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Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Cass County is the latest local government entity to achieve a Transparency Star in recognition of excellence in debt obligations. This marks the second award for financial transparency this year for Cass County. Transparency Stars recognizes local government entities that provide easy online access to important financial data. The Comptroller’s office launched the Transparency Stars program in March 2016 to recognize cities, counties and school districts making important strides toward greater government transparency.

At the Eastern Cass County Retired School Employees meeting Executive Director Tim Lee of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, (TRTA) spoke. TRTA is the largest association of retired educators in the United States. Lee, who has been the Executive Director for 20 years, resides in Dripping Springs, just outside of Austin. He was well received by retired and active educators from Cass, Marion, Lamar, Bowie and Titus Counties. About 70 people were in attendance. He gave an update on the action to repeal the Social Security Unfairness Act and the progress in Congress at this time. He talked about retiree health insurance and the issues that will be the priorities in the upcoming Texas Legislative Session. There are three local chapters of the TRTA in Cass County, Atlanta-Queen City area, Linden, and Hughes Springs. The Teacher Retirement System’s pension benefits that go to Cass County retirees add over $2 million annually to the county. Retirees offer many volunteer opportunities and provide scholarships and books for children in our schools every year. Anyone who is interested in membership or information may contact Carolyn Lance,TRTA District 8 Member Benefit Chair @ carolyn.lance@gmail.com.

Tyler, TX-The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) honored two recipients today with a Hunger Hero Award as part of Hunger Action Month.