PENSION PROPOSAL

ST. PETERSBURG --
Gov. Rick Scott's proposed pension plan has some public workers upset, but one St. Petersburg 11-year-old is speaking out with her opinion.

Hannah Hayes, 11, is closely watching Gov. Scott's pension proposal.

"I just have one thing I'd like to say to Governor Rick Scott: 'I'm opposed to the pension reform for those who serve and protect us and teach us,'" she said.

Scott's proposal calls for public employees to contribute five percent of their salary to their pension.

Hannah's father is an Indian Shores police officer and her mother is a Pinellas County Sheriff's detention deputy.

"If the changes go through, she'd have to work seven more years instead of two," she said.

Hannah's mother, Dawn Hayes, says she had no idea her daughter was so worried about her pension.

"Hannah's dad and I, both being in law enforcement, have talked about it a lot and didn't realize that Hannah was necessarily paying attention," Dawn said.

However, Hannah said she has definitely been paying attention.

"Since there hasn't been a raise in three or four years and health insurance has gone up, it would be like taking a huge pay cut," she said.

Hannah says she has tried contacting Gov. Scott about her concerns.

"I did write Governor Rick Scott and told him that I didn't agree with it, but very nicely," she said.

But, Hannah says the governor never got back to her.

Scott had this to say earlier this week during a Facebook townhall meeting about his budget proposal:

We need to make sure the state pension is sustainable and we need to make sure we are fair to both taxpayers who don't have pensions and to state workers who are not presently contributing into the pension plan."
It is now up to lawmakers whether Scott's pension proposal will pass.

Right now, two bills are making their way through the Legislature.

One calls for the five percent contribution. The other calls for between for between two and four percent.

Scott says his proposal will save $1.4 billion a year.

Analysts say Florida is facing a budget shortfall that could top $4 billion next year.

AMAZING! YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A POOR QUALITY GOVENOR WHEN YOU GET A COMPLAINT FROM AN 11 YEAR OLD GIRL!!!

Talk about a biased article! She should have told Gov.Scott how to balance the budget given the $4 billion+ deficit. Where to cut and how much extra tax they are willing to pay. How about a 5% state income tax to balance the budget? When the spending spirals upward, just increase taxes like Illinois and irresponsibly borrow more money to fund the pension. Then ask other kids who's parents are unemployed or partially employed and who are barely scraping by, or are upside down on their house and can just make the payments how they thought the budget should be balanced, where to cut and how much more in taxes and fees their parents can pay so that public employees don't have pay towards their pensions and retain steady jobs, pay & benefits.

Talk about a biased article! She should have told Gov.Scott how to balance the budget given the $4 billion+ deficit. Where to cut and how much extra tax they are willing to pay. How about a 5% state income tax to balance the budget? When the spending spirals upward, just increase taxes like Illinois and irresponsibly borrow more money to fund the pension. Then ask other kids who's parents are unemployed or partially employed and who are barely scraping by, or are upside down on their house and can just make the payments how they thought the budget should be balanced, where to cut and how much more in taxes and fees their parents can pay so that public employees don't have pay towards their pensions and retain steady jobs, pay & benefits.

I really love how people keep comparing us to the unemployed. Unemployed = "Not Working", we, however, ARE working. We get up early, head into the classroom, or put on a uniform, and put in a FULL DAYS WORK. But you're right, we should feel guilty for WORKING several hours, possibly facing dangers, dealing with stress, what have you, and we should bow to those at home, NOT WORKING, sleeping in, and collecting unemployment for 99 weeks. SHAME ON US!!! Also, we should thank all these people who are paying for our pensions, as if we are TAX EXEMPT. We, the WORKING CLASS, PAY TAXES- ALOT of taxes, so in essence, WE ARE PAYING FOR OUR PENSIONS to the same extent that you are (unless you aren't a property owner, in which case you're paying nothing for our pensions).

When did it become fashionable to be unemployed, and something to be ashamed of to actually be working your butt off to support a family? :|

And finally, Rick Scott, you Lizard-Looking Freak, the problem isn't with State Employees having a pension on which they can actually retire, the problem is that other workers DON'T have pensions that will take care of them. Instead of screwing with the system that actually provides for those who have worked their whole lives, how about doing something to ensure that OTHERS have something as good??? That's all I got........

[quote="Guest"]Talk about a biased article! She should have told Gov.Scott how to balance the budget given the $4 billion+ deficit. Where to cut and how much extra tax they are willing to pay.

