Hearings have begun in a case against a new Florida law that requires public employees to put 3% of their pay into the Florida Retirement System. The law is being challenged by public workers unions, including the Florida Education Association and some individual workers. The unions say that law violates the Florida Constitution. The state is arguing that the state has the authority under budgeting powers. The judge questioned some of the state's claims as to its powers, and pointed out the long-term effects of the laws on pensions for workers.
See "Judge hears Fla. retirement contribution case", Bill Kaczor, The Miami Herald, October 26, 2011