Texas AFT Retiree Plus board member Phyllis Ruffin is just two dozen signatures shy from being on the ballot to join the TRS (Teacher Retirement System of Texas) Board of Trustees. Any active or retired teacher who is vested in TRS can sign Phyllis’ petition. All signatures must be submitted by Jan. 25 to be counted.
The TRS Board of Trustees is responsible for administering TRS and making decisions regarding TRS’ $200 billion investment fund. Though the TRS Board of Trustees is not responsible for setting the amount in monthly annuities that retirees receive, the decisions the board makes impact the health of the fund, which has been identified by the Legislature as a key factor when considering the passage of a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Phyllis Ruffin is a retired teacher and paraprofessional who taught in Alief ISD. Phyllis is a single mom who, at one point, had to work four jobs at the same time to provide for her family. Phyllis’ mantra is “lift while you climb.” As Phyllis climbed in her career, she always made sure to support and uplift others. Phyllis is an active volunteer at her church, her local YMCA, and the Houston Chapter of the NAACP.
As a member of the TRS Board, Phyllis would prioritize the needs of retired and active educators because she has a first-hand understanding of those needs. You can hear from Phyllis herself in her own words in her recently released video featured above.
Both active and retired educators can sign Phyllis’s petition on the TRS nomination website. Nomination signatures are due Jan. 25. On Mar. 15 Electronic ballots to vote for eligible candidates will be available online and hard copy ballots will be mailed to eligible voters. All ballots must be returned by May 5 to count. The Governor will choose to nominate one of the top 3 vote-getters for the TRS board in June.