Why is it always some person wants to mess with the pension of the hard working State employees who choose the career of protecting all of us. I am one of those persons. I find it insulting that this person does not respect the work we all do to protect and serve. To this person, the next time a crack head steals your pink flamingos off your front lawn or drug riddled people take what is valuable to you to support their habit, call a plumber.

This unreasonable proposal will never be defeated without hard work on your part. You will need to stay vigilant and you will need to put a lot of effort forth to bring about reasonable change. If you believe there is nothing you can do …you are part of the problem…get out of your lazy boy and do something effective.

1. Make a list of your trusted friends (family members, church members, neighbors etc)

2. Contact your legislators in your district by phone and by personal letter and let them know this bill is unreasonable and you want their support to work towards reasonable change. Email is ok but letters have a greater impact

3. Ask your trusted friends to write a similar letter and offer to mail the letters for them so you know they get sent

4. Send a letter to each member of the legislature, this will cost a little money in stamps but far less than what they are trying to do with your retirement

5. Organize a peaceful demonstration outside the business of the sponsor of the bill- Start now don’t wait for session to start the bill has already been filed.

Very shameful, My first letter is sent. Spend and risk your life for VERY LITTLE, then he wants to pull the rug out from under your feet!!!!!

I have worked for 34 years for a governmental agency. Last July I observed my situation and determined I could afford to enter DROP – I scheduled to retire on 07/01/15. Now your telling me the contract between myself and FRS is to be cancelled December 2012 with no agreement or discussion with me? Any changes that are made to FRS should affect future employees under the program, NOT THOSE OF US WHO HAVE DEDICATED OUR LIVES TO LOWER PAYING JOBS – WHICH WE ACCEPTED DUE TO BETTER BENEFITS. Please post the bill which will indicate what changes to the benefits of our State and Federal Representative (to include Senators, Governors, etc.)

This is a ridiculous proposal! People in the FRS retirement program have earned what they have been promised. Risking lives everyday; yesterday proof positive of that! Dealing with the violent people, biohazardous materials, and dangerous weapons to make the community a better place is deserving of a retirement that ensures their comfort! Why break something that is not broken. the FRS is a well funded, self-sustaining program that does not need amending.

Dianne, not to defend the politicians, but these changes would affect them also, as they are FRS members too.

It is sad that once again people try to mess with someones future. After investing 28 years of my life working for the state, and planning to retire at an early age so that I can do something else, now someone wants to screw with my plans. I bet his retirement is not being affected. Leave us alone and don’t mess with the people that serve the community in which you live.

Perhaps all of the police officers and firefighters impacted by this proposal ought to call Dr. Costello at his office in Ormand Beach (easily found on Google) and make an appointment, during which time they can talk to him one on one about his “bill”.

So they are going to pay out and then terminate DROP employees? Why not just let them finish out their time if we are going to pay them anyway?

It seems part of the political game is to propose radical and settle for less! It is unfathomable that they would promise a 5 year DROP, and then pull it out from under them!

I can’t believe this ! I have worked 32 years and now in the drop 1 year, I have worked for less pay because of the benefits and the retirement benefit… I will be 57 at the end of my drop and that money will help pay for my insurance and extra expense’s that come with retirement until I am of age for social security and medicare… I guess that will be next…The saying is true those who have, have more. I bet they will not loose those retirement benfits… At this rate anyone with any brains will not work in police, fire or paramedics jobs. Pay your Police and Fire like your life depends on it , because one day you or someone you love will need them.

How many of these fat politicians have EVER been out from behind a desk?
I’ve been working for 24 years 23 in the state as a fire fighter I don’t think they would last a week. Now they want us to work longer for less. The way it is now I can retire at around 48 with 25 years but with this new proposal I would have to work another 9 years. I don’t think they realize the wear on an older person at that age.
The 1.6 put us further behind then we were 20 years ago when we accrued 2% a year for high risk.
Yes these changes would affect the politicians too but how long before they separate us from them and make it better for them? Also most of the politicians have already made there money from private industry or lobbyist or will become a lobbyist after their political career is over.
Here is a question for you. What is the life expectancy of a police officer or fire fighter after they retire? What is the life expectancy of a politician after retirement?

Think this is bad? Tune in to this one. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41188877/ns/business-the_new_york_times If this proposal in congress goes, you may not be getting ANY retirement. Amazing how educational that GM bankruptcy has become to some of our “leaders”.

Let’s see him do the same thing to his retirement…..
Vesting to ten years.
Multiplier to 1.6%.
Age of retiring to 55.

Step up to the plate stud, there’s a reason you were’t supported.

It is truly time to start being heard. Read down a bit and see Interest75 reply. We MUST be proactive or else they win. I did my calculations before I decided to go into DROP. Is this not a contractual agreement with the state of FL??? How can they change in the middle of the road? It breaks my heart to see all of my hard working friends who need a few more years to enter DROP have it just erased from their futures. I believe we have some serious work ahead of us!

The cartoon says it all — we are SCREWED if this passes!

Mark,

I think you hit the nail on the head. It has to be a ploy to introduce the worst and settle for something. You know the old saying “throw enough sh%@ on the wall some of it is gonna stick”.

I have been in touch with some reps and senators and read much of what they have been saying. The overall consensus is that the changes to the FRS will be geared towards new hires. Even Jeremy Ring ( Gov Oversight and Accountability) said he is not looking to make a draconian bill that would hurt current employees and went as far as saying anybody close to retirement is off limits. Those are his words.

Almost all the legislators agreed there should be a “grandfather clause”. So, when this fellow Costello comes out with this radical change it raises and eyebrow. Let’s hope his sidekick isn’t Abbott.

Ever stop to think that this may be necessary to keep the whole system running? I actually read that this would dash someones early retirement plans. Boo frickin hoo.

It is virtually impossible to think these cuts are required to keep “the whole system” afloat. While the legislators will have to do some number crunching to cut the budget by $3 bil, it is unfathomable to think the have to steal from pensions to do it. I take it you are willing to donate your retirement to the state?

WOW, you really want high risk employees to stay longer and be older!!!! This concept does not make sense. Think about what police, fire, emt, and paramedics do for the lives in our world.

Also, I am teacher in DROP for a reason. You are now telling me that should change.

What part of REVENUE NEUTRAL does this idiot (and the general public supporting him) not understand? DROP doesn’t cost the state or the taxpayers ANYTHING. It’s OUR OWN RETIREMENT MONEY that is being invested in DROP, and the state earns more interest on it than it pays into our DROP accounts. So not only does it NOT coast money, it EARNS money for the state.

Call it Rape!!!
I worked for the County 21 years and get peanuts for retirement!
With no raises for three years in a row and a week furlough days lost for three years
in a row!
Just not fair!!!
With gas prices on the rise, food on the rise… what happen when you retire it get worst?

After almost eleven years as a JA, and no raises in the last five years, nothing these people in charge do surprises me. Like Dianne411 stated, we all took lower paying jobs with the promise of good benefits, continued benefits. The retirees in this state are here now because of GOOD PENSIONS. Most of the Senators, Representatives, etc., are people with good job, dentists, lawyers, doctors, etc., and they have their money and/or pensions. You can’t continue to stomp on the “little people”, and expect them to remain dedicated and hard working and caring. That is not the way the real world works. Don’t mess with the pension fund, it’s not broken. The people in charge are broken.

Maybe more tax breaks for the wealthy will come from this, we dont need the working man to have more than we need to them as far as pensions. The rich are entitled to as much profit as they can keep, this will enable them to hire more unskilled illlegal immigrants to replace all of us. No more bennies and no more pensions to worry about and then they wont be stealing the pink flamingos off our lawns anymore.

I agree w/Mark. It should not effect the old employees, since these were areas we were promised and guaranteed.

i’m a sixteen year old High School student who can honestly say i’m scared for my generation and the ones to come. You’re suppose to get what you give right? these people are not getting even half of what they give with this Incomputable proposal. It’s sick.

Not to argue with you Mark, but my dad, in his 70′s and an FRS retired state worker, says that the members of the Florida Legislative and Executive Branches are covered NOT ONLY under FRS but have a separate retirement and benefit package that leaves them almost the same compensation as when they were in office.

Unless they exempt themselves……….. any bets if they will or not?

Could be, and I would not be surprised. My comments were only to FRS. We should look into it, as it would explain their willingness to cut FRS.

We are working on some ideas along those lines and will post them soon. Look at the comment we recieved from “interest75″ last night. It has some good ideas in it.

Early retirement is a misnomer. You put in your time you retire. Some might be younger while others are older. It all depends how old you were when you got hired. Please educate yourself before you make senseless statements.

