Donna Meredith, who worked for LA County for almost 38 years as a senior cashier in the Registrar/Recorder Office before retiring in 2007, 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. Meredith 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.
“In my volunteer work, I have met seniors that have seen their entire retirement funds disappear after a serious illness; others have been negatively impacted by the current recession, losing a majority of their 401(k) retirement savings. I have also met seniors who lost their homes because they were easy prey for mortgage refinancing schemes. All of us should be working toward the goal that if you work hard and play by the rules you will be able to retire with dignity and security, not strip more workers of a secure retirement.”
“The current economic crisis doesn’t mean pensions are unviable, it means we need to ensure that our economy recovers in a healthy and responsible way so that pensions and other investments provide the safety net we need.” —Donna Meredith
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.
Donna Meredith’s Statement to the Little Hoover Commission