Debbie Dames, a retired employee of the City of Simi Valley, recently addressed the Little Hoover Commission in Sacramento about retirement pensions. The commission is studying the long-term health of current public employee pension programs. Dames gave the commission a look at the real story about retirement: The majority of public workers contribute to their own pension and do not receive Social Security.
“I find it disheartening that some individuals and the media continue to make embarrassingly inaccurate remarks about public workers’ so‐called inflated retirements. The vast majority of public sector workers will not receive Social Security nor did they pay into it. The truth is, most of public workers may have the “ability” to retire at age 55 with 20 years of employment, but it is unlikely that many of us can afford to.” –Debbie Dames
If the commission believes changes are necessary they will make recommendations for the future which could include legislation. The bipartisan commission is comprised of nine California citizens appointed by the Governor and Assembly, two Senators and two Assembly members.
Debbie Dames’ Statement to the Little Hoover Commission
Money through retirement is such a major concern, especially for folks in FL, where the population is comprised of many retirees. With the economic downturn, so many lost much of their retirement income.