Florida Chamber: Jackie Fulford’s Ruling an Affront to Taxpayers

Mark Wilson, the president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, released a statement late Tuesday criticizing Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulfords ruling Tuesday that a law requiring state employees to contribute 3 percent of their pay toward Florida's pension program is unconstitutional:

Todays ruling is an affront to the taxpayers and voters of Florida, Wilson stated in the release, adding that it's the work of "an activist" judge.

Once again Florida becomes the only state in the nation in which taxpayers must foot the entire retirement bill for state government employees and some local government workers that are part of the Florida Retirement System," Wilson said.

If Florida is going to grow our economy, pay teachers more, invest in infrastructure and focus on job creation, we must focus on modernizing government retirements to reflect the realities of our state and of the private sector.

While investing in our economy and our teachers is a priority of many, it would be ironic if the union lawsuit that brought forward this activist judges ruling actually reduced the salaries of government workers and the union members they represent by 3 percent.