AUSTIN — About 1,000 retired teachers from across the state rallied at the Texas State Capitol on Wednesday, urging legislators to continue funding their retirement benefits with $768 million.
The teachers, all members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, reminded lawmakers why they should support educators and didn’t mind breaking the rules in the process.
“We do not normally allow applause in the [Senate] gallery,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
It was permitted just this once when Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson made her announcement to a sea of red.
“Our Senate Finance Committee is recommending an increase to TRS healthcare by $770 million,” said Nelson.
“That would cover every teacher in Texas to continue having a healthcare plan,” said Sandi Lassiter, a retired teacher and principal.
Behind each red shirt was a retired teacher who’s asking legislators to support House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 1993, which would continue funding Teacher Retirement System Care, a retiree health insurance program.