ATPE supports the dedication of all available revenue to maintain the actuarial soundness of the pension fund in order to improve benefits for all active and retired Teacher Retirement System (TRS) members.
In addition, ATPE supports an increased state contribution rate, an increase of the retirement formula multiplier, the establishment of TRS benefits comparable to state employee retirement benefits, and continued control of TRS funds at the state level.
ATPE recommends that the state:
Provide for one year of state-paid retirement credit for every 50 days of unused, accumulated state leave.
Require that a majority of TRS board members be educators.
Maintain the Rule of 80 formula for retirement eligibility without penalties for early-age retirement.
Provide an annual cost-of-living increase for retired educators.
Maintain the current defined benefit pension plan for all TRS members.
Give TRS contributions the same weight as Social Security contributions for the purpose of calculating child support payments.