I am a vested employee, and I planned on retiring after 30 years. That would put me @ 49 years of age. I started a career early, so I would be able to enjoy my later years. This sh!t bag has no idea what kind backlash this could cause. We are state employees who haven’t had a raise in like 5 years, therefore we’re already pissed off. Sooo lets take away the light at the end of the tunnel and see how that works out…..or completely overhaul welfare and the prison medical system. By refining those two things, the state would save MILLIONS! Or we can keep pissing on the Cops, Firefighters, Correction Officers, Teachers, DMV, DCF, DOR, and those who keep getting pissed on. FTW!

This bill is unfair to the state retirement workers. You want to cut their benefits, penalize them for retiring when they have been told for years they would be able to. Cutting the 3% for law enforcement and other high risk employees is in my opinion is unfair. These people risk their life every day to keep every citizen safe. You in the legislature pass bills to help elected officials and want to cut all others. TheFRS bill was passed to allow Sheriff’s to continue to work past the 5 year drop limit thus allowing them to amass huge drop accounts and continue in office drawing retirement and getting their regular pay checks. Do not pass this bill.

I enjoyed retiring at age 50 after 26 years as a police detective. I have a confortable pension but had to move out of state to survive. I think the State created some of the problems when they started adding numerous other people into Special Risk with police & fire. They have added Medical Examiner, morgue techs, lab techs, property room personel, photographers, fingerprint examioners… because they handle blood and may be in the chain of evidence. Yes blood can be dangerous if you’re careless but you’re not running into a burning building or being shot at. There is a reason Police & Fire recieve High Risk benifites. It not only belittles the meaning of the benifit when it’s given to others, it costs the State millions of dollars.

What an insult this is! It is bad enough as is, but this proposed change is absolutely ridiculous.

Is it payout what is in the DROP account only or is it the amount plus the completion of the 5 years -

Vested used to be 10 years – I was one of them! I don’t see why it would hurt anything to be back to the 10. Leave the other benefits alone.

I am 26 years old. Have dedicated the last 5 years o my life in corrections and as a deputy sheriff. Myself and others have sacraficed our health, risked our lives, made our families go without us on weekends holidays and other times, and some have given their lives and will continue to. Now they are breaking our agreement and screw everyone who is part of the frs.

Are you some kind of nut Mr Costello? Allow me to vote you out ASAP.

HB 303, omg, I will never survive my golden years if this goes through, I am sick, 3 years till retirement. COUNTED on DROP to piece my life together after all these years of underpay and supplementing other peoples children. We have to have strength united, where are the Unions, I pay big dues, why is this the first that I’m hearing????? I am tired of having to fight the good fight every legislative year, enough!!!

They are a Lot higher paid than those of us in the trenches. Dianne is right.

Exactly! To many of them, we are just people in cop costumes or firefighter outfits. This Is insulting.

It would seem that you would get the accumulated payout thru 12/31/2012, and be
terminated at that point.
Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida 34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

That would certainly be one of the least painful of the proposed changes.
Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida 34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

Politicians making a salary far above most…boo-hoo for them.

Guest, They are NOT going to give them ALL the money for their full DROP period – just what they have earned to date and show them the door. In my workplace, we will be losing a bunch of people all at once and whoever is left will be forced to work harder for less money with less people. Will take a long time to replace all the bodies and watch all the knowledge and experience walk away at once. A real disservice to the customers, but anything to save money for Rick Scotts corporate tax cuts.

Don’t worry about the politicians. They already have plans in place to get more than the funds they would lose under the proposed changes. That is why they want to change the plan.

This is what we get from a retired “Dentist”. Wish former Law Enforcement Would run in office.

I’m just real curious as to where the State is going to get people to replace all the current DROP people they are going to terminate? I can only speak for myself, but the DROP is the only reason I have hung with the State through going into our 8th year of not getting a raise. Who in their right mind would STARTwith any company that has not even given a cost of living raise for that amount of time all while expecting you to put your family on hold and your life on the line everyday. To use your own personal vehicle in the line of work and reimburse you pennies on the dollar for doing so with the only verbal encouragement WELL AT LEAST YOU HAVE A JOB. Yes we do have a job which each of us are very thankful for BUT words do not put food on the table or keep a roof over our head. I can tell you I WOULD NOT start working for a company that does very little for its employees and demands so much. The DROP is the only thing working for the state that is a benefit. Besides when we entered the DROP these were not the conditions of doing so. Do I see grounds for class action law suit in the future? If this is something the State wants to do then it should be for new hires not something to be shoved down the throats of the ones that stuck with them through hard times.

Florida voted these crooks in and now everyone has to live with ‘em.

I agree. I too was vested at ten years (and now in my tenth year of retirement).

This is nuts! The men and women that signed up years ago, were enticed to work for the governments due to the secure future that they were assured. Now, all of a sudden there secure future is completely shattered. If this kind of change is needed, then it should be worked into the future hiring of employees. It should not in anyway alter the benefits that are already in place. When new people start, or are hired at a future date…say 2014…they will then be aware of the change in policy. It certainly isn’t fair to the men and women who counted on a retirement that would guarantee some form of security for their aging years.

I don’t work…I’m now retired…but fair is fair. Theses people put their lives on the line for us, now we need to step up and help them.

I hate to tell you but we are going into or are in our 8th year with out a raise and the last raise we got was I believe 3% and the Major Medical was increased by 25% so it was pretty much a wash out. Oh and this year our Major Med was increased along with the co-pay…. Ya know the saying you cant get blood out of a turnip… Well who ever wrote that did not work for the State of Florida…

I say do a march on Capital Hill… Heck I havent been to DC in years….

A march might be a good idea, but I would suggest Tallahassee instead of
Washington D.C.!
Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida 34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

Typo Major Med was increasec by 15% not 25%

Count me in…. I think atleast a bus load from each disctict and or county would make a good statement…

I agree with KKD, I think it will be very hard to replace current employees who put their lives on the line every day, just to lose the 3%, why would we want to stay, if we can take a paycut and go to a regular state job for the same benefits minus the constant threat we are under, if this bill passes,,,Sunland here I come.

I will have 6 months before I have my 25 years with the state as a “High risk employee”. I work within the prison system and it makes me sick to my stomach to see people like this make stupid rules and regulations that affect me and my family and have NO clue as to what we as LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS do everyday. I have put myself and my family on the back burner for my career. I’m a Captain and see more than some do. When I hear this type of bull and then go to work and see where I have to make arrangements for some muderer or child molister to be transported to some medical facilty to have PHYSICAL THERAPY three times a week, then there is something wrong with this stae and country. I and all Law Enforcement put our lives on the line ERVRYDAY and this is thanks you get. Six months before being able to spend what time you have left on this earth with the people who has put up with being SECOND to the JOB and know being told 25 years just anit enough. Tell that to all those who these POOR incarcerated people have taken thier lives. Politicians like this needs to put on ANY uniform on for 30 days and lets see how long they last.

You played yourself! Why would you work all those years in a job that didn’t pay you sufficient income and are relying on DROP to carry you over? Nobody owes you anything… it was your responsibility to take care of your health and your money. The Unions nor the democratic politicians can help any of us now. We failed to vote responsibly, now let bear the consequences of our actions. Go to the doctor, take your medicine, exercise and get back to work!!!

I have been a Corrections Officer for 23 years and have made the same sacrifices you are talking about. But never once did I feel that my organization or FRS “owed me” anything other than the wages and benefits I worked for. Missing holidays and other times was worth it to afford my family a lifestyle others wished for. I’m sure your family isn’t living in the slums either; so, “suck it up,” go to work everyday you are scheduled, save your accumulated time (Annual, Comp, Holiday, Sick, etc.) and take whatever tests needed to get promoted to make more money. Stop complaining cause nobody is listening or cares anyway…

Change jobs, look for a County or City job… Why continue with an underpaying job and sit around in the breakroom with other disgruntled employees complaining. You are employed (underpaid) and receiving benefits others in the private sector dream of. Nobody is “getting stomped on,” this is business management. In order to maintain a business, finances must be accounted for. That may require reduction in overtime, salary reductions, layoffs, etc. So, go to work and do what your employer is paying you for until you can do better. Nobody can help us right now!!!

I’m not even affected by this bill. We cannot allow for this change to go forward by changing the retirement program for those already in the system. I f changes are to be made, and they do need to be made. It should be from a FUTURE date, for those entering on or after that date. Plain & simple.

In reading the chapters modified in state statutes I get the impression this bill targets public employee retirements plans in Florida other than FRS, ie, city pension plans.

Sections talk about municipal firefighters or police…

Florida Retirement System is defined in Chapter 121. This bill refers to ch 121 but it doesn’t modify it.

Am I misreading this bill?

