Update: March 11, 2024
Dear IRTA Members,
We are thrilled to announce that our advocacy efforts have paid off! Thanks to the incredible support from our members, the tireless efforts of our Executive Director, Laura Penman, and the dedication of our IRTA Lobbyist, Steve Beebe, the 13th check will be included for 2024.
This victory belongs to all of us, and your emails, calls, and commitment to this cause have made all the difference. Together, we have shown the power of our collective voice in securing this important pension enhancement.
Full details on the inclusion of the 13th check for 2024 will be coming soon, so stay tuned for more information.
In addition to this exciting news, we're thrilled to share that Senate Bill 275 has also passed. This is a huge step in the right direction for Indiana retired educators.
Thank you again for your outstanding dedication and commitment. Let's continue to work together for the betterment of retired teachers in Indiana!
IRTA Executive Director Laura Penman and IRTA Lobbyist Steve Beebe Stand Victorious at Indiana State House
Update: January 26, 2024
New Retiredside Chat with Important Legislative Updates
Update: January 15, 2024
Your voice is needed!
Dear IRTA Members,
Legislators reconvened for the 2024 Legislative Session January 8th, 2024. We need your help to “flood” our State Senators with professional and respectful emails asking for a 13thcheck allocation. Your email should include personal examples of how you use the money.
You can find your senator easily by visiting Find your Legislators
The preferred method of contact is by email.
Senator’s email addresses are all similar:
Senator. last name@iga.in.gov
An example would be Senator.Buchanan@iga.in.gov
Additionally, you can send a handwritten note to the legislators at the following mailing address:
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Thank you for being an essential part of our advocacy efforts. Your involvement can make a significant impact on securing a pension enhancement in 2024.
Update November 11, 2023
Your voice is crucial! November 21, 2023, marks Organization Day at the legislature, gearing up for the upcoming 2024 short session. We're reaching out to enlist your support in making a difference. Between November 21st and December 15th, we urge you to email your legislators, expressing the need for a pension enhancement in 2024. Our goal is to inundate our legislators with a wave of professional and respectful emails that emphasize the importance of this issue.
The preferred method of contact is through email, although a handwritten note can further amplify our message. If you choose to email your request, please follow the examples below:
- Senators: [Last Name]@iga.in.gov (e.g., Senator.Bray@iga.in.gov)
- Representatives: h[District Number]@iga.in.gov (e.g., h28@iga.in.gov for Rep. Jeff Thompson)
You can also find your legislator easily by visiting Find your Legislators. Additionally, you can send a handwritten note to the legislators at the following mailing address:
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Thank you for being an essential part of our advocacy efforts. Your involvement can make a significant impact on securing a pension enhancement in 2024.
Update October 25, 2023
Retired Educators Spoke, and Legislators Listened
We are thrilled to share some fantastic news that underscores the power of our collective voice and determination. On October 24th, a monumental step was taken on behalf of Indiana's retired educators, and we couldn't be more excited to bring you the latest updates.
The Pension Management Oversight Committee, an interim legislative study committee, unanimously voted in favor of supporting future pension enhancements. What does this mean for you, our valued retirees?
a. Annual Thirteenth Check: The committee proposes the introduction of an annual thirteenth check. This benefit, funded from supplemental reserve accounts, would be granted to eligible members who retire before a specific date (to be determined).
b. Annual COLA: The committee recommendation is the introduction of an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This benefit, funded from supplemental reserve accounts, would be granted to eligible members who retire after a specific date (to be determined).
The Road Ahead: What to Expect:
While the promise of these enhancements is cause for celebration, we must navigate the path to realization:
Short-Term Progress: It's highly likely that retired teachers will receive their eagerly awaited thirteenth check as early as 2024. This is a significant step forward.
Preparing for 2025: The details surrounding the permanent thirteenth check and COLA are set to be developed over the next year, with a planned introduction during the 2025 legislative session.
Our Executive Director, Laura Penman, and IRTA Lobbyist, Steve Beebe, have been instrumental in shaping these recommendations. Thanks to the support of Committee Chair Senator Brian Buchanan, Laura was one of the few individuals given the privilege to testify during the committee meeting. Her insights and advocacy have been invaluable.
Please remember that PMOC recommendations don't become law until they are approved by the legislature. The "short session" in 2024 is when we'll see the next crucial steps.
While yesterday's achievements marked a remarkable milestone, there's still work to be done to ensure the recommendations are embraced in their entirety. Details will need to be worked out, but IRTA has been assured that we will have a prominent seat at the table when the final details are decided and solidified.
We extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Your continued membership and dedication play a vital role in amplifying our collective voice and achieving these remarkable advancements for retired educators in Indiana.
Stay tuned for more updates on our journey toward these transformative enhancements. Together, we are making a real difference!