“Showing up’’ can make a difference at the Capitol

We’ve all heard the saying, “90% of success is showing up.”  That’s as true at the Texas Capitol as it is anywhere.

Lawmakers have countless issues they could tackle and unlimited worthy causes they might take on.  As they prioritize their agendas, the voters and constituents who take the time to show up — at events in the district or at advocacy days at the Capitol — are the ones who get heard.

In the last Legislative Session, retired teachers came out in full force to ask for a pension enhancement. Lawmakers noticed and supported a Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) that was ultimately approved by Texans.

State employees have shown up, too, through TPEA.  Our voices were key in persuading lawmakers to include two long-overdue 5% raises in the previous biennial budget.  But there is more we need to do – both as individuals and as an organization — to get their attention.

Retired state employees, for instance, have not had a meaningful benefit enhancement since 2001.  So, how do we make it happen?  It starts by showing up:

• Show up at events that your state Senator or Representative attends in your hometown and talk to them directly. 
• Show up in their inbox by sending emails with your concerns.
• Show up at the Capitol when TPEA organizes our legislative days.

If we do that, we could be 90% there.  See you at the Capitol! 

Thank you to  state employees and retirees for all you do for the State of Texas!