BY DAVID ARCHULETA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear ERB Plan Members,
As summer draws to a close and autumn approaches, I want to wish our active members an inspiring start to the new school year and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our retired members for their dedicated years of service.
The New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (ERB) is actively collaborating with a dedicated coalition of retirees representing several key organizations,
including:
- New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees (NMAER)
- University of New Mexico Retiree Association
- American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT-NM)
- National Education Association New Mexico (NEA-NM)
- Independent retired educators and advocates
Calling themselves the 13th Checkers, this coalition has banded together to advocate for supplemental cost-of-living relief to help offset the ongoing inflationary pressures facing retirees.
While statutory cost-of-living adjustments exist, recent legislative efforts to provide additional relief—including House Bill 454 (2025 Regular Session) and House Bill 40 (2026 Regular Session)—did not cross the finish line. Nevertheless, ERB staff and the Board of Trustees remain fully committed to partnering with the 13th Checkers to advocate for meaningful financial support for our retired educators.
Next Steps & Legislative Outlook
-
Staff Proposals: ERB staff will present several options to supplement or enhance current cost-of-living adjustments for Board of Trustees approval. - Interim Committee Endorsement: Once approved,
we will seek an official endorsement from the interim Investments and Pensions Oversight Committee this November. - 2027 Legislative Session: Securing this endorsement early will give the Legislative Finance Committee and the incoming administration ample time to prioritize this initiative ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
How You Can Help
Your voice is essential to turning these proposals into law. We encourage you to reach out to your local legislators and candidates to emphasize how critical this supplemental relief is for New Mexico’s educational retirees.
Until our winter edition, I wish you all a wonderful transition into fall and the season’s best traditions—from roasting green chile and Friday night football to the first snow and upcoming holidays.
Sincerely,
David Archuleta