AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today in response to reports that a committee of the Teachers Retirement System Board has decided against raising retired teachers’ health care premiums:

“I am glad my recommendation that the TRS Board not raise retired teacher health care premiums now is close to being accepted. I have been candid in pointing out that the Legislature will need to add significant dollars over the next several years to address the increasing costs of healthcare for retired teachers and this is a priority issue for the next legislative session. I am confident that the Senate will support additional funding for TRS Care. In the last 4 years, the Texas Senate has taken the lead in adding over a billion dollars to TRS Care funding including over $200 million in the Special Session last year. I have demonstrated my commitment to retired teachers on this critical issue and I am hopeful the next Speaker of the House will follow our lead on this.”