FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For More Information Contact:

December 1, 2010 Ray Edmondson, Jr., CEO

800-842-4064

FPPTA Launches Public Service Project

Tallahassee --- The FPPTA recently has launched a new public service project, the Faces of

Florida…real people, real stories campaign that is designed to educate public officials, lawmakers and

taxpayers about the critical importance of maintaining defined benefit public pension plans for public

employees. A “Learn the Facts” public service announcement has been produced as part of the campaign

and can be viewed on the Faces of Florida screen on the organization’s web site (www.fppta.org).

The campaign was initiated in response to the growing public perception that taxpayers cannot

afford retirement benefits for public employees, many of whom serve in first responder and public safety

positions. Among the most common misunderstandings about public pension plans is the assumption that

replacing them with 401(k) accounts will be less expensive for taxpayers. In fact, a traditional guaranteed

benefit pension plan can be as much as 40 percent less expensive to operate. Moreover, a 401(k) style

account would not provide employees with the disability or survivor benefits that are critical to public

safety workers. Municipalities would have to purchase those benefits separately at significant expense to

taxpayers.

Of particular concern to the FPPTA is the demonization of public employees who are commonly

maligned in public discussions about pension plan economics. They too often are portrayed as a faceless

over-indulged collective, receiving lavish retirements at the expense of taxpayers. The Faces of Florida

project will reinforce the fact that public employees are people who serve in vital capacities to ensure the

safety and comfort of taxpayers, and that their service too often comes at a price much higher than the

cost of their benefits.

- more -

FPPTA Public Service Announcement

Page 2 of 2

The Faces of Florida project will present the real life stories of Florida’s public servants,

highlighting their professional skills, their personal experiences, and the reasons they pursued public

sector careers. Their real stories will include the many instances when their commitment or initiative has

surpassed required performance and has positively impacted the public, whether providing police and fire

services, emergency response, or the daily demands of power, water, sewer, and road services.

The campaign also is designed to keep policy makers aware of the FPPTA as an information

resource for public pension trustees, municipal leaders and financial managers regarding the operation

and management of (guaranteed) defined benefit pension plans.

# # #

The Florida Public Pension Trustees Association is a non-profit organization that was

established in 1984 and provides educational and support services to pension boards throughout the

state. More than 225 of the state’s 488 pension boards are FPPTA members. Programs include local

continuing education courses, a trustee certification program, seminars and the annual professional

development conference for members statewide.