Associated Press April 12, 2011
When it comes to shaping the future of Social Security, Sen. Dianne Feinstein says "everything should be on the table," including gradually raising the retirement age.
Sen. Barbara Boxer takes a different view. She is co-sponsoring legislation that would require a two-thirds majority vote before Congress could proceed with any legislation that would reduce benefits, increase the retirement age or transition the program to private accounts.
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As Brown launches a road trip in a quest for public support, some of his most ardent supporters are wondering if he’ll sell his budget plans by moving to the right – too far to the right.
The issue arises after the Democratic governor proposed changes in the public pension system, including many that have been demanded by Republicans or already contained in GOP-authored legislation. Some were presented as ideas, worded vaguely and signaling a starting point for negotiations.
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Dear CalPERS Members, Employers and Stakeholders,
CalPERS recently took bold action and made public a report that chronicles in sobering detail the alleged wrongdoings of its former Chief Executive Officer and several former Board Members.
It is not possible to explain or excuse the chronicled actions of these former officials and we will make no attempt to do so. I am truly sorry that our members and the taxpayers who support the incredibly important work of every public servant have been placed in a position where they might question the integrity of this organization.
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Sacramento Bee
Published Friday, Apr. 08, 2011
Executives from the Area 4 Agency on Aging – which funnels more than $6 million in federal grants each year to a host of seniors' nutrition, health and social programs in a seven-county area including Sacramento – warned elder advocates this week to expect significant funding reductions to programs for older adults.
"We're entering the great unknown," said Area 4 Agency on Aging executive director Deanna Lea. "We need a disaster plan, just in case."
[Read More...]
Sacramento Bee
Published Friday, Apr. 08, 2011
With the budget stuck in neutral, Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers are leaving Sacramento to bolster their case for and against taxes.
The dueling roadshows reflect the fact that the parties remain at loggerheads after talks broke down last week. Facing a remaining $15.4 billion deficit, Brown is still seeking an election on taxes.
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Shaken by a report alleging wrongdoing by former top officials, directors of the California Public Employees' Retirement System voted to push for legislation curtailing gift-giving to public employees and limiting board members and executives from going to work for companies doing business with the pension fund. [Read More...]
CSEA Vice President Donna Snodgrass will do the best job representing the interests of state retirees on the CalPERS Board of Administration, the CSEA Retirees Board of Directors decided at its meeting in Burlingame Feb. 11. [Read More...]
Members in good standing who want to serve as delegates at the CSEA Retirees Delegate Assembly should contact their chapter president to see if there are openings.
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Each of the 25 chapters within CSEA Retirees, Inc. has different strengths, styles and goals for their chapter members.
But certain standards of excellence are recognized within all chapters throughout California.
The concept of the Distinguished Chapter of the Year was adopted last November by the CSEA Retirees, Inc. Board of Directors. Board members agreed that effective nonprofit organizations recognize the achievements of their members and organizational units. Without recognition, individuals and chapters will not see standards of excellence and thus will not be able to strive toward those goals.
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Sacramento Bee March 14, 2011
If things had gone according to plan, Gov. Jerry Brown might be on the campaign trail asking voters to support tax extensions to balance the state budget.
Instead, the Democratic governor spent the weekend negotiating with Republican lawmakers to place his tax package on the ballot in exchange for long-term changes on pensions, spending growth and state regulations. [Read More...]