TALE OF THE TAPE
Lets See how politician pensions match up against the pensions of police and fire fighters.
How much of their own money does each contribute to their own pension???
|
JACKSONVILLE FIRE FIGHTERS |
Politicians pay 0% for their pensions. They are in the Florida Retirement System which is fully funded by you the taxpayer. |
Fire Fighters contribute 8% of their annual salary in to their pension. |
At what point of their career does each qualify for a pension????
JACKSONVILLE POLITICIANS |
JACKSONVILLE FIRE FIGHTERS |
Politicians qualify for a pension after 6 years. Term limits place most politicians back in the private sector after 8 years. Some bounce from Jacksonville to Tallahassee and back, bolstering their pension as a career politician. |
Fire Fighters qualify for a pension at 5 years. Unlike politicians, a fire fighter makes a minimum of a 20 year commitment to the City of Jacksonville. Many give 32 years. |
How Many Hours Does Each Work???
|
JACKSONVILLE FIRE FIGHTERS |
This varies. Some positions are full time. |
Fire Fighters work an average of 56 hours a week. 16 Hours more than the average person. Fire Fighters also receive overtime pay after 52 hours, not 40. |
How does Social Security factor into retirement benefits???
|
|
Politicians are participants in the Florida Retirement System. They are eligible to receive Social Security benefits. |
Fire Fighters do not qualify for Social Security benefits because the City of Jacksonville opted not to pay the 6.25% employer contribution for its workers.*** |
**** Critics will claim that fire fighters are still eligible to collect Social Security from their off day jobs. This is TRUE. However, on average, the rate they are allowed to collect is roughly 40% of what a regular person can collect. It is known as the Windfall Elimination Provision. This provision is a federal law that affects how the amount of a fire fighters retirement or disability benefit is calculated if they receive a pension from work where Social Security taxes were not taken out of your pay.
How Are The Different Pensions Invested???
JACKSONVILLE POLITICIANS |
JACKSONVILLE FIRE FIGHTERS |
Politicians are in the in the Florida Retirement System which has less stringent restrictions on investments. |
Jacksonville Fire Fighters currently have many restrictions set by politicians on what they can and cannot invest in. |
CHARTS AND GRAPHS
Pension Comparisons
What do pensions have in common with sick children, The Florida Lottery, Door Burners, the Book of Genesis, and the Katrina Twins???