It also allows employees that “don’t give a d-mn” about the job to linger around and contaminate others with their don’t care attitudes. There are some good employees participating in DROP, but unfortunately, I have seen many more that are washed up and disgruntled… So, a year 2012 payout and termination sounds good to me. Let’s continue to hire “new blood” into the organizatons, maybe their new ideas will prove to be more helpful.

the FRS is the best retirement system . 4th in USA.. however, those blood suckers what our money so they can use it some where else, like maybe there pockets…. These government officals have there retirement, insurance already set for them. THEY WILL NOT BE AFFECT BY THIS…

Agree with you.. I see DROP as a trapp . They know after retirement you wont live long..then THEY keep your hard working money and your family gets CERO, ZERO, NADA… Rick is NOT keeping my family money

Agree 110%,, Capt. They won’t survive an hour if they put on any uniform. From 3% to 1.6% this is sick.

They know that hight risk emplees have very low life expectancy,,meaning they want YOUR money when you DIE..

does this have any effect on those of us who have already retired, did the amount of drop we wanted and have left? will our monthly amount be changed, or will this effect everybody who is currently working and those who are currently in drop?

KILL THIS BILL NOW !

The FRS is in great shape folks ! The propoganda being used to try and convince the People of Florida that the FRS is in trouble is BOGUS and they know it ! Truthfully many States DO have major problems with their retirement systems… but when you look at the numbers you will see that it is the States that have HUGE Salaries. LEAVE FRS ALONE !!! Many Florida cops have worked their entire lives for VERY LOW SALARY knowing that the FRS is there for them in the end as a “Thank You” for a lifetime of public service…. That somewhat makes up for the years of low salary unlike other states who pay their cops extremely high salaries and have them “contribute” a small percentage toward their retirement system… It is nothing but a SHELL GAME !! Keep the FRS just the way it is !

David Osborne
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida GOOOH Director
850 933 8511

As it is proposed, it would appear that on December 31, 2012, all DROP will
cease, and those in DROP will collect a check for the amount accrued up until
then and no more, and will be forced out at that time.
Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida 34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

Guess I should have gone into professional sports since their salaries will protect their families for life as opposed to those of us that work on harm’s way on a daily basis. I guess playing sports is much more important that saving a life. Way to be American!!

I signed a contract with FRS to participate in a program with a 3%multiplier vs. the investment plan. The percentage change in the multiplier would have changed my investment strategies. When I entered the DROP I had to sign a contract selecting one of four options on how my pension would be dispersed inclusive of a health insurance offset. When entering the DROP I signed yet another contract which removed me from FRS (which I could have stayed in) and established how my money would be held and invested with a defined term of tenure. Any changes to FRS should be looked at for future participants.

Get over it!!! Times are tough all over. How about those of us who have no retirement? Work until you are of retirement age and then retire!

10-4 Captain, these people have no clue, and wouldn’t last a damn count, let alone 30 days.

So let’s see how this work…, I began my career in law enforcement 20 years ago at age 23. After 25 years of service, I’ll only be 48. I didn’t plan to retire at that time anyway…, but if this proposed bill goes through, I’ll have to retire after 32 years of service. Yeah! That makes a whole lot of sense. But I can complain (not that it’ll do much good)…, I didn’t vote for these clowns!!!!!!!!

For 1.6% of all service years after June 2011, or approximately $2000 a month in pension funds you can work an 9 to 5 office job.

Bobby, I never said that FRS was in trouble, I said people have choices they need to make for their future. I chose to go into the Investment Plan, so those “reducing options” won’t impact my family. The FRS offers that choice to you too! Whether you work for the County or the State, the benefits we receive are substantial compared to others around the nation. So, excuse me if I’m not crying about potential legislative plans, but I was raised to accept the things I can’t change and to have the wisdom to know the difference. What changes will you make?

Wrong KKD, DROP is not the “only benefit.” Have you considered the Investment Plan? You can have greater control of your retirement earnings, see for yourself how much you actually have and you or your family would get “all of the money,” if lived long enought or you passed away. Don’t hang around hoping that DROP will save you, stop crying and take greater control of your future!!!

Esta Siegel
Coconut Creek, -

01/21/11 11:03 PM

To the Honorable Fredrick W. Costello;

Taking away DROP from teachers who are in DROP and forcing them to “terminate” working before their 5 year DROP is over and before the teacher financially planned to retire is soooo “dishonorable”. I had my retirement planned financially, as per what was offered to me by the state during my working years, and now to find out that the state is taking some of my planned pension and DROP and salary away when it is toooooo late for me to do anything about my finances is just wrong for you to do to me and teachers in my position. If you want to change things why not grandfather in those in DROP and FRS to get what was in their DROP and FRS plan and begin with teachers not in DROP in 2012. I am sure there are many others who have planned their retirement around their DROP and FRS statements who, like myself, will not be able to afford retirement if your bill is passed. I am sure that if you were in my position you would not even propose or especially pass this bill.

I have it on good authority that is probably not the case.  If someone can
provide us with corroborating evidence it would be good, but our research
indicates Florida State Senators and Representitives are in the elected officers
class of the Florida Retirement Sytem.
 Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida  34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

One would have to determine if you employment is legally a contract, or an offer
of benefits.  It is my understanding Florida is an “at will” employment state,
which means that your employer may terminate anyone for any reason (providing it
is not based on race, age, sex, etc.).  The offer of benefits may not constitute
a contract.  That is a legal issue that we have to believe that legislators are
well versed on.
 Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida  34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

We should not assume the citizens of Florida are unappreciate!  So far they have
not endorsed these changes.
 Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida  34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

Look at it this way.  If you were to be terminated from DROP on Dec. 31, 2012,
you would get your DROP forever, just not into the DROP account.  It would
convert to your Pension check and come directly to you instead of the DROP. 
What you won’t get is your paycheck, as your job would be terminated.  You would
also not collect the interest being paid on the DROP amount.
 Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida  34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

It’s not the judges fault here, they work for the benefits they were promised,
just like you.  I would suggest sentencing people to jail, or even death, is a
dangerous position to be in.  Furthermore, they spent countless dollars on an
eduation that would allow them higher pay in civilian jobs that they forego,
just like you.  As such, why should they be singled out.  This isn’t one FRS
class against another, We all should stand united.
 Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida  34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

FRSOptions is working on a post to reiterate the points Interested75 mentioned,
as well as some other points to consider.  One primary point, please don’t
do form letters where multiple people sign one letter, and avoid email.  CALL
them on the phone AND WRITE a well thought out and rational letter.  Keep
emotions in check.  We want this to be useful, not a gripe and whine letter.
 Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida  34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

We hope that you are correct.  We also agree that everyone should join in the
fight, as we also think we can win.  There were over 35 bills last year, and ALL
died in commitee, which I have little doubt was a result of your calls and
letters, and voicing your opinion. We are on your side, so would ask that you
don’t get angry at us for trying to provide objective information.
 Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida  34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

We will have to look into the “like” button issue. As long as comments are not
profane or too ridiculous, they are approved. I apologize if it has not been
working.
Mark A. Davy

SouthBay Investment Group, llc
665 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 4
Sarasota, Florida 34236

941-951-1977
941-952-1937 (fax)

________________________________

Obviously, this legislator has crafted a bill that cuts the state’s obligation to fund FRS. FRS may be healthy, but Florida contributes X to it. The politician thinks the state should only pay Y.

On a day when many of Florida’s police force mourns the deaths of fellow officers… they must come home to read of this? It saddens the soul.

Bless you Ruth… we will stand with you and fight this for ourselves as teachers and for all the police, fire fighters, and public servants…

How about screwed by the Republicans again & again again & again again & again again & again, yet ya’ll keep voting them back in office and then acted surprised when the hosing starts all over . . .

It would be great if we kept the political partisanship to a minimum, and concentrate on the matter at hand. Pretending it is one party of the other will probably not be productive, and is most likely not accurate.

I started my FD career late at the age of 43. I had planned on retirement at 60 yrs of age after just 17 years in FRS which would have given me 51 percent of my high 5, So much for that guess I will be a hose jockey till age 70.

the state cannot keep your drop money. They can keep your pension but they cannot keep your drop money

So in other words, we risk our lives everyday and they want to cut our benefits. Why? So that they can increase theirs!

I guess loyalty and service for the state of Florida doesn’t count for anything seeing as where some of the lowest paid state employees in the country. all get is the shaft

I like the fact that this guy Costellos’ occupation is listed as “Dentist”. That would explain his complete lack of insight into the world of law enforcement, and that he would even entertain these proposals. In light of recent events in Miami (2 slain officers)and throughout the year you can plainly see violent crime is not going away, but polital wanabees like this guy just add to the stress when they create these bills. People in law enforcement particularly “special risk” employees earn the right to retain these benefits and it should be unlawful for outragious proposals to even be considered. Enough already with this! Mr. Costello believe me, serving warrants on violent criminals is a far cry from filling cavities. Whens the last time somebody died in your line of work. You and your cronies really need a reality check. And as far as your conservative credo of “saving the taxpayers money”. I got news for you I pay taxes too and believe me you get what you pay for. God bless all the men and women in Florida DLE. Hopefully this bill will be looked at just as trivially as it is deserved to be looked at.

