LaMalfa Demands a Vote on Co-authored Reform Measures
(SACRAMENTO) - Senator Doug LaMalfa (R - Richvale) today urged the majority party to allow a vote on two pension reform measures he has co-authored, but Democrats in the Senate refused to do so. The majority Democrats have thus far blocked a vote on any substantive pension reforms whatsoever, despite the state's growing pension fund shortfall.
"The voters of California spoke clearly on June 5, overwhelmingly passing sensible pension reforms in two of the state's largest cities," said LaMalfa. "Californians across the state recognize the need to reform pensions in a way that protects the state, protects taxpayers and protects pensioners. It's high time for the majority Democrats in Sacramento to accept their responsibility to govern and take a vote on the Governor's pension plan."
Senate Constitutional Amendment 18 and Senate Bill 1176 would enact the 12-point pension reform plan outlined by Governor Brown last fall. The language in the bills is identical to the legislative language crafted by the Brown Administration. The majority party has denied the bills a public hearing date and used procedural means to prevent a vote on them today.
"The deadline to place a needed pension reform item on the ballot is June 28th and we must act soon. Our pension system is at a breaking point, yet the majority party refuses to take any action at all on the problem," LaMalfa added. "Every day that they reject these reforms, our pension funds fall farther into the red. It's simply irresponsible to ignore a public pension liability estimated at over $500 billion and growing."
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