Please avoid using a broad brush. Texas is a non-union state for teachers. That’s a very good thing! I’m a retired Texas teacher. Twenty years ago the state decided it was over-funding the system and took millions of dollars back. The system is member funded largely. Five years ago the system raised the retirement age factor, raised the contribution percentage and eliminated the “hire back at half pay” loophole for all but a few truly understaffed areas. Texas teachers opted out of the Social Security system so, since we don’t contribute, we don’t receive any. Even those of us who earned SS in other employment could see our state retirement decreased proportionally if we take SS. My wife is in the SS system. If she pre-deceases me I cannot double dip. I am not complaining. I took full advantage of the 403B plan and maxed my contributions for 20 years. So, with planning I’m able to retire at about 75% of my final year’s salary. It’s a good life.
By the way, it is different for police who can unionize. Small cities in Texas get the police chiefs “cheap” by hiring upper echelon, 100% pensioned retireesfrom large cities.