Teachers concerned 2 bills could impact unions, retirement

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Teachers are keeping a close eye on two bills that could impact their union and retirement.

The bills are making their way through the state legislature. One bill could keep new teachers from getting a pension. The other could put unions in jeopardy.

Senate Bill 84 blocks new teachers from the pension program.

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Dan Smith, president of the teachers union in Seminole County, worries it may also put funds at risk.

Republican lawmakers argue the bill is about fiscal responsibility.

The bill has already passed the Senate and is making its way through the House of Representatives.

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Sen. Dennis Baxley, who represents part of Marion, Lake and Sumter counties, sponsored Senate Bill 1014. It calls for new restrictions on teachers unions, including eliminating the direct deduction of dues from paychecks.

The same rules do not apply to firefighter or police unions.

“They’re in a very different posture in that they’re defending us, our very lives,” Baxley said.

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Less money could put local teachers unions in jeopardy.

“Florida passed legislation two years ago that if our membership falls below 50%, we are decertified,” Smith said.

Cox Media Group