SHE'S WORKING ON IT. SHE'LL GET BACK TO YOU NEXT WEEK.

uhhh, Workingggg

You are working because it is next to impossible to fire or lay off public employees, your steady, recession and economic cycle proof job paid for by the taxpayers, many of whom CAN'T FIND JOBS OR ARE UNDEREMPLOYED RIGHT NOW. But you wouldn't know anything about that because you have the job security they do not. As far as pensions for everyone, that idea has failed in the private sector and is failing in the public sector because pensions are too expensive.

TO ROB SCHELLINGER, ROBERT COLLINS AND OTHERS WITHOUT A CLUE, WHEN SOMEONE IS PISTOL WHIPPING A LOVED ONE IN A HOME INVASION ROBBERY, WHO MUST RESPOND? YOU MUST BE POLITICIANS OR BEAN COUNTERS RIGHT? OTHER WISE YOU WOULD NOT DISPLAY SUCH ARROGANCE AND STUPIDITY TO THE FACT PUBLIC WORKERS ALREADY ACCEPT LESS PAY, IN RETURN FOR PENSION BENIFITS. NONE OF YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO GO INTO DARK ALLEYS, BUILDINGS WITH ALARMS, ROBBERIES IN PROGRESS, SHOOTINGS , DOMESTICS VIOLANCE CALLS, MURDERS, RAPES, RIOTS, AND MANY OTHER HIGH RISK SITUATIONS. NOR HAVE ANY OF YOU EVER BEEN LOCKED IN A UNIT, WATCHING EIGHTY MAXIMUM SECURITY INMATES, THAT ARE LOOKING AT LIFE SENTENCES. IF YOU HAD A CLUE WHAT OUR JOBS ACTUALLY ENTAIL, YOU WOULD HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR POLICE OFFICERS AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS. THE RECESSION HAS AFFECTED US ALL, NOT JUST YOU. AND SERIOUSLY, YOU’RE ACTUALLY PICKING ON A KID? PERHAPS YOU’RE JUST OFFENDED BECAUSE SHE HAS THE GUTS TO STAND UP TO PEOPLE THAT DON’T HAVE A CLUE WHAT OUR LIVES ARE LIKE AND HOW MANY SACRIFICES WE ALREADY MAKE, TO SERVE AND PROTECT YOU. HANNAH WAS NOT USED AS A PROP OR SPOON FED ANY WORDS FOR ME OR HER DAD. SHE IS A BRAVE AND BRIGHT GIRL AND THANKFULLY SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW YOUR UNEDUCATED, ILL INFORMED, DISRESPECTFUL COMMENTS, DON’T REALLY MATTER. SHAME ON YOU! EDUCATE YOURSELF, BEFORE YOU START WAGGING YOUR TOUNGES. This was written by Graham Fountain. He sums it all up for all you blind Governor Scott supporters… In ancient cultures, statues of lions were placed at the gates of imperial palaces and castles as protectors. In modern times, they sit before halls of justice and other governmental buildings, as to represent the strong safeguarding the weak. Today, we still have lions fiercely and bravely guarding the gates of our homes and communities. They protect our way of life and ensure the central theme of our constitution is upheld. These lions are none other than our law enforcement officers who never sleep; they face a mighty foe and never retreat. Giving their lives that others might live, the depth of their commitment to public safety is seldom known until the flag is folded and the trumpet sounds. Their constant vigil on our behalf is rewarded with low pay, long hours, and little recognition. Until now, peace officers in Florida could rely on one small token of appreciation for years of dangerous and dedicated service; their publicly funded retirement system that now seems to be in jeopardy. As a career public safety executive, I realize government must reduce costs and find ways to relieve the burden of excessive taxes from our citizens. As a taxpayer and property owner, I stand with our governor and legislative leaders as they look for ways to cut unnecessary spending. Nevertheless, I am shocked that Florida pension reform discussions have included reducing retirement benefits of those who serve the most important function of government. Maintaining a publicly paid retirement system for law enforcement is a necessary cost of good government. It should be a priority! There’s a reason our forefathers crafted the federal and state constitutions with the first lines mandating the responsibilities of government in protecting liberty, ensuring domestic tranquility, and providing for public order. It may be hard to imagine, but without law and order funding, programs like healthcare, transportation, and education would be futile. Without law enforcement officers standing watch, our society is filled with lawlessness and crime. Without quality servants in this profession, evil and anarchy rule. It seems disingenuous for some politicians to give sound bites claiming its time for these great protectors to pay “their fair share” into the retirement system like workers do in the private sector. Florida’s police officers and deputy sheriffs already pay into their retirement system. This public contribution reflects a portion of the salary received had they chosen a private sector job that carries the same level of danger and responsibility. In the past, employing agencies have provided that small incentive to thank them for putting their lives on the line, standing guard against the dregs of society, and patrolling the night for bad guys while we sleep soundly in our beds. They are bold and fearless. They die for us and never complain. What a small price for society to pay for peace and tranquility. Most cops in Florida make between $30,000 and $50,000 dollars a year in salary. Their publicly funded contributions and 3 percent special risk retirement was part of their negotiated benefits package when they accepted this solemn responsibility. Their application for retirement membership is a contract with government. But more importantly, let’s stop comparing police officers to workers in the private sector. There is no employee in the corporate or business community who is required to do the job of a law enforcement officer. The rare exceptions are private mercenaries or executive security specialists who are paid $150,000 to $300,000 annually; yet they don’t dispense justice or live by the same code of honor. If we want to make a true comparison, let’s compensate our protectors what they truly deserve. Unfortunately, that will not reduce budgets, because we will have to increase their salaries much greater that the small amount of governmental funded retirement contributions we are considering eliminating at the state Capitol. In this world where serving in law enforcement is already a difficult and dangerous job, remember to give some consideration to how reducing their income and benefits in order to cut the cost of government will affect quality public safety. Cops are real heroes; but they’re still human. Breaking their contract and taking money from their wallets is nothing less than a tax. It clearly demonstrates “our word is not our bond” and integrity means nothing. I would hope that our governor and legislative leaders believe the six officers who died in the last month in Florida were worth the current retirement benefits. It is certain the family and friends of those brave lions believe so. We must all take responsibility in finding ways to spend the state’s budget wisely, looking at alternatives to reduce costs without making law enforcement officers feel unappreciated. If changes are made, be judicious to those currently serving and let the plan with reduced benefits and employee contributions begin with new employees. At least they’ll know what to expect when signing on for this most stressful and hazardous duty. Let our government leaders take the honorable path; keep your commitments less you employ those without the courage and the calling to be faithful servants. Keep the profession strong by protecting our officers’ retirement benefits. With poor morale and little appreciation, the lions may become tamed…or one day they might wander from fiercely guarding the gates. Written By Graham W. Fountain
I am proud of my daughter.

