Third time’s a charm?
Not for Governor’s pension reforms.
the legislature held a third hearing on the Governor’s proposal to reform the public employee pension system. We have been waiting three months for the Senate/Assembly conference committee to act on this issue… this is after waiting all year for legislative leadership to even seriously look at pension reforms at all. After three hearings the committee has yet to produce language or even an author for the Governor’s proposal. There is a great editorial in today’s Sacramento Bee on the need for pension reform and the legislature’s failure to take any meaningful action.
My question to the Governor – if, as you say, reforming pensions is a priority, why are you letting your reforms languish in the legislature? If “let the voters decide” is good enough for your tax hike why not for the pension reforms? What’s wrong, unions got your tongue?
Lawmakers spin their wheels on pension reform
Sacramento Bee
A joint Senate/Assembly conference committee will hold its third (ho-hum) informational hearing today on the 12-point pension reform plan that Gov. Jerry Brown unveiled with such fanfare last October. Don't expect anything to come of it. So far, a lot of talk has emerged but no pension bill. Efforts to substantially reduce state pension obligations are a sham in this Legislature, and most people who work in the Capitol know that. A conference committee was formed to produce a reform package, but after three months, no author has emerged willing to champion the governor's proposal and no language has been drafted that would give substance to the modest plan Brown outlined.
Lunar New Year Greetings
The New Year is a cause for celebration for all people and all cultures. It is a time to look back and evaluate the challenges and successes of the past year while also looking forward, resolving to be the best we can be. It is also a joyous time we all want to share with our family and friends.
The coming Year of the Water Dragon is a particularly special occurrence as it takes place only once every sixty years. The Water Dragon exudes calm and empathy – qualities that are important for elected leaders like me as we look for ways to work together to achieve solutions to the policy and budgetary problems that challenge our state. These qualities are important for all of us who have chosen a life of public and community service with the goal of moving our state and local communities forward.
With these sentiments in mind, please accept my very best during this special fifteen days of celebration. I hope that this year is filled with peace and prosperity for you and your family.
Tom Harman represents the people of the 35th Senate District. Harman, a member of the Republican Party, was first elected to the State Senate in 2006 in a special election after serving nearly six years in the State Assembly representing the 67th Assembly District.
Harman first entered the State Legislature in 2000 after serving six years on the Huntington Beach City Council. Senator Harman, a local businessman and civic volunteer, has lived and worked in Orange County for nearly 50 years.
He currently serves as Minority Whip and lead Republican on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. He also is a member of the following committees: Budget and Fiscal Review; Business, Professions and Economic Development; Governmental Organizations; Local Government; Transportation and Housing.
As one of the State's leaders in the fight against illegal immigration, Harman has authored numerous measures aimed at: providing local and state law enforcement the tools necessary to assist federal agencies; requiring employment verification; and limiting state services to those here illegally.
He has consistently supported legislation to limit the size and scope of government. Throughout his legislative career he has signed and honored his pledge to vote against all new taxes.
