Huajilla Unit members attend annual TRTA State Convention

Representing Huajilla Unit Retired Teachers at the State TRTA Convention in San Antonio were Irene Dubberly, Nola Hanson, Ken Hanson, and Lola Hill (not pictured, Walter Huegle).

Ken and Nola Hanson, Lola Hill, Walter Huegele and Irene Dubberly were among the 1200 or so delegates and representatives at the 65th Annual TRTA State Convention held at La Cantera Resort in San Antonio on April 8-10. On Sunday afternoon, members attended the District 20 Caucus to review delegate attendance and last-minute assignments since District 20, encompassing the 18 counties surrounding Bexar County served as host District. A Welcome Reception featured entertainment from a combined Harlandale and McCollum High School Mariachi group.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick was a surprise visitor who addressed the group just after opening ceremonies, followed by an official welcome from guest speaker Rey Saldana, District 4 City Councilman followed by greetings from District 20 President Barbara Soto. TRTA President Nancy Byler presented awards to the various units.
Members attended morning and afternoon break-out sessions, a luncheon featuring Dr. Greg Gibson, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Superintendent and a TRS Board member, and an evening gala featuring guest speaker District 26 State Senator Joe Menendez.
Business was carried out at the House of Delegates session on Wednesday with several amendments to the bylaws, committee reports and election of officers. Officers for the next two years are President Patricia Macias from Alice; First Vice President Leroy DeHaven from Corpus; Second Vice President Marcy Cann from Houston and Secretary-Treasurer Ella Gauthier from Manvel.
As a member of the State Membership Committee, Irene Dubberly, along with the other members of the committee, participated in the presentation “Membership Fiesta,” celebrating state membership growth to 88,220 this year and provided background and ideas for membership recruitment and retention. Ken Hanson, a long-time Legislative “guru” for TRS retirees, served on the Teller Committee.
Executive Director Tim Lee spoke to the HOD and provided sobering facts related to the TRS dilemma and its effect on TRS retiree annuity and healthcare, and the vital importance to vote for those candidates who are “friends” of education and education retirees.
The 2019 TRTA Convention will be held in Austin.