Dear Friends,

Do you think retirees should have a say in their pension system?

A bill in the House will finally give the Employees Retirement System (ERS) board the chance for retiree representation. We need your support and solidarity letting House members know this is a commonsense measure to support!

Currently, ERS is governed by a six-member board consisting of three appointed members and three members elected by retirees and active state employees. Even though retirees make up 44% of ERS participants who can vote in board elections, however, they are not eligible to run for any of the three elected positions.

The Texas Pension Coalition believes that all retirees deserve a say in their pension systems. Just like active employees, your needs should have representation on retirement system boards, too.

A new House Bill can give retirees the voice they deserve

House Bill 596, by Representative Ana Hernandez, would allow a retiree to run for one of the three elected positions on the ERS board. It would put the ERS board more in line with other retirement system boards, including the Teachers Retirement System and the Pension Review Board, both of which already require a retiree to serve on the board.

Having a voice in decision making is important for retirees in pension systems. Retirees can be immediately affected by certain changes in benefits, such as insurance premiums, that may only affect current employees many years later. The Texas Pension Coalition believes that retirees' perspectives play a crucial role in the long-term strength of pension systems.

Want to see this idea become a reality?

The House is voting on HB596 this Monday, which means now is the last time to let House members know that you think this bill is a responsible measure to support. We want members of all pension systems to stand in solidarity and tell their House member to support this bill. It only takes a minute to send a message to your state representative—let's get started!

Thanks,
Keegan

Keegan Shepherd
Policy Coordinator
Texas Pension Coalition