Mike Haridopolos: Ruling against Pension Reform 'Judicial Activism'

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said a ruling against the law approved last year to require state employees to contribute to their pension would be the ultimate case of judicial activism."

And he added that if Leon County Judge Jackie Fulford rules for the state and public employees' union that is challenging the requirement that state employees contribute to their retirement fund, Florida leadership will appeal.

Should the judge rule against what is I think the law of the land of Florida, supported by the House and Senate and governor, that we would immediately challenge that because I think that would be the ultimate case of judicial activism, which is sadly nothing new for this particular judge, Haridopolos told reporters Monday.

Last year, Fulford ruled that legislators improperly advanced plans to privatize prisons in Central and South Florida by including the act as a proviso to the state budget rather than as a stand-alone bill.

Fulford has scheduled a hearing for 2 p.m. Tuesday on the pension challenge.