Houston-area retired teachers push for better pension pay, call on lawmakers to make change

HOUSTON - Retired teachers in Houston are pushing for better retirement pay.

Measures in this year's legislative session would help make that happen, but many retirees say it is not enough.

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Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) tells FOX 26, educators who have retired since September 2004 have never received a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their pensions - leaving many of them to live check-to-check as they did while teaching.

"When I took mine (retirement), it was $1,000, but by the time they take out the taxes and everything, that's $750," says retired educator Phyllis Ruffin. "Who can live off of $750? I would take out payday loans. Once you start that, it's like a continuous cycle."

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Retired educators joined lawmakers Monday in a press conference calling for higher adjustments. Senate Bill 10 would give a 2% COLA increase to educators who retired from 2013 through 2021. Those who retired before 2013 would get a 4% bump. It passed through the Senate and will head for debate in the House within the coming days. 

Inflation has risen by more than 29% since they left the classroom, according to Texas AFT.

"At least 8% would be what I would consider," says retired teacher Rita Runnels. "I do understand that they have a lot to think about, a lot to play with, and a lot to try to do with the money, but that's the key. They have the money, and it's what you need to prioritize."  

In a recent Facebook post, Senator Joan Huffman celebrated unanimous approval from all 31 Senators on the State's Budget, which included SB10. The bill would also come with a $7,500 supplemental payment to retired educators age 75 or older.