TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Its always a hot debate between lawmakers during the legislative session, pension reform is back on the desks of state leaders that could eliminate the pension for good.
"I think its going to be positive for taxpayers, and i think its going to offer a wonderful benefit for a future state workers as well," said Brodeur, (R) District 28.
Representative Jason Brodeur is sponsoring the bill. He said if the state eliminates the pension also known as the defined benefit plan it'll save millions of dollars in the long run.
House bill 7011 calls for several changes that only apply to "future enrollees" in 2014 and other years to follow.
It requires new state, teachers, and county workers to participate in the investment plan which ultimately depends on how well you invest, it eliminates options to apply for disability benefits, and expands investment plan options.
"A lot of the folks that are asking that they're taking there plan away, they are inaccurate because it doesn't effect anybody who's currently enrolled in the system."
Some republican lawmakers say it simply empowers employees to invest in their own retirement. But democrats like representative Alan Williams say it would have an major affect on those right here in Tallahassee.
"It will have an impact on how we get those folks to come here, how we keep those students at Florida A&M and Tallahassee Community College who want to go into state government who find the work of public service noble," said Williams (D) District 8.
But with much opposition from the public, the bill passed the house Appropriations committee 12-9 with a party line vote. Williams hopes the Governor Scott will give them some feedback about the issue along the way.
"We hope that he would hear some of the arguments that we're making and know this isn't the the time to do what this bill is looks to accomplish," said Williams.
The bill heads to the house State Affairs committee, a similar bill is in the senate.
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