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Adler/AR
PM 0222 + AM 0223 *Smyth = SMY-th, not “smith”
Time :49
Legislative Republicans are rolling out their latest proposal to overhaul California’s public employee retirement system. They’re taking the exact language Governor Jerry Brown sent the legislature and introducing it word-for-word – in hopes of pressuring majority Democrats to move the pension proposal forward. Assemblyman Cameron Smyth:
GOPPEN1A / Smyth: “The governor has stepped forward. We as the Republican caucus has stepped forward. And now, we expect the same from our Democratic colleagues.” (0:08)
Brown’s proposal includes increasing the retirement age … and requiring equal contributions from employees and employers. He also wants to create a “hybrid” pension formula that includes a 401k-style plan.
Legislative Democrats and their union allies believe parts of the governor’s proposal go too far. But Democratic leaders have said they hope to address most of what Brown proposes – and to do it by the time they pass a budget in mid-June.
0222BA GOPPEN2
Adler/AR
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PROMO: Governor Jerry Brown’s 12-point pension plan has been introduced in the California legislature – by Republicans.
INTRO :13
Republicans in the California legislature say they like Governor Jerry Brown’s pension proposal so much, they’re introducing it themselves. As Ben Adler reports from Sacramento, the GOP hopes to isolate majority Democrats who believe the governor is overreaching.
BODY :50
The Republicans are taking Brown’s exact language and introducing it word-for-word – effectively daring Democrats to say no to their own governor. Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway says Democrats can’t just pass bits and pieces of the governor’s 12-point plan.
GOPPEN2A / Conway: “I would rather look at this comprehensively; take a serious look at it. We agree with the governor on this. The Dems need to get on board and let’s do something about this. I think it can’t happen too soon.” (0:10)
Brown wants to create a “hybrid” pension formula that includes a 401k-style plan. He also proposes increasing the retirement age … and requiring equal contributions from employees and employers.
Neither the governor nor Democratic leaders had much to say in response. But the union coalition opposing a major pension overhaul is calling the GOP move “nothing more than election year politics.” A legislative committee holds another pension hearing next week.
Ben Adler, Capital Public Radio news.
At the State Capitol, I’m Ben Adler.
