San Marcos Area Retired Teachers and Staff (SMARTS) recently visited Texas legislators to make the plea to “RAISE the BASE” — raise the percentage of contribution to our pensions. Left to right are Viki Hicks, Barbara Hollis, Peggy Hillburn, Rep. Erin Zwiener, Ginna Grimes, Gloria Traylor and Susan Pulis. SMARTS meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the Price Center. Photo submitted by SMARTS