The True Cost of Public Pensions: Reform or Bust?

Duration
1:05:03

The True Cost of Public Pensions: Reform or Bust?


Jon Coupal, President, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

Joe Nation, Lecturer, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research

Roxanne Sanchez, President, SEIU Local 1021

Daniel Borenstein, Columnist and Editorial Writer, Contra Costa Times and Oakland Tribune – Moderator


California’s financial situation is in shambles, and some pundits have identified the state’s public-employee pension obligation as a central part of the problem. But what is the true cost of pensions to the state’s structural deficit? Nineteen states reformed their public pension benefits in 2010. California has the largest pension system in the nation; is it now time for our state to reform our program too? Our panel of experts will share their views on whether pension reform is needed in California and how it should be done.


This program was recorded in front of a live audience at The Commonwealth Club on January 25, 2011