Georkeisha Campbell, SEIU Local 721 member and Intermediate Typist-Clerk for Los Angeles County, was asked to address the Little Hoover Commission in Sacramento about retirement pensions. The commission is studying the long-term health of current public employee pension programs.
Campbell gave the commission a look at the real story about retirement: Secure retirements are sustainable and the majority of public workers contribute to their own pension.
“I have always believed that if I work hard, save for my retirement and play by the rules that a 
secure retirement is not a reward but something I earned. All retirement funds in this country were hit hard by the recent recession but that does not mean they are not sustainable. Much of the loss at Cal-PERS and other pension systems can be attributed to banks and Wall Street NOT playing by the rules and hopefully, something can be done about that.” Georkeisha Campbell
If the commission believes changes are necessary they will make recommendations for the future which could include legislation. The commission will be studying the retirement issue over the next several months and may hold more public hearings. The bipartisan commission is comprised of nine California citizens appointed by the Governor and Assembly, two Senators and two Assembly members.
Cambell’s Statement to Little Hoover Commission.pdf