Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez addresses media at the unveiling of landmark financial reform legislative package.  Photo: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami.

(Miami, FL)- Miami City Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez today announced at a landmark financial reform legislative package that will establish financial practices that safeguard the City’s future financial health.

“Actions speak louder than words and this package of legislation takes decisive action to save taxpayers a significant amount of money,” Sanchez said. “I am confident the City Commission will vote unanimously on each piece of legislation to tighten the purse strings now and forever.”

The reforms, to be voted on during the September 24 City Commission meeting, will:
•       Eliminate pensions for all future elected officials.
•       Require that all collective bargaining agreements be reviewed by the City’s Finance Committee prior to submission to the City Commission for approval.
•       Prohibit executive employees from joining the costly general employees’ pension system. 
•       Take away the ability of non-union employees to cash out unused leave for huge payouts.

The experts on the Finance Committee recently issued a report detailing how the City’s pending agreements with its four unions are creating a salary and pension burden that will bankrupt the City unless modified. The City Commission took action its September 10 meeting to review a court case that drives up pensions costs.