They may be state employee also but they are the ones already getting 60,000 and up a year. so they have no problem presenting the changes, it will not affect them the same as a area office employee for example.

For your information, we don’t have a break room, and I don’t sit around any place other than my desk. I do my work and I work hard and I am dedicated just like the others responding to this problem. I am grateful for what I do have, but that doesn’t mean I can’t voice my opinion, just like you are doing.

I AGREE MOST PEOPLE HAVE STAYD WITH THE STATE FOR 20 OR 30 YEARS ONLY FOR THE RETIREMENT AND DROP BECAUSE UNLESS YOU ARE ONE OF THEM YOUR SALARY WAS JUSTABOVE POVERTY LEVEL. NOW TO TAKE THE ONLY INCENTIVE AWAY WLL BE A DISASTER. WITHOUT THIS INCENTIVE THERE IS NO NEED TO PUT THE YEARS IN BECAUSE THE PAY ALONE IS NOT WORTH IT. SO WHO WILL DO THE WORK IF THEY TERMINATE ALL THOSE IN DROP,AND THE OTHERS OPT OUT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR BETTER BENEFITS (401K, ETC.) GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND AND SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTED YOU.

I was just told not to pass this along at my work. It is just a proposal at this point. But isn’t that the whole point? More politicians trying to control the ‘little people’. I think we need more regular people making the decisions, the ones making over 100k a year should be excluded. The retirement and insurance benefits reduction doesn’t effect them the same as it does the working class. This bill is a slap in the face to everyone who has been in public service. We put up with the “I pay your salary” attitude and this guy wants to cut our pension in half. What a joke.

The Politicians should NOT be able to get any retirement benefits. They get enough now and they are voted in by the people for the people. How does giving them a pension help the people?

I have worked for a county E.M.S. for 32 years, and entered DROP on June 1, 2010. Only 9 of those years were special risk. I am hoping to be able to work 5 years into the DROP and my county wants me to stay as long as I can. If this bill passes, I will get less than half of what I was counting on from DROP, but that is not as bad as losing almost two and one half years of employment, which I need to be able to survive on my pension. If they want to ternimante DROP, they need to do this five years after the law takes effect. We need to fight this ridiculous bill that will hurt all of the people we rely on for our safety, well being, and education of our children. I’m sure there are attorneys out there that will initiate a class action lawsuit.

If this goes into fruition, I will have to sell our home (in this horrible market), possibly move to a better tax based area, find another job, and wonder if they would hire me as a teacher anywhere because THIS bill would FLOOD the teaching job market, plus all other state positions!

If this goes into fruition, I will have to sell our home (in this horrible market), possibly move to a better tax based area, find another job, and wonder if they would hire me as a teacher anywhere because THIS bill would FLOOD the teaching job market, plus all other state positions!

good for your Mr. Crisp. There are many workers, such as myself who work the entire 8hrs without a break. Maybe, its people like you that make the entire system look bad!

good for your Mr. Crisp. There are many workers, such as myself who work the entire 8hrs without a break. Maybe, its people like you that make the entire system look bad!

Many of the politicians probably do not have the traditional retirement (FRS Pension Plan) as they opt for the FRS Investment Plan which doesn’t require “vesting” six or ten years; you’re “vested” after only one year.

I am an already retired employee with 37 years. Most people in drop are not prepared to begin paying from 600.00 to 1250.00 per month for health insurance. They should get a “do over” and continue working if DROP goes away. I also am very concerned at the potential quality of future employees if the state and counties continue their low pay for employees AND reduces the benefits. Most of us have stayed with it through thick and thin because we knew that we would be taken care of in our “golden years” . What a pile of __ that they would look at a healthy trust fund for their general governmental operations.

All FRS participants have that same option. It might be worthy of consideration if these changes look like they may take place.

Mark – I realize you’re speaking from a legal standpoint. I’m speaking from a “moral” and “ethical” standpoing. When I see the Legislature messing with benefits of hard working employees who, by in large, have had no salary increase to at least cover SOME cost of living in over five years, it makes me sick.

I think of all the potential hires – and actual hires – that I’ve interviewed (and hired) over my tenure in government I have to recall a lot of memories. I always explained to those I spoke with that though the salary was not what they expected, the benefits amounted to a substantial consideration that should not be overlooked in evaluating the job opportunity. Now perhaps I should have put a qualifying clause in my discourse that “you should take in consideration, however, that the Legislature can and may come in at any time and play havoc with benefits you will work for and look forward to at the crucial time in your life when you are about ready to retire and reap the benefits you suffered for at low pay.”

If there is to be ANY CHANGE in retirement benefits, it should be effective NEW HIRES only so that Human Resource Personnel can look into the eyes of potential hires with truthfulness and honesty and integrity when their salary, benefits and futures are discussed.

To paraphrase the famous quote of Past President J. F. Kennedy with modification: Let us not only ask what our employees may do for us, but what we may do for them in return. After spending thirty or more years working for government, time to think of only what is legal is gone. It’s time now to think of what is ethical, moral, just and deservered by those who labored for and served us for so long.

I agree with you entirely. My concern is when people begin thinking they have a legal right that is probably not there, it sets everyone up for disappointment. I personally believe, legal or not, it is WRONG to break promises made at employment.

Does anyone realize that we are probably the lowest paid nurses in the state? I worked ICU at $60 an hour before I came to work for the state. I came to work here for the stability, 5-day week, benefits, holidays off, and the STABLE retirement program. If they take away our retirement, then I propose they pay us what we would be paid in the private sector. Then we would be able to set up our own retirement program. I hope no one thinks that they can take away our benefits and have us working for barely above the poverty level, too, unless this is a throwback to the old slave mentality.

The man who introduced this bill is a Dentist turned Politician OMG.
As a member of the public, I would like to see those individuals in harms way compensated more than regular employees and politicians. I hear Politicians are compensated even at a higher rate, best to check it out.
In this day and age our security is more important than ever, please dont take this from those who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to make our lives more secure and safe.

Many elected political officials on various levels of government are in positons that either affect law changes or make decisions that place many public servants and military at risk. Yet for them if they are elected for two terms in many situations, they are entitled to their yearly salary as their pension.
Speaking on behave of the law enforcement community with 21 years of service under my belt, I know that we as a group have had to make sacrifices that the average citizen has not. We have dedicated our lives to SERVE AND PROTECT our comminties before our own lives…..time with our families…..personal hardships. We still continue to serve. And now you tell us that what we’ve worked so hard to attain will come to a stop December 2012. And that is fare why????
The economy has gone through some seriouys changes the last few years….we have increases in the cost of medical coverage….we have not seen salary increases for the last 3 years….and social security funding is in doubt. Statistically law enforcement has always experienced the highest rate of divorces and suicides in this nation.
Understand that in some situations changes are envitable…..but moving forward with this proposal is absurd.
You know people usually like to get “kissed” before they are “F@#%@$D”.

Wait a minute. That’s an overused argument. You more than likely went into your job knowing you had no retirement package and that you had to save. maybe you were offered 401(k)’s with employer match.

Our retirement benefits are earned in lieu of higher salaries.

We both made choices. You chose your career and I chose mine.

amen enough said.

Why are our Representatives trying to take Florida’s deficit out on State Employees? Why in the world would they even consider touching their benefits? Florida State employees are paid less than the majority of States in the U.S., and we were willing to do so, because we have a solid retirement system to count on in our “golden years”. Though many other States had better salaries we were still willing to stay in Florida and stick it out year after year with no increase in pay. Now they are trying to reduce our benefits, and even cancel some of the major ones we have planned our futures around. After 25 to 30 years of service they plan to penalize those that faithfully stayed through the rough times of no increase in pay, and if we did get one they took it back by increasing our insurances payments?
It is a known fact that Florida is 2nd to last for it’s cost per capita for state services, this alone should make you leave our retirement benefits alone.
There are millions of citizens in Florida, increase taxes if you must, but share this deficit around, look at your salaries and benefits and cut them out, let’s see how that works for you?
We can’t begin to believe what Representative Costelos has proposed for Law Enforcement?
Most officers never know what day or hour will be their last, and they may never come home to their families, yet they put their lives on the line to work, and protect us, and the laws these Representatives put into place. It is a fact that many of them will not live to enjoy the money they earn, because after 25 years the stress begins to show on every one of them and the death rate is higher after retirement with police officers also. The drop was an incintive to stay and receive a nest egg not to have to worry about the cost of living, and finally be free of any bills for once in their lives.
To our Legislative Bodies: We are tired of your “Promises” to vote as we ask you to, and not see
the results of your “Promises” after Legislature meets. We know enough to check on each of you online and see how you voted on issues presented.
We wil all be watching you Representative and Senators in Florida come election time from now on and the question we will be asking is: “How are you going to vote on the bills presented to legislature on the Florida Retirement system”. Our votes will reflect how we intend to change your jobs to someone who will care about their constituents, and that’s our “Promise” to you!!!!

