The Sunshine State, most commonly known for warm days, cool nights, soft winds, and an abundance of oceanfront condos, has entered an era where the sunshine is eclipsed by a dark cloud of financial desperation. Not unlike many other states, Florida faces a huge deficit; a deficit that threatens to collapse the financial security of the state. With the election of a Republican governor intent on preventing the state from sure bankruptcy by reducing spending and finding ways to close the financial gap between revenue and expenditures the political landscape is charged with anxiety by those who may very well be the targets of revenue generating initiatives. Public sector employees, fire, police, and particularly teachers have become the focus of editorials demanding that they pay more (or in some cases pay something more than zero) for their health care and retirement plans. Not unlike Michigan, and other states facing financial disaster, Florida has seized the opportunity to confront longstanding contracts that provided teachers with very favorable health care and retirement benefits. The clarion call is for reform that demands greater participation by public sector employees in both areas. The rationale is that private sector employees contribute far more significantly than their public sector peers. Valid argument or not, the paper is rife with Letters to the Editor excoriating teacher in particular for tenure that protects the less able teachers from being terminated with difficult and time-consuming processes. Unfortunately, the issue of financial benefits has become entwined with other working conditions associated with collective bargaining. How this will ultimately unravel the discussion is very much in doubt. In any case, those of us in the profession will need to steel ourselves for a continuing assault and be ready to present cogent and convincing arguments for continuation of the status quo.
As for me, I will spend some time returning to the original Florida mantra: Sunshine, Sunshine, Sunshine and let the controversy continue as I contemplate what book to read, how much sunblock to wear, and when adult beverage time begins. It must be 5:00 somewhere. More later.
Sr. Moody
