March 25, 2010. Deluge of messages to legislators derails HB 1319 from fast track, “Significant threats to pensions” remain, “They are coming at us from all directions.”

Dear Colleague:

Thank you for your strong response to the legislative attacks on the Florida Retirement System (FRS).   As a result of the flood of messages legislators are receiving, the enthusiasm for using money from FRS funds to cover part of the $3 billion budget hole in Florida has slowed.  HB 1319 (Grady) no longer appears headed on a fast track for final vote.  (In any event, the legal counsel for the Florida Education Association informs us that Florida law has been interpreted as meaning a pension contribution already vested becomes a property right and cannot be taken away by legislators).

However, there are still significant threats to pensions.  Several bills have been filed that would subtract funds from the FRS pension fund.  The possibility remains that 1319 (or pieces of it) might be amended onto another piece of legislation.  Because a bill can move quickly depending on circumstances, and because there are several legislators now targeting teachers, faculty, and public employees for severe treatment, we expect there will be legislators ready to move against our interests at any time — up to and including the end of the session.  As one education lobbyist put it, “They are coming at us from all directions.  ”

The safest path for faculty who want to defend pensions is to leave phone messages for legislators each week (only one or two sentences) until the session closes. The message is: Oppose any reduction in FRS pensions.

You can find the phone numbers for your senators and representatives at www.myfloridahouse.gov .  Click “find representative” and enter your address.

Sincerely,

Tom Auxter

President, United Faculty of Florida