Let’s be optimistic and go for the good news first!

Good News

An agreement was reached on the Seminole Gaming Compact that gives the Legislature an immediate revenue stream. The savings from eliminating the Health Insurance Subsidy aka “HIS” (HB 5701) was about $200 million; the gaming revenues are expected to be $400 million this fiscal year with over $1 billion in collections over a five year period which should allow a shift of other recurring revenues to keep the HIS whole.

SB 1902 (reducing your 5 year final average retirement compensation) appears to have died but a study on all retirement issues are expected. Note: We will watch closely for any amendments that attempt to enact some of the reforms included in this bad bill.

Bad News

The Legislature is in conference the next few weeks to hash out a final budget agreement where they may consider the following legislation. PBA strongly opposes this legislation and will ask Governor Charlie Crist to veto these bills if they pass.

increased funding for private prisons
(HB 5701) elimination of the Health Insurance Subsidy by Dec. 31, 2010
state workers’ 3% pay reduction, layoffs and/or furloughs
(SB 2022) employee ¼ % FRS contributions

Our members, supporters, staff and leaders have done a fantastic job of stopping and/or slowing down runaway legislation that would really hurt us and our families so keep up the great job of staying informed and involved with the PBA!

As always, stay safe and thank you for your support!

John Park
President
Central Florida PBA