Attacks on Public Employee Pensions Likely Through 2012 Elections

Attacks on public employee pensions continue to surface from a variety of sources in an even wider variety of venues. CAPE members are, by now, familiar with the attempts by pension reform advocates to place pension-cutting proposals on the ballot for voter approval. All of the ballot measures submitted so far have failed to secure the necessary number of signatures, but enough time still remains to submit, circulate and qualify initiatives for the November 2012 Presidential Election ballot.

The second point of attack, also known to CAPE members, is the Governor's pension reform legislative package. That package of bills was introduced in February by Republican members of the California Legislature. The measures are still pending in the Assembly and Senate policy committees, with Republicans demanding hearings on their 'broad-brush', one-size-fits-all reforms. Democrats are resisting hearing the measures until a more refined approach can be developed; one that prevents causing damage and additional costs to state and local public agencies.

Through all of the exchanges, there is a pattern that attempts to blame public employees for public agency budget deficits -- real or imagined. CAPE representatives have been countering those arguments publicly and in private meetings with County and state officials. When the debate boils down to a fight over legislation or at the ballot box, the only tool we have is our Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions. Educating voters and gaining access to elected officials is achieved only through political activity -- supported by the CAPE FAIR PAC. Click here to join CAPE FAIR PAC today!