Does everything in life have to be a disappointment????? What is wrong with our representatives…have you lost your mind completely. We have worked and planned for the Drop program and just went into it this school year so if you have your way we will only have 2.5 years in DROP which is only half of what we planned for. All of our plans for our future and our children will just go up in smoke. I am soooo over our government!!! I can only hope that what you propose for us comes to bite you and you end up with less!!! At some point I hope you can come to your senses and realize what you are proposing will ruin peoples lives and life is hard enough right now without having to find out that you have worked your whole life for nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LK

Does everything in life have to be a disappointment????? What is wrong with our representatives…have you lost your mind completely. We have worked and planned for the Drop program and just went into it this school year so if you have your way we will only have 2.5 years in DROP which is only half of what we planned for. All of our plans for our future and our children will just go up in smoke. I am soooo over our government!!! I can only hope that what you propose for us comes to bite you and you end up with less!!! At some point I hope you can come to your senses and realize what you are proposing will ruin peoples lives and life is hard enough right now without having to find out that you have worked your whole life for nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LK

I totally disagree with this! I don’t expect a Representative& Dentist to truly understand how unfair this Bill is to someone that has worked and worked their butts off to support a family. Being the daughter of a single mother, is hard. Im 21 now, and I can remember always having to be second in moms eyes, because the state of Florida had to come first just give me something to eat. Granted that is a blessing all on its own, but the time lost with my mom will never be returned. She has worked as a CO for 19 years,pulled doubles,went days without seeing me or getting any sleep to go and watch some prevert that shouldn’t get all my moms time. It’s hard growing up going without somethings, that your kids will never go without, because she hasn’t gotten a raise in 6 years from the state. She has worked so hard to retire in 8 years just to be there for me as much as she can and make up time she lost with me, with her grandkids I will bless her with in a few years. But now you think you can just come in here and say “Oh, I think I will be a better person and take everything this hard workers have earned. It will make me sleep better at night!!” Well newsflash buddy, your not helping anyone in this world except yourselve! I think a state employee should get a lot more than what ya’ll give them. You go to work and clean teeth, my mom goes to work A LOT more than you do in a week, and has to listen to smart-mouth, nasty preverts, then come home. When she gets home, she cleans,cooks,and then struggles and even cries sometimes because she has no clue how to pay the bills! But like I said, I don’t expect you to understand.

I totally disagree with this! I don’t expect a Representative& Dentist to truly understand how unfair this Bill is to someone that has worked and worked their butts off to support a family. Being the daughter of a single mother, is hard. Im 21 now, and I can remember always having to be second in moms eyes, because the state of Florida had to come first just give me something to eat. Granted that is a blessing all on its own, but the time lost with my mom will never be returned. She has worked as a CO for 19 years,pulled doubles,went days without seeing me or getting any sleep to go and watch some prevert that shouldn’t get all my moms time. It’s hard growing up going without somethings, that your kids will never go without, because she hasn’t gotten a raise in 6 years from the state. She has worked so hard to retire in 8 years just to be there for me as much as she can and make up time she lost with me, with her grandkids I will bless her with in a few years. But now you think you can just come in here and say “Oh, I think I will be a better person and take everything this hard workers have earned. It will make me sleep better at night!!” Well newsflash buddy, your not helping anyone in this world except yourselve! I think a state employee should get a lot more than what ya’ll give them. You go to work and clean teeth, my mom goes to work A LOT more than you do in a week, and has to listen to smart-mouth, nasty preverts, then come home. When she gets home, she cleans,cooks,and then struggles and even cries sometimes because she has no clue how to pay the bills! But like I said, I don’t expect you to understand.

Much of the launguage in this bill appaers to be in direct conflict with the Florida Constiution and established case law. Article I, Section 10 of the Florida Constitution provides that no law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed. This constitutional provision has been interpreted by the Courts to protect vested pension benefits. Once an individual has attained eligibility for a retirement benefit, the benefit is afforded constitutional protection. Mark Davy what is your opinion on this?

Much of the launguage in this bill appaers to be in direct conflict with the Florida Constiution and established case law. Article I, Section 10 of the Florida Constitution provides that no law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed. This constitutional provision has been interpreted by the Courts to protect vested pension benefits. Once an individual has attained eligibility for a retirement benefit, the benefit is afforded constitutional protection. Mark Davy what is your opinion on this?

I am not a lawyer so my opinion is just that. I hope you are correct. Changing statutes would seem to be one thing, changing the constitution is probably an entirely different issue. One would think that legislators would investigate the legality of a bill before proposing it, but who knows.

I am not a lawyer so my opinion is just that. I hope you are correct. Changing statutes would seem to be one thing, changing the constitution is probably an entirely different issue. One would think that legislators would investigate the legality of a bill before proposing it, but who knows.

Should have collected welfare our whole lives instead of being responsible, hard-working Floridians who tried to plan our futures. Florida has always been the land of scheistets. Can I sell you a Florida Retirement System. This time our government sold it’s workers the swamp land. No more DROP–fine where do I sign up for food stamps? Thanks, Florida, for living up to your reputation for ripping people off.

Igsmyjob hit the nail on the head! I too am a single mom who could have gone with the county but chose to stay with the state mostly because of the benefits if they take this from us there will be no reason for the state employees to stay we are not competitive with our pay never have been and now we won’t even be competitive with our benifits. for the officer’s up north who voted for this man. I hope your satisfied he will be taking these things from you also, and you help put him in office.

Well there we go again. No raises for the past couple years, no cost of living increase the past couple years, no merit raise past couple years. Poverty level? I have to look up to see that level. I’m an animal officer, so I guess we don’t matter anymore either. Unless someones pit bull bites one of these politicians, but then i’d have to put the poor dog down because it would be poisoned from teh politician. Only reasons I stayed with the job is the fact I love the job, the animals and the benies. I guess it’s time to go live with the wife in The Netherlands.

Dear Mr. Frederick Costello,

I don’t really think you are aware of the situation Correctional Officers, and and anybody in Law Enforcement encounter on a daily basis. I am a correctional Officer and not only we have to deal with lack of proper equipment, but we are constantly short of staff, therefore we are always pulling doubles and not getting paid for it, we only get flexed. So not only our initial pay is pretty low to begin with, but we have to deal with the worst that society has to deal with. In my institution we are having an officer getting assaulted, at least once a week!!!! And let’s not forget how Police Officer are pretty much getting killed on the line of duty, so if that’s not risky I don’t know what is, actually I do know what is, and that is you sitting on your chair, in your air conditioned office and make these kind of disfunctional decisions without knowing what reality is!!!

Mr. frederik costello , you need to go back to elementary school, good luck with your career in florida, you are going to need it , terrble in math…… learn some common sense..

We work for lower paying positions in the government sector than what a person in the private sector would make already. The retirement/drop plan is the only incentive to stay in a low paying job. If it is taken away from us? Just think how many teachers and maintenance personal would leave our public school systems. Further more if you really want to cut cost, all Congress men, House of Rep., and Senators should have their benefits cuts also all together. What is good for one is good for all.

I hope all of the Cops STOP GIVING TICKETS and just give warnings instead. Its not like the state has increased all of the fines over 100% to keep up with inflation. Cut off their money supply. Another distibution of wealth. Take it from ther FRS and give it to someone who does not work.

This man has NO IDEA what living on a state salary or state retirement is like.He is a MILLIONARE living in a MILLION DOLLAR “PLUS” home & has NEVER wondered where the money would come from to pay ANY bills he may have had.He does NOT have a CLUE what being a POLICE OFFICER,PROBATION OFFICER,or a CORRECTIONAL OFFICER is like.I BET he would NEVER walk inside ANY of our STATE PRISONS “ALONE” because he knows what type people who live there nor would he walk a BEAT in MOST of Florida’s cities or checked up on a felon on probation on some backstreet off the beaten path.It’s EASY being HIGH & MIGHTY & too TAKE from others whom are less fortunate because you have a little authority.Remember Mr. Costello,”What goes around comes around”! I have almost 31 years in the Florida retirement system & upon my final days will hope to find another job just so I can afford HEALTH INSURANCE & to pay my mortgage tokeep a roof over me & my families heads.Again something YOU will NEVER understand or have to face.Put the shoe on the other foot & consider that it could be YOU & NOT me & thousands of other families whom you will destroy with this BAD BILL.

