As Florida’s legislative leaders enter budget conference and begin the final steps toward a landing, there is much to balance: taxpayer resources, competing priorities, and the long-term fiscal health of our state.
These are not easy decisions. I’ve been there.
But in moments like this, it’s important to step back and remember the people who are always there for us.
Florida’s first responders, our firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers, have shown up time and again when our state has needed them most. During Hurricane Michael, they ran toward devastation while others evacuated. In the wake of the Surfside building collapse, they worked tirelessly through the unimaginable to bring closure to families. And as wildland fires continue to threaten communities across our state, they remain on the front lines, protecting lives and property.
They do this work not for recognition, but because it’s a calling.
In 2011, Florida faced a very different fiscal reality. In order to stabilize the Florida Retirement System, lawmakers made the difficult decision to suspend the retirement cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for many public employees, including those in Special Risk Class positions. It was understood at the time that this was not permanent, but a measure to be revisited when the state was on stronger financial footing.
Today, Florida is in a far better position.
As lawmakers continue conversations around local government spending and long-term sustainability, it’s worth remembering that public safety is not just another line item – it is the backbone of our communities and our economy. Businesses don’t thrive, families don’t settle, and communities don’t grow without the stability that strong fire and police services provide.
Restoring a meaningful COLA for our first responders is more than retirement benefits – it’s about keeping a promise.
It’s about recognizing that these careers are physically demanding, often shorter than others, and come with risks most of us will never face. And it’s about ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to protecting Florida can retire with the security and dignity they’ve earned.
As the budget conference moves forward, I encourage legislative leaders to take this opportunity to finish strong. Supporting our first responders in this way is fiscally responsible, morally sound, and reflective of the values that make Florida such a great place to live.
At the end of the day, budgets are about priorities and Florida’s first responders should always be near the top of that list.
Jimmy Patronis Jr. is the Republican Congressman for Florida’s 1st District in the Panhandle.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: We must remember Florida’s first responders in budget talks | Opinion
Reporting by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, Guest columnist / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
