would help with rising healthcare premiums and the cost of living.
House Bill 20, written by Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin), would transfer about $212 million dollars into the Teacher Retirement System-CARE program from the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
The House voted 130 to 10 in favor of the bill.
Alliance AFT’s Rena Honea said the vote proves that lawmakers value educators.
“It will a really great thing for our retired teachers and our active teachers. Premiums have continually risen over the last few years at astronomical levels and many can not even afford insurance because it is so high,” he said.
House Bill 80, written by Representative Drew Darby (R-San Angelo), would give retired teachers a one time cost of living adjustment if the funds become available. The bill passed 139 to 2.
It’s a measure Honea said would have a major impact on many retired teacher’s lives.
“The cost of living has increased. Inflation has increased. Many of these people have no other form of income other than their retirement,” she said.
The bills also cover teachers under the age of 65 who don’t qualify for Medicaid.
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