I don’t understand all of you elected officals I’m a state correctional officer you pepole act like we makesix figures a year salary we don’t we work for a lot less for our benifits we recieve.I recieve high risk retirement no one else would go inside the gates of a prison and put the life on the line with all the dieasese Iface everyday HIV,HEPATITIS,MERSA,STAPH, and other things that I,m not even aware of because of HIPPA LAWS.So if I become infected I will just have to tough it out.PLEASE LEAVE MY RETIREMENT ALONE THANK YOU.

Only the unlucky hard working people will pay the price and for such brainly thinking and I will go as for to say this will not effect his pockets of his lively hood

It is totally unfair to terminate DROP for those already enrolled!!! If you feel you have to do something, stop enrollment, but do NOT terminate those already enrolled–who have based their future and retirement on DROP.
2 married teachers depending on DROP for retirement

My God (oh I’m sorry that word is not suppose to be mentioned) what is going on here. I have spent over 25 years in Local & State Government working for the people of Florida. I have always worked hard to help each and every individual that lives in my home state to no end. Now, the one thing in my life that I thought I could count on is being stripped from me. I as many have had to put up with the politics of being employed with the government, but I always found it to be a great honor to help the people. This is not right, yes the drop has been misused, double dippers, people in high positions bringing in their buddies and pals right before it is time to retire, reclass their positions to a higher paying position, let them leave after their time and come back in 30 days to that higher paid position and be sitting in their great little worlds. I have worked in the public since I was 12 years old, I am now 52, what is going on. Why are people just sitting back and taking these changes from people that don’t have to worry where every penny comes from. It is already rediculous what we as normal (whatever normal is) people have to live on, making it from one payday to the next by stretching out every penny we can muster up. I am a white single woman, do you know how hard it is to go out and get a job. Well I can tell you because the first job I had working for a local politician was pulled out from under me after almost 22 years because in her mind I became a threat, which I was not because I am not a politician, I have ethics, morals and I actually can look a person in the eyes and tell the truth. It took me forever to be able to get into another position with the state so that I could add to my retirement years. So I left my only home that I ever new, moved a couple of hours away and started working for the State, hopfully get into the drop and have some money to pay my house off when I retire. There goes that dream. The bad thing about this is that I have Fibromyalgia, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Arthritis, Degenerative bone disease and I still pull myself in to work because I refuse to give into these medical issues and take a handout. Now, you don’t think that this is going to make my condition worse? You self centered politicians need a reality check, tomorrow you or someone you love could come up with the same problems. Don’t forget that one word that I was not suppose to mention at the beginning. God, does not let these things go, you are to treat others as you want to be treated.

I have taught in Florida for 29.45 years, let’s call it 30, and have 37.45 or 38, in the classroom with out of state experience. Florida leads the nation in so many aspects of education, but has rewarded those of us in the trenches inequitably at best. In state transfer cost me thousands when out of state transfers into Florida were given full credit for their experience. There were over 30 people in my district who had to step back in pay, until they reached top scale again, over 10 years ago. How can this “leader” even propose to make things worse for those of us approaching the zenith of our careers? I believe President Obama called me a “nation builder” during his state of the union. I believe that this bill is the equivalent of domestic terrorism.

As a FRS member with less than 1 1/2 years to my 25 years of service, I am particulary
Appaled by the very actions that are swimming through the
Legislation. I like all the other FRS members,have and are doing our service to all the Florida communities. In the era of cutbacks, do you realize that cutting back in the service of our Florida communities is just disastrous? When I took my Position in 1987, I did it for a number of reasons, and yes, the retirement and benefit package
Has kept me in this position. I planned for my future.
Many of the non-law enforcement friends that I have made throughout the years have said they could NEVER do my job. This is because of the many dangers and unpleastantries each and every day I urge you to reconsider this bill In it’s entirity for the safety of our Florida communities.

Good luck V0997 with that “Investment Option” when the stock market takes another crap. I hope you know what you are doing or have a good advisor. The state managed pension is a guaranteed pay out. I agree complaining and whining won’t help, but a little empathy is all these folks are asking for.

Roger, I workd for a Felony Circuit Judge. Believe me sit in court and you will see the risk. The defendant’s, their families, friends and threaten and do threaten the judges. They curse them, spit on their PDs, several prisoner’s threw feces on our baliff from the holding cell at the courthouse. The judges get threats all of the time and who is to say the threats are not real. When you are handing out life sentences and death penalties, you have plenty of high risk.

This is not a good method to correct any problems with the retirement system. You will only be hurting people that have vested years of their lives in this system. I am sure better plans can be made. Mr. Costello, you must be rich and a VERY UNCARING INDIVIDUAL. Y ou will make it where young people will no be willing to work in the public sector.

Absolutely amazing! These people sit on their collective asses in Tally and make decisons about compensation for people who do perform HIGH RISK functions in our society. I wonder if they are going to eliminate their FREE MEDICAL CARE for them and their families? How about thier LIFETIME pensions for getting elected TWICE in thier life. I am sick of politicians and vote them all out.

It is my understanding that the FRS is one of the most solvent systems in the entire nation. Infact with all the bad things happening the FRS is actually in great shape and is doing well to serve all the members for many years to come. Why are we messing with other than trying to raid the vault for the lack of generating any new monies from the Rebublican led legislature that always has a no new tax philosophy. This bill is a slap in the face to all the hard working police, firemen, and educators in our state who put in their time and provide our state and its citiizens with protection and lifetime literacy. Shame on Mr. Costello.

I don’t think legislators will be particularly swayed by employees and retirees complaining about being treated unfairly or promises being broken. The business issue for the state is whether it can treat its employees this way and still attract bright, capable, committed, ambitious people to come work for it.

Well said Housecalls!

In my opinion any new changes should not effect, current vested employees. We should be grandfathered in with what we have already been given, promised by the state. A majority of us have made career choices on the current benefits that we have been given, and worked toward and they should remain.
I suggest the majority who put any thought into this will not agree with Represenative Costello, out of respect for service, comitment and economic certainty.
What about high risk employees, law enforcement? Do you think if he had a tast of working for twenty five years he would want to work that much longer? We have stayed the course and worked hard to get vested, remaining through tough times when other choices with higher salaries were available. It’s to late for some of us now to start over toward the end of our career. We have made many sacrifices for our careers and the call of duty.

I wonder if Mr. Costello is willing to give up his gauranteed retirement for no matter how many years he is a congressman, which hopefully won’t be long. I know we all have to take cuts and accept changes, however, I am sickened by politicians that want us to accept major cuts to the benefits of the people that voted them in, but NEVER for themselves.

I have worked for 35 years started to work when I was 16. I have worked very hard and I just like all the other people believe that you all are very misguided. I think you folks need to go in to some of the public sector offices to see what real people do on a daily basis. I adopted a child 10 years ago and was very happy about drop because I thought it would at least help me pay for health insurance and my child. I should have known that once again the state legislature would let the very people they represent down.

We need addresses!!!!!! Email addresses and phone numbers!!!!!

WOW,REALLY? THIS IS ABSURD. AFTER TWO MIAMI COPS ARE MURDERED AND TWO ST. PETE COPS ARE MURDERED HE WANTS TO REDUCE THE HIGH RISK 3% TO 1.6%. TO SUGGEST THAT THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WEAR A BADGE DAILY ARE IN NO MORE DANGER THAN A CLERK IN THE STATE CAPITAL IS WRONG. I DID NOT SAY A CLERK WAS MURDERED. THEY WERE COPS IN A HIGH RISK CAREER DOING A VERY HIGH RISK ACTIVITY(TRYING TO ARREST DANGEROUS FELONS). WHATS WITH THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT OF 55? WHY NOT 60 OR 65? THATS WHAT WE NEED POLICE IN WHEELCHAIRS OR USING WALKERS RIGHT? IF I CALL FOR A POLICE RESPONSE IN A SCARY SITUATION AND THERE IS A VIOLENT 25 YEAR OLD BAD GUY DO I WANT A POLICE OFFICE IN HIS GOLDEN YEARS TO RESPOND? NO! NO! NO! I DONT THINK 55 IS BAD BUT IT WILL GET OLDER NEXT YEAR AND THE YEAR AFTER THAT IF THIS IS NOT STOPPED. PAY FREEZES, UNITS DOWNSIZED OR CUT ALTOGETHER, DOING MORE WITH LESS WHEN AND WHERE DOES IT STOP? ITS HIGH RISK FOR A REASON THE STRESS WEARS DOWN A PERSON AFTER 20 YEARS 25 IS LONG EOUGH NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE IT TAKES ITS TOLL!!

when i see this information in writing i will believe it. until then it is just words from a politician. My husband has retired with 36 years with the state as a wildland firefighter and took option 3 so I get his retirement when he passes and this bill will hurt us also. Politicians have their own insurance and retirement plan that is different then what we all get from the state, so they don’t have to worry about anything.

