05/24/2026
✅ Lowering the retirement age to 58 with 30 years of service (down from 63 years of age);
✅ Final average salary calculations based on 3 highest consecutive years of salary (down from highest 5 years);
✅ Reducing the vesting period from 10 to 5 years
The above reforms to Tier 6 have reduced the amount of time a TRS member would have to work, qualify a member to a pension in a shorter period of time and ensure a larger pension check every month, for life.
As we wait for the budget bills and the official wording it’s OK to recognize and celebrate undeniable positive steps forward while at the same time recognizing that the work to get Tier 6 where we ultimately want it isn’t done. However, it’s also vital to understand that the reforms listed above, much like the 90+ reforms to Tier 4, weren’t ‘gifted’ to us out of some benevolence from those in Albany and have occurred over multiple legislative cycles. Every pension reform was obtained because you made it known to elected officials that you see them and that you’re ready, willing and able to support those that support you. I’ve spoken with many members who have shared the further reforms they’d like to see - and I love them - but the question we need to start asking ourselves is: what are we willing to do to get them?
