Levine Comments on Passage of AB 1222 (Transit Workers' Pensions)

Today Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) was the lone vote in the Assembly against AB 1222 to exempt public transit workers from last year’s pension reforms pending a ruling from the federal district court.   

“I am concerned that this bill takes us down the wrong path.  The pension reforms taken last year were just the first steps to help assure that pensions are fully funded,” said Assemblymember Levine.  “The Governor rightly challenged the federal decision to deny federal transit dollars to California.  While that litigation is pending, the pension reforms should remain in place.  The U.S. Secretary of Labor has the full authority to allow the reforms to continue in this interim period.  We should defend those reforms as vigorously as we possibly can.