I think they only mention firefighters, policemen and teachers. I’m sure they have figured a way to work around their own pensions.

the cost of meds also went up as of jan. 1 so the what was called a pay increase is a big decrease. my husband monthly check is back to that it was when he retired 3 years ago. go figure. and they want to mess with what he does get. IT IS NOT BROKEN LEAVE IT ALONE.

i voted responsibly, i didnt vote for any of the ones that are in office right now. all the way to the president, so these people that are there now others put them there.

Charlie, you are pathetic. I’m a teacher who rarely even gets a lunch break. I have students with me all day. My job goes home with me at night, grading papers, planning, etc. Maybe you need to quit your job since you are lazy. That would be the right thing to do.

I agree that we need to overload Mr Costello’s inbox with mail and keep his phone lines jammed, but don’t stop there. We have a Governor and Lt. Governor who need to hear from us as well. I have sent out 15 emails tonight alone and will not stop there. The goal is to get the message to everyone in the House. Last but not least! Contact your representative and ask for town hall meetings. Read the statutes over and over and if needed get your fellow workers ready for a class action law suit.

What a bunch of hyprocrits these house of representatives are. Their base salary for newely elected officials like this dirt bag, is 174,000 to start. Public record. Some of these people are making upwards of 258,000 a year. And they want the little people to take cuts. Unreal. Lets start at the top. How about we reduce their pay to 35,000 a year. Oh, yeah, they get high risk retirement benefits, just like judges.

Class action law suit is right for me!!!

Not sure who would tell you not to “pass” this along because it is just a proposal. It could have been a well thought out proposal but it isn’t. You should pass it along to everyone you know. The more outraged the “people” are the better chance there is of having one of your elected representatives listen. BTW …all legislation starts out as a proposal and whole lot of bad ones are adopted and then “we” have to live with it.

Mark, I have read your reader’s comments with much interest. Thanks for providing timely information to your readership. As I read the comments I notice a lot of venting going on and that can be good as long as the “ventor” knows that venting usually doesn’t bring about positivie change. More work has to be done than just venting. I trust that your readers are motivated enough to put their frustrations aside and use their energy and power to put a stop to such a ridiculous ploy by Rep. Costello.

Dear Mr. Costello,

Are you kidding me? Its not enough for the worst of society to take shots at us, threatening to end our very existance, now we have to worry about the likes of you attempting to destroy our future. The tone of this bill wreaks of anti special risk employees. You, sir should be ashamed of this proposal and do some serious soul searching and think about what it is you are really doing. We put our lives on the line everyday so that you and your family can sleep at night and for what? To have the likes of you attempt to dismantle what we’ve worked for in order to secure a future for our families who have to endure so much as we have served our respective communities. Thanks for nothing sir. Looking forward to your response.

TAXES pay your benefits and your salaries and when tax money is not coming in anymore by the billions something has to give. So suck it up and work everyday for your salary like the rest of Floridians have to do. Otherwise quit your job and get on welfare.

I think we need to clean house in America. This country is in an economic freefall, and it has nothing to do with the little man on the state’s payroll. I work in a very HIGH risk job in one of the worst, crime ridden cities in Florida and the state has the nerve to say,”I think we need to pay them less, and OH why not take away their reason to stay in this job. I agree with some of the previous captions. Take away one of the only reason people do this high risk, life threatening job and nobody will want it. I strongly believe if you spent some time out on the streets, or in the trenches with us you may understand where we are all coming from. If this country continues the way it is progressing, I do believe we will not have a Military soon, as well as a Police department to save their rearends. “MR Honorable” if you believe having this bill past will benefit the Florida financial system you sir are sadly mistaken. I believe a large amount of professionals will leave the career field and seek better employment, maybe in another country like China that continues to fund POLITICIAN’S mistakes and large spending budgets. Basically before we start taking away from the little man why don’t we fix the problems from the top down. I know thats not the American way but as our “SO CALLED” leader of the FREE people stated, “WE NEED A CHANGE”. To me it looks like the only change coming is that I need to probably learn how to speak chinese. So look deep into someone elses budget, and retirement payouts and cut them down. For example, POLITICIAN’S.

Send this dentist into a hostile environment, a prison or jail housing unit for 12 hours or a blazing house. I don’t know if it will change his pea sized mind, but it’s worth a try. Mitch

If you are in the investment side of the FRS this should not affect you! On that side money is not calculated by years of service! You do not have to wait 10 years to be vested you are vested after 1 year, there is no restrictions on the time that you are required to work prior to retiring. Go to the investment side and you will have TOTAL control of your money!

Check out this article: http://www.floridacapitalnews.com/article/20110127/CAPITOLNEWS/101270315&theme=

Not only do we need to bother this representative, but ALL of our esteem Florida reps. that don’t seem to actually represent their people. I’ve put in 29 years in the Broward County system and thought I would go into DROP for the next 5 years after my 2012 retirement – I don’t want to sound like I’m whining, BUT, I am and I will write to all concerned that life is not about being fair it’s about doing the right thing……

I actually thin reining in bloated cop and fireman benefits is well-justified since they are now able to get at least double what other public employees receive and retire grossly early if they wish….AT the expense of all other public employees from educators to prison guards. Some real equity is in order. Again-except for cops and firemen-no one else can include OVERTIME to inflate their retirement calculations!

Take a good look at this idiots picture….this is what organized crime looks like. Apparently he cares nothing for the hard working, honest people out there risking their lives everyday to protect idiots like him. There are soooo many other ways to cut the budget other than taking away what we have worked so hard for. You go to work everyday not knowing if you are coming home to your family or not, plan your future for your retirement for what? SO some DENTIST who’s biggest concern is what tie to wear to work can suggest taking it all away. Start making cuts like elective officials give up their retirement, give up collecting social security that they don’t pay into, give up their business expenses for family trips and fancy dinners. Other ways are in our prison system – lets make the criminals accountable for their actions. Sure we send them to prison, but then we give them everything and baby them because we need to be humane. I am sure that they were not humane when they killed, raped or molested children. Make them pay for what they get (medical, dental, meals…ect). If I get sick I have to pay to see a doctor. If I have a headache I have to buy my own Tylenol. If I want to eat I have to buy groceries. But kill someone and the state will make sure you are taken care of for the rest of your life. We all make choices in life – they chose to break the law – stop glorifying crime and rewarding them. START rewarding those of us who chose to serve, protect and teach the children of the future. AGAIN….IF THIS PASSES FLORIDA WILL BE IN A WORLD OF HURT IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. Who will want to visit or live in a state that protects the criminals?

I understand the need to balance a budget, yet the picture says it all…we employees who have worked 20yrs or more will loose all the way around with this bill. Many of us took a lower paying job due to benefits provided which in turn gave incentive to remain in a lower paying job over the years just so we would have some income to live off when retired. If this bill passes, it should include all elected congress and legislators, since majority of the laws made by them do not even touch them. The lower middle class employee ends up being shafted and expected to take it without any resistance. I say it’s time for our representatives to remember who is paying their salary; revise or veto this bill to reflect that any new employee would come in at a lower rate. This maximum % we all know will go to the elected or higher paying position which in turn will accrue long term more than the lower paying position. This bill will cause current employees to rethink why they work in a lower paying position and have such a low return value and possibly a major jump from state, county, local government to the private world. What will happen to the public for safety in law enforcement or fire response when the staff on board is serverly limited and overworked? More than likely, an increase in crime, unemployment, local economy affected which will cause an extremely slow improvement to our current economic recession. Hello! The middle class worker is tired of footing the bill for the rest of the world. Give us at least what has rightfully been earned from all the years of service.

FloridaCitizen, you possibly have your facts askew. Florida Police and Fireman DON’T get twice the benefit, and they have no special treatment for overtime. They are, however, given special credit for the simple fact that doing there job puts their life at risk on a daily basis. You may disagree, but I believe their benefits are not even remotely unfair.

The politicians are members of the elected class of FRS, and get a percentage of their pay similar to everyone else in FRS.

This is totally unfair and I highly dissagree with this bill. The DROP and other benefits should be grandfathered in for those employees who were promissed these benefits when they were hired. After working 25 years and expecting to go into the DROP in another two years and then find out they want to drop the DROP and other benefits is sickening. You should be ashamed of yourself for treating loyal employees this way. Again, this is not right, unfair and I totaly dissagree with the bill.

This is totally unfair and I highly dissagree with this bill. The DROP and other benefits should be grandfathered in for those employees who were promissed these benefits when they were hired. After working 25 years and expecting to go into the DROP in another two years and then find out they want to drop the DROP and other benefits is sickening. You should be ashamed of yourself for treating loyal employees this way. Again, this is not right, unfair and I totaly dissagree with the bill.

