A perfect analysis by Ed Ring of the California Policy Center of the list of suggestions by the League of California Cites (Retirement System Sustainability Study and Findings) and Ed's interpretation of each point. He also includes a "how to" guide for elected officials which is so good, so on-point, that I think we should send it to every elected official who serves us.
In a nutshell, the League of California Cities suggests we pay CalPERS more, raise taxes, cut services, make pension recipients pay more, and go into debt to pay off debt. There's only one appealing suggestion on that list, and it's the least likely to happen: make pension recipients pay more.
CalPERS voted yesterday to adopt a 20 year amortization, a move that will add even more pressure on our local governments, resulting in higher taxes and more cuts to services. A cynic might surmise that the local school districts were preparing for this additional burden by increased parcel taxes on local ballots.
Amazing what lengths our elected officials will go to avoid speaking out openly for pension reform. You might include in your email to those officials that their silence in the California Supreme Court cases is not going unnoticed by taxpayers.
Why, for instance, haven't our supervisors voiced support of the Marin County Employees Retirement Association in MAPE vs MCERA? You'll find that answer in Ed's final suggestion to local elected officials: "Finally, remind the members of public employee unions that merely opposing their leadership on pension policies does not automatically make you their enemy. Defined benefit pensions are superior to individual 401K plans, because they do not carry the market risk nor the mortality risk that is inherent in anyone’s individual 401K. But defined benefit plans must be fair to taxpayers, they must be financially sustainable, and the participants must pay their fair share."
Regards,
Jody
CSPP