Forget About Pension Reform

Steven Greenhut: Sen. Mimi Walters’ statement today speaks volumes about the chances for pension reform in California these days:

“I am deeply disappointed that the Pension Conference Committee today ended public hearings without debate, discussion and a vote on the Governor’s pension reform language. The Legislature must provide the Governor with the courtesy of an up or down vote on his reform plan before it is cast aside in favor of a special interest plan that protects the status quo.

“The Governor’s pension reform plan, which is drafted word for word in SB 1176 (Huff) and SCA 18 (Huff) and supported by the entire Senate Republican Caucus, represents the minimum level of reform necessary to address the unsustainable costs and abuses of current public employee pension systems at both the state and local government levels.

“Unfortunately, it has become apparent that the work product of the Pension Conference Committee will consist of minor tweaks to the current system that are far too weak to address the underlying problems and growing costs that will be a burden on current and future generations of Californians. Our children and grandchildren will be paying for these public pensions while funding for education and public safety continues to suffer.

“I believe the people of California deserve the opportunity to weigh in on the Governor’s pension changes at the ballot in November 2012 and it is the responsibility of this Legislature to give them that opportunity.”

FEB. 28, 2012