Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Chairman Del Beccaro Supports Republican Leaders' Call for Action on Pension Reform

California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro today issued the following statement in support of Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff and Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway’s call for committee discussion of Governor Brown’s “Twelve Point Pension Reform Plan:”

“Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York and Former Governor of Pennsylvania Edward Rendell helped usher through much needed pension reform for their respective states, easing the financial burden on hardworking taxpayers.

“So far, in California, the only obstacle in the way of tackling the pension system’s massive unfunded liability is Governor Jerry Brown and members of his own party. Brown should govern all of California and not just the special interests, by demanding immediate legislative action on his ‘Twelve Point Pension Reform Plan.’ Inaction for 5-months after introduction of the plan makes it seem as if the Governor and legislative Democrats are simply hoping the pension crisis will go away.”

BUDGET FACT:
State Pension General Fund costs for CalPERS has risen from $370 million in 2001-02 to $2.1 billion in 2011-12, a $1.7 billion increase. To put this in perspective, the state spends $2 billion annually to fund the 23 campus California State University.