Whereas, it is undeniable that defined benefit programs are unsustainable/bankrupt at all levels of government within the state of California; and

Whereas, we have evidence of this through the effective insolvency of the State of California, and the bankruptcy, and approaching bankruptcy, of a growing number of California municipalities, and

Whereas, both CalPRS and CalSTRS are in the midst of increasing agency contributions by 50%, taking money from government services, salaries and other benefits, and

Whereas, the unaffordable public pensions are the primary driver of the state's fiscal insolvency, and

Whereas, there is already a nascent movement in California pushing for public employee and benefit and pension reform; and

Whereas, a fundamental premise of the Republican Party is fiscal responsibility, and the continuation of defined benefit programs is inherently fiscally irresponsible;

Resolved, that the Republican Party at convention in Burlingame, California on March 16, 2014, requests that Republican legislators county boards of supervisors, city councils, and all other public agencies with pension and benefit systems to introduce and seriously promote a bill, prior to the end of 2014, that would transition all public pensions in the state from defined benefit to defined contribution plans, as the only means available to salvage the fiscal and economic situation in our state.

Submitted by:
Stephen Guffanti, San Marcos, CA
California Republican Party Delegate