Help me understand this. If when we are in DROP, they take our pension and place it in a money earning institution and that is where the “extra” money came from. If this is true, why would they want to stop it? If it doesn’t cost them more, the only reason I could see is to get the “higher” paid employees out. Please help me understand this a little better. Thanks

Help me understand this. If when we are in DROP, they take our pension and place it in a money earning institution and that is where the “extra” money came from. If this is true, why would they want to stop it? If it doesn’t cost them more, the only reason I could see is to get the “higher” paid employees out. Please help me understand this a little better. Thanks

I would rather SEE ALL legislators and politicians drop their pay to match that of
the AVERAGE teacher pay and cut off all perks like travel, luncheons, lobbists connections, retirement account and insurance.

There are a lot of us “really” hurting out here, especially with health problems and prescription needs.

I would rather SEE ALL legislators and politicians drop their pay to match that of
the AVERAGE teacher pay and cut off all perks like travel, luncheons, lobbists connections, retirement account and insurance.

There are a lot of us “really” hurting out here, especially with health problems and prescription needs.

Keep in mind that all these elected officials are well off, and it won’t affect them to lose or downgrade their state retirement, since they have other sources of income, unlike the rest of us working people.

Keep in mind that all these elected officials are well off, and it won’t affect them to lose or downgrade their state retirement, since they have other sources of income, unlike the rest of us working people.

Speak for yourself Crisp, low stress, maybe your job was but I’ve been in state government for almost 30 years and I’ve had some very stressful jobs. I think most state workers are very hard working with a few exceptions. Not everyone is lazy as you say. It’s the politicians that want everyone to believe that state workers are lazy and don’t work hard, that’s because most of the people in Florida don’t work in state government and the politicians think it makes them look good to rail against government (state workers) because the non state workers like it. The non state workers have no idea what we do and for how little. The politicians make the big money so they are not worried about our retirement or anything else that affects us. I don’t know what agency you were with for 25 years but just because you had a cushy job and you saw some other lazy people (like yourself) doesn’t mean that all other agencies or state workers are the same. I’ve worked my butt off for almost 30 years and I deserve to get a decent retirement benefit. I am actually ashamed to work for state government any more because the state workers are treated like red headed step children. Nothing would make the politicans and non government workers more happy than to see all the state buildings in Tallahassee empty. I’d like to know how they plan to run things without us. Bad bill, kill it and kill it now. We can only hope and pray that it won’t pass.
Angrytothemax

Speak for yourself Crisp, low stress, maybe your job was but I’ve been in state government for almost 30 years and I’ve had some very stressful jobs. I think most state workers are very hard working with a few exceptions. Not everyone is lazy as you say. It’s the politicians that want everyone to believe that state workers are lazy and don’t work hard, that’s because most of the people in Florida don’t work in state government and the politicians think it makes them look good to rail against government (state workers) because the non state workers like it. The non state workers have no idea what we do and for how little. The politicians make the big money so they are not worried about our retirement or anything else that affects us. I don’t know what agency you were with for 25 years but just because you had a cushy job and you saw some other lazy people (like yourself) doesn’t mean that all other agencies or state workers are the same. I’ve worked my butt off for almost 30 years and I deserve to get a decent retirement benefit. I am actually ashamed to work for state government any more because the state workers are treated like red headed step children. Nothing would make the politicans and non government workers more happy than to see all the state buildings in Tallahassee empty. I’d like to know how they plan to run things without us. Bad bill, kill it and kill it now. We can only hope and pray that it won’t pass.
Angrytothemax

I agree….work all those years..with loyalty and dedication and for them to rob us blind?? This new Govenor ran and won on the premise of all these new jobs for floridans but i bet if people knew that retired people would pay the price for it the vote might not have been the same.

The DROP was intended to be “cost neutral”, but in all likelihood isn’t. It was also designed to keep people from retiring at age 62, and encouraging them to stick around for 5 more years. That is no longer desirable, so maintaining the DROP program, from a legislators perspective, in a bad economy could be hard to justify. FRS pays you your pension, plus 6.5%, plus they still pay your salary and benefits. It is not cheap. That said, to arbitrarily terminate everyone on an arbitrary date is pretty rediculous. If they want to stop people from entering DROP, that is one thing, but to penalize those who already have????

The DROP was intended to be “cost neutral”, but in all likelihood isn’t. It was also designed to keep people from retiring at age 62, and encouraging them to stick around for 5 more years. That is no longer desirable, so maintaining the DROP program, from a legislators perspective, in a bad economy could be hard to justify. FRS pays you your pension, plus 6.5%, plus they still pay your salary and benefits. It is not cheap. That said, to arbitrarily terminate everyone on an arbitrary date is pretty rediculous. If they want to stop people from entering DROP, that is one thing, but to penalize those who already have????

I agree that the system must be changed in order to keep it solvent but I also believe the government has the responsibility to honor its contracts with its current members. Therefore, I believe all current empolyees should be grandfather in under the current system and these changes apply only to new members. Better yet I like the 401k type retirement system some states are now considering for new employees, This way they don’t lose their retirement benefits if they choose to leave for a private sector job. I strongly urge the state not to have a knee jerk reaction to the current economic conditions as we all know our economy will eventually recover and urge a 401k type system be adopted for all new employees.

I just read your article, and I have to say that I have many concerns. I have spent many years teaching Florida’s youth, and I’m currently in the drop program. I have worked so hard over the years, as has many other wonderful teachers, and to get benefits taken away would be such a punch in the face for teachers. To me, this proposal is saying “hey, you all need to work a lot harder, but we’re going to cut your benefits and make you suffer after you retire.” Even more so, you’re making it harder for us to retire. It’s hard enough as it is to find good qualified teachers. Now it’s going to be even harder because most are often underpaid and now the retirement benefits will be dropping. Do law makers have something against teachers? Think about it though, if it weren’t for teachers, we wouldn’t have law makers or judges.

Another jerk politician who will never consider cutting his own benefits nor those of his fellow parasitic political cronies. Their benefits are usually much better than ours, therefore more expensive. Ever hear of them discussing any cuts to their own salaries or benefits from city officials and count commissioners all they up to the congress and senate? Nah….

What does a Dentist know about high risk? I have been in the fire service for over 34 years and I know the struggles and hardships that firefighters, police, EMS personnel, and correction officers go through. I was raised in a police family and times were very hard! After all of the sacrifices and injuries I have substained for the communities I have served over the years, the politicians what to set the screws and tighten the rope and stick it to this and other public servants once again! Just remember this Mr. Polictician…while you sit in your warm and cozy home and your over stuffed office chair, I am out all hours of the night and day extinguishing fires that could well be your home or a family members home. Think about this….the next CPR I perform could be you when you keel over with a heart attack! When you recover, would you still feel the same way about cutting my retirement benefits? Think about it!!

WHAT A JOKE—35 YEARS OF TEACHING OUR YOUTH AND THEN YOU PULL THE RUG RIGHT OUT FROM OUR FEET–YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!!!OK NEW LAw–once elected to house–if you make a ridiculous law you should lose your job–put that up for vot!!!

Thank you for stating the facts.

I am very outraged that someone who will most likely be in office for four years, has the set forth to ruin the lives of dedicated state employees. I have stayed with the state despite not receiving a raise over the past seven years. The cost of living continues to rise yet we are punished for our dedication. The only thing that we have left are the benefits. If you want to run the state like a private agency start with raises. What are your plans for the 2.8 billion you claim that state will save? Are we going to see another deposition video of Rick Scott pleading the 5th? I have a proposal…why don’t Scott and Costello donate some of their millions to help off set the deficit.

They are FRS members, but if they are not vested it does not impact them. Most of these people serve a four year term and are not reelected. So, there is no impact. In addition, allot of them are retired and/or wealthy. For most of them their offices in Tallahassee is a hobby for them. They don’t care about our struggles or our futures.

Tax money is not coming because of welfare, yet someone still has to teach their children, put out their fires, guard those prisoners, etc., etc., etc…..we ARE working, and will keep working because we have pride. We’re just asking for some respect, and if we don’t stand together and ask, we shall not receive.

i worked 20 years and saraficed wages so i could be secure on the backside of my life.thats my money i earned it and deserve it,you have no rite to wreak my future.G F Y!!!!!!!

You work for 32K risking your life everyday as a LEO then they want to reduce your retirement and compensation. How much is my life worth? how about yours? If they make this happen for the county LEO’s who work for practically nothing being there when you need them I bet they will find other work and the type of people you have filling the protective service jobs will decrease in quality. But then maybe thats what the goverment wants

Future Retirement Benefits may need to change to accommodate Florida’s budget but taking away established benefits of your employees is an unethical business practice. We respectfully ask you to reconsider your recommendation concerning this matter.

 so I am not sure how this works. I have the 6 years vested, and am 60 years old, can I leave my job at school and still collect something from them when I retire? pjp

As long as you are vested you can, but you must be 62 in order to collect without a penalty.