State Sen. Jim Tracy

State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) gained the approval of the state Senate this week for legislation he sponsored to give retired teachers more power on the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) Board of Trustees. The bill designates the retired teacher member as a voting member of the board. Currently, there is a retired teacher who serves on the Board, but that position is not a voting member.

"This bill gives retired teachers much more influence on the board," said Tracy. "Teachers need a seat at the table on this board as they represent a very large portion of retirees in our system. I am pleased our State Senate has approved this legislation and hopeful that the House will follow suit."

The bi-partisan bill, SB 2654, passed the Senate unanimously and is currently pending action in the House Finance Ways and Means Committee, where it will be considered next Tuesday.

Tracy represents the 16th Senatorial District, which includes Bedford, Moore and part of Rutherford counties.