03-23-2010, 10:24 PM
There is a rumor going around that all the pension bills are dead, but, not only is that not true, our phones calls and emails are purposefully not targeting any particular bill. Please remind your members that the Legislature does not have to a pass a bill in order to change the pensions. The issues of concern in the flyer are the pension issues they need to focus on.
Okay, but there are some bills we need to worry about too. I know, it is confusing. Anyway, Bennett temporarily postponed his bill (SB 1902) today, which means we still have to deal with it at some point probably in two weeks. We were close on the votes with some fence sitters that were noncommittal up until committee time. At this point – Thrasher, Hill, and Deutch are no votes. Wise, Storms, and Bennett are yes votes. The “Fence Sitters Leaning Our Way” are Altman and Ring. We are not sure where Gardiner, Siplin, and Garcia will be. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Back to Bennett, he offered a strike all amendment which reduces everyone’s average final compensation from June 30, 2010 forward to strictly base salary (No overtime, no special pay, and no annual leave calculations). The municipal plans get hammered much worse. The amendment allows cities to close plans in favor of DC plans, they can require higher contributions without increasing benefits, and it removes plan participates from having a majority on the board of trustees.
As for HB 1534 and HB 1319, the word is that the House won’t move them, but anything could happen with most likely scenario being amendments on the budget conference report. Let’s keep the pressure on them. Thanks.
Matt Puckett
Deputy Executive Director
Florida Police Benevolent Association
Okay, but there are some bills we need to worry about too. I know, it is confusing. Anyway, Bennett temporarily postponed his bill (SB 1902) today, which means we still have to deal with it at some point probably in two weeks. We were close on the votes with some fence sitters that were noncommittal up until committee time. At this point – Thrasher, Hill, and Deutch are no votes. Wise, Storms, and Bennett are yes votes. The “Fence Sitters Leaning Our Way” are Altman and Ring. We are not sure where Gardiner, Siplin, and Garcia will be. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Back to Bennett, he offered a strike all amendment which reduces everyone’s average final compensation from June 30, 2010 forward to strictly base salary (No overtime, no special pay, and no annual leave calculations). The municipal plans get hammered much worse. The amendment allows cities to close plans in favor of DC plans, they can require higher contributions without increasing benefits, and it removes plan participates from having a majority on the board of trustees.
As for HB 1534 and HB 1319, the word is that the House won’t move them, but anything could happen with most likely scenario being amendments on the budget conference report. Let’s keep the pressure on them. Thanks.
Matt Puckett
Deputy Executive Director
Florida Police Benevolent Association