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With investments soft, CalPERS eyes higher contribution rates. What does that mean for workers?

Posted 7 years 127 days ago ago by Jamee V   

By Dale Kasler - dkasler@sacbee.com

CalPERS is preparing more pension rate hikes, and they could cost government agencies billions of dollars.

With consultants predicting long-term declines in investment earnings, the big California pension fund is considering substantially higher contribution rates for the state and the thousands of municipalities and school districts that rely on CalPERS to serve their retirees. Workers could get hit with higher contributions, too, although that would depend on contract negotiations.

A decision isn’t likely until February, but CalPERS’ deliberations are already causing anguish to employers, employees and the pension fund itself. The move will surely cause more budget strain for government agencies, particularly at the local level, even though the higher rates are likely to be phased in over a number of years.

Union officials worry that higher pension contributions will leave less money for pay raises – and could increase political pressure for major reforms in the pension system. Dave Low, who runs a group called Californians for Retirement Security, told CalPERS board members last week not to fall for pessimistic financial forecasts.

“We don’t see enough data that shows us an immediate change is warranted,” said Low, also executive director of the California School Employees Association. “I think the train needs to be slowed down.”


Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article116331443.html#storylink=cpy





CalPERS Pension Buck