Memos

Retirement Security in California: An Update

March 1, 2018

Numerous media outlets are reporting on the issue of pensions, fueled by increases in outlays
for future pension payments by municipal governments as well as school districts. These stories
are reigniting the debate about the sustainability of California’s pension system. It comes
after multiple failed attempts over the past seven years to put a measure on the ballot and
break promises to public employees about their retirement security. These attacks were led by
failed former San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Enron billionaire John Arnold and extremist right