Veto Letter to Governor Crist on the DROP Bill

Dear Governor Crist,

RE: HB 5607

During the legislative session, House Bill 5607 was passed and is now included in a budget implementing bill. HB 5607 was designed to reduce the amount of interest paid on deferred retirement benefits for member entering the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) on or after July 1, 2010.

The Florida Fraternal Order of Police opposed this bill that will unfairly punish those law enforcement officers who have worked for years for this benefit, many are just months from entering the DROP, only to have the benefit reduced by half. They have worked their careers with this goal in front of them and planned their future based on the rules in place.

Many FOP members will be affected by this change. We fully realize the budgetary limitations and economic situation we are faced with. However, this bill should have been prospective in nature, applicable to those just entering their law enforcement career, not those at the end who were promised this benefit.

You have been a strong supporter of law enforcement and of fairness in dealing with our professional law enforcement officers. As State President of the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, I would ask and encourage you to veto this bill.

Thank you for your service and support.

Sincerely,
James W. Preston, President
Florida State Lodge

This bill effects any and all members of FRS. The intrest is reduced from 6.5% to 3%. Make your voice heard, call write and email.

*Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com
?Telephone: Citizen Services Hotline: * (850) 488-4441*
?Executive Office of the Governor Switchboard: * (850) 488-7146* [Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time]
?Fax: (850) 487-0801
?For individuals with hearing loss or speech disability:
1-850-922-7795 (TTY) OR 711 (Florida Telecommunication Relay)
?Mailing Address
?Office of Governor Charlie Crist
State of Florida
PL-05 The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001