TALLAHASSEE, FLA. (WTXL)--"The clerk will unlock the board and announce the vote. 74 yeas 42 nays Mr. Speaker, show the bill passes," said the orator.
It's a vote that could have a major impact on Florida's future state and county workers, teachers, and even those who help save lives.
Under house bill 7011, those workers would now be forced to invest into their own retirement plan much like 401 (K) plans. The measure only applies to new enrollees beginning in 2014.
But some lawmakers criticized the bill saying those workers will no longer have an incentive for working in government.
"We are asking future employees to work with no end or reward in site, rewarding our state employees should not be a game of chance, it should be a sure bet, not a game of chance, lets not expand gaming this way," said Rep. Joe Gibbons (D) District-100.
Supporters though, say it'll help save the state money.
"I'm supporting this bill because its time we act if we wait if we wait we will not have an option of crafting a bill that is both fair and fiscally responsible, when the system collapses the choices are made for us, and we cannot let that happen," said Ritch Workman (R) District-52.
But lawmakers in the senate have a different plan on how they want to reform the state's retirement system, their plan allows those worker to still have a choice.
The senate's bill allows workers to choose between the traditional pension plan and the investment plan. But if those new enrollees don't pick a plan, they're automatically enrolled into an investment plan the measure also would change the vesting period from 8 to 10 years.
Senators are offering an incentive to those workers who choose the investment option. They would only be required to contribute 2-percent to their retirement instead of the 3-percent they are currently contributing.
Lawmakers say they expect it to be much debate once the senate receives their plan.
