House Changes to FRS

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The final vote for House Bill 7107 was this morning on the floor of the House. This bill covered 3 items.
1. Allowing rehired FRS employees to enter the investment plan.
2. Changing the FRS default to the Investment plan
3. Giving death benefits to survivors of FRS workers killed in the line of duty.

The main problem has been the default section of this bill. Many arguments were given as to why the pension plan is better than the investment plan. The final vote was basically along party lines: All Democrats voting against the bill and most Republicans voting for the bill. The following Republicans voted against the party block:

Chris Latvala – Clearwater
Ray Pilon – Sarasota
David Santiago – Deltona
Greg Steube – Sarasota

If you would like to write to your representative their email address is: firstname.lastname@myfloridahouse.gov
You can also go on line to the House of Representatives Web page to find all email addresses and who your representative is. Please let them know how you feel about their vote on HB 7107 . Remember they were elected to represent their constituents.

At this time there is not a bill in the Senate that covers the default. Please share this information with your friends, family and co-workers.

Florida Retired Educators Day

Governor Rick Scott has declared November 15, 2015 to be Retired Educator Day. This day is to “celebrate and recognize Florida’s retired educators for their dedication to empowering students and strengthen our local statewide communities.”

To see complete certificate of recognition click on the link, slcrea

In addition to the State’s recognition, our local governments and community are also celebrating Saint Lucie County’s retired teachers with special recognition.

Following is a list of events that will show appreciation for the retired teachers of Saint Lucie County. Please plan on attending to show your support.

Continue reading Florida Retired Educators Day

Proposed Legislative Priorities

Proposed Florida Retired Educators Association 2015 – 2016 Legislative Priorities

  • Support Legislation designed to provide adequate and equitable funding for public education in Florida.
  • Advocate for an annual 3 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all members of the FRS.
  • Monitor the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Trust Fund, especially for:
    a. Attempts to divert FRS funds from the purpose prescribed by the Florida Constitution and Statutes and
    b. Management of the FRS Trust Fund for the security and profitability of its investments
    c. Legislation to fully fund the Florida Retirement System

Continue reading Proposed Legislative Priorities