Sen. Alex Villalobos and Rep. Dan Gelber Join UTD in announcing sweeping Legislative changes to FRS 

United Teachers of Dade President Karen Aronowitz, together with Republican State Senator Alex Villalobos and Democratic State Representative Dan Gelber announced a bold new legislative initiative to amend the State law governing teacher retirement pay at UTD Headquarters on Friday.   

Long time supporters of public school education, Sen. Villalobos and Rep. Gelber, have agreed to sponsor legislation during the upcoming 2007 Legislative Session to improve retirement benefits for public school employees.  Many state lawmakers are expected to support the legislative change.  Rep. Julio Robaina (R) and Sen. Fredrica Wilson (D) have already announced their support.   

           “Currently teachers and educational personnel receive a retirement based on a formula that is incredibly unfair.  Elected officials, some government administrators and other public employees receive credit at near double the rate than do teachers.  That’s wrong,” UTD President Karen Aronowitz said.  

          When a teacher retires her/his pension amount is determined by a formula that takes into account her/his highest five years of annual salary (e.g. $50,000).  Then that formula takes into account her years of service (e.g. 30 years of teaching).  The years of service is then multiplied by a “multiplier” of 1.6%.  (Given the above illustration … 30 years x 1.6 = 48%.)  The teacher’s pension (at her normal retirement date) will be 48% of her highest five years (48% x $50,000 = $24,000 yearly pension).  No changes have been made to the compensation rate since the Florida Retirement System was established in 1970.   

          The multiplier for judges, key administrators, fire and police employees is 3% instead of 1.6%.  “While we support the higher multiplier for these other deserving employees, teachers are surely worthy of the same treatment.  The sacrifice, devotion and dedication of our public school teachers is nothing short of remarkable.  They deserve equitable treatment under state retirement law,” Aronowitz said.