Jerry Brown’s Last Stand On Pension Reform

December 8, 2018

The California Supreme Court is weighing a key legal precedent that could restore the generous pension formulas Brown worked so hard to tighten.

California's Pension Crisis

A Tale Of Two Sectors

February 9, 2017 | Ali Budner

The general assumption for retirement security is a job in the public sector. The trade-off means lower pay, however. Meanwhile, the private sector has strayed from pension promises, but is a 401(k) worth it?

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

California Pension Crisis: Richmond

February 8, 2017

How are cities across California responding to the ballooning cost of pensions in the state? CALmatters Reporter Judy Lin explores a case study in Richmond where priority police and library services are already being cut.

California's Pension Crisis

Are Public Pension Benefits Excessive? State Workers Say 'No'

November 28, 2016

California faces a $240 billion unfunded pension liability. But retired state workers who receive pensions say they are tired of drawing public blame.

California's Pension Crisis

Paying For Public Retirees Has Never Cost L.A. Taxpayers More. And That's After Pension Reform

November 28, 2016

Retirement benefits now eat up 20% of city’s general fund revenue. Touted cost controls won't have real impact for decades.

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

CALmatters Explains How Governor Brown's Pension Reform Plan Failed To Move Forward

November 3, 2016

Gov. Jerry Brown was confident his-12 point plan could reform California’s pension crisis. Five years later, the state’s unfunded liabilities continue to pile up with little change. CALmatter’s Judy Lin explains why the plan failed to progress.

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Exploring The Pension Crisis In California

September 19, 2016

When California lawmakers cut a deal to increase public employee pensions, the state had a very different economic climate. We’ll talk with LA Times reporter Jack Dolan about the pension gap and what he’s learned about it.

State Government

Nation's Largest Pension Fund CalPERS Lowers Return Expectations

November 18, 2015

California's largest public pension fund has voted to lower its investments in risky funds as a cushion against economic downturns. Gov. Jerry Brown is calling the move "irresponsible."

State Government

Tentative State Union Contract Includes Pension Concessions

September 1, 2015 | Amy Quinton

One of the highest paid California state employees’ unions has tentatively agreed to contribute a portion of members' salaries to retiree health benefits.