IAEP Members in Florida Continue Fight Against Cuts to Retirement System; Face New Battle Over Elimination of Health Benefits Program
On April 1, the Florida State House of Representatives passed a budget that includes the elimination of the retiree health insurance subsidy (HIS). HIS currently helps offset the health insurance costs for those enrolled in the Florida Retirement System (FRS).
“The elimination of HIS is yet another direct attack on Florida state employees and current retirees,” said Co-Director of Organizing Bryan Hamrick. “Now is the time to band together with our brothers and sisters and fight these unnecessary cuts to FRS and retiree health benefits.”
The IAEP is asking for your help in fighting the elimination of HIS, which would go into effect on December 31, 2010 should the Florida State Senate vote to pass the House’s budget proposal. Voice your opposition to this proposal by contacting Senate President Jeff Atwater today at 866-580-3030, and asking him to reject the House’s current budget proposal.
IAEP members in Florida also continue to fight Senate Bill 1902 that is designed to drastically change the current retirement system for all of the state’s public employees. Additionally, the IAEP is watching the progress of Senate Bill 2022, which would change FRS policy to require employer contributions to their retirement plan, where they are currently not required to do so.
On April 7, the Florida State Senate Community Affairs Committee will vote on whether to reject Senate Bill 1902 or move the bill to the Senate floor. Please click here to send a form email to the members of the Community Affairs Committee asking them to oppose these drastic cuts to FRS.