Republicans Offer Public Pension Proposition But Can't Surmount 2/3 Hurdle

Once California legislative Republicans were cut out of the budget process, they lost their ability to negotiate a pension proposition to be put on the ballot. Of course, such propositions can be placed on the ballot via initiative. But since there is no special election being called to deal with tax extensions, any such initiative would likely have to await until 2012.

Republicans have asked the legislature to put a pension proposition on the ballot. But they would need to overcome a 2/3 vote hurdle which won't happen with a Democratic majority.

Nonetheless, the proposal indicates what Republicans might have bargained for had they made a deal on the budget with the governor.

Among the provisions would be substantial increases in employee contributions to pensions (including UC) and a hybrid pension plan (part defined contribution)

Details at http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2011/07/california-senate-republicans-pension-initiative.html