Rick Scott Announces State Employee Pension Reforms

On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott unveiled his reform plans for state employees, arguing that the changes he is backing will save Floridians almost $3 billion in the next two years. Scott called for state employees to place 5 percent of their salaries into the current pension system and have new employees enroll in retirement plans more similar to those of private-sector employees.

We must bring Florida in line with the private sector and nearly every other state in the country by requiring government workers to contribute toward their own retirement, said Scott. Government workers, like private-sector employees, deserve the opportunity to save for the future, but taxpayers shouldnt be asked to foot that bill alone.

Scott, who will unveil his entire budget on Monday, also plans to end cost of living adjustments for state employees who retire after the start of July, but noted current retirees will not be impacted.