Government Relations

RETIREMENT LEGISLATION AND THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE PUZZLE

The retirement bills that have passed their respective legislative chambers were part of the 2010-11 budget process and are known as budget conforming bills. These bills, listed below, are available to Legislators for horse trading during Conference Committee negotiations. 

HB 5701 by Rep. Rivera, R-112, Miami

HB 5701 is a bill eliminating the Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) for FRS retirees and it passed the House of Representatives.  This bill will eliminate a benefit that FRS retirees receive; consisting of a $5 per month subsidy for each year of service they have been credited under the FRS benefit plan.  The subsidy is capped at 30 years of total service, which equals up to $150 per month subsidy toward their monthly insurance coverage for retirees.  For retirees receiving the maximum benefit, this amounts to loss of $1,800 per year – that’s an $1800 out-of pocket loss that the retiree will have to replace while trying to make ends meet on a fixed income! 

Please open the attached link for a listing of our current legislators.  Names, addresses, e-mails and phone numbers are included.

RESOLUTION 2008-01

SUPPORT OF EDUCATION REFERENDUM

WHEREAS, the Citizens of Pinellas County voted in November of 2004 to allow the School Board to levy up to one half mill for “necessary operating expenses including funds to recruit and retain high quality teachers; preserve reading programs and music and art classes; and provide up-to-date textbooks and technology, with oversight of these expenditures by an independent citizens financial oversight committee; and

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