Many of the A4 Retiree Chapter (Alliance/AFT Active Alumni) members worked diligently during the 2019 Legislative Session to secure better benefits for those no longer working in the campuses of Dallas ISD.

Pictured above, seated left to right, are Phyllis Arceneuax, Paula Paulos, and Delmira Esquivel, and standing left to right, Yvonne Clark, President Rena Honea, retiree chair Tony Chenevert, and Grace Akbar spent many hours advocating for those that left campuses and school districts. Their hard work and time paid off as they helped to secure SB 12 passage and the governor's signature. This is definitely a step in the right direction.

SB 12 does the following (The Good):

Provides a one-time supplemental pension payment (a 13th check) to TRS members who retired before December 31, 2018, capped at $2,000. This check must be issued by September of 2020, but if the process at TRS remains the same as previous 13th checks, it will be paid in December of this year.

Makes the pension fund actuarially sound, which means that it is now legally possible for the state to provide a permanent cost-of-living increase to retirees in the future. (We’ll be fighting for that in the 2021 legislative session!)

If you just retired or are contemplating retirement in the near future, plan now to join the A4 Retiree Chapter. You'll continue to receive many benefits and informative information.