I was struck by this section in this by the Marin IJ Editorial Board.
"Despite Howell’s report, however, pension reform remains a nonstarter in Sacramento. Gov. Gavin Newsom has hardly mentioned it as he listed challenges facing the state.
"He and other lawmakers know that to do so enrages public employee unions that have become powerful political forces across California."
Click here to read the editorial.
It is undeniably true, but rarely stated so bluntly and honestly. Kudos to the IJ Editorial Board.
The fact is that elected officials in all levels of government seem to be terrified of "enraging" public sector unions, starting at the top with Gavin Newsom. When, if ever, have you heard Marc Levine, Mike McGuire or Jared Huffman mention the pension crisis or the need for pension reform. Answer: never.
In a comment below the editorial in the online Marin IJ edition, I stated that voters must do their homework when supporting candidates for all offices. Check their campaign donations online and see who is financing them. Use this information to make your decisions. To date, most 'successful' candidates are receiving large support from public unions with guarantees of maintaining the status quo and watching out for their interests going forward.
We can't change the law that allows this, but we can withhold our support.
CSPP