my daught is also asking about our pensions and she dislike Rick Scott as well. Look at the email Sheriff Coats sent out and click on every link in the email. All of the except for one are in the private sector. Luis Garcia is a retired Fire Chief. What are our chances now? Keep sending in the emails.

We have fought a good fight in this FRS Pension Battle. No matter what happens, We put our best foot forward. Our Pleas made to keep our Profession Strong, by asking to keep high risk retirement benefits intact may go unnoticed, but we will never wander from fiercely guarding the gates. Let’s pray our next generation will be willing to do the same, for less

uhhh, Workingggg

You are working because it is next to impossible to fire or lay off public employees, your steady, recession and economic cycle proof job paid for by the taxpayers, many of whom CAN'T FIND JOBS OR ARE UNDEREMPLOYED RIGHT NOW. But you wouldn't know anything about that because you have the job security they do not. As far as pensions for everyone, that idea has failed in the private sector and is failing in the public sector because pensions are too expensive.

Impossible to fire or lay off? You are kidding right? I have seen many civilians and LEO's terminated from my agency because they did something stupid just like it would happen in the private sector. I have a lot of compassion for the people that can't find jobs right now and are truly looking. I have none for the those milking the system that is drying up quickly. I am sick and tired of being told how great I have it and how great my pension will be and how I have it so much better than the private sector. I can't tell you how many holidays I have missed with my family, kids birthdays, school events, important happenings in my kids lives but I knew that when I took the job and I have stuck with it faithfully. I have scraped by for the last 20 years of my service buying an older home to keep my mortgage down instead of buying bigger new homes like my "Private sector" friends. I own two cars that are paid for and over 10 years old while my "Private sector" friends buy new cars every few years. I splurge a few times a month by renting a redbox movie and getting take out while my "Private sector" friends go to sit down meals and spent big money. Now that the economy is in the tank my "Private sector friends who are loosing there jobs and haven't saved a dime want to complain and take away the pension that was promised to me when i decided to serve 20 years ago (Making $20,000). I say F%$^ You. You should have been thinking about your future back when you were making A LOT MORE money than I have or probably will ever make (Jesus, how many times has that statement been thrown in my face). No matter what I'll still respond when you call 911 and treat you with the same respect I treat everyone. And i'm sure after Ive resolved your neighbor problem or got your stolen property returned or arrested the person who violated you somehow the next day you'll be yelling how I don't need a raise or a half decent pension and need to give back like everyone else. WE HAVE GIVEN A LOT (Some recently with their lives)......More than most of our "Private sector" friends care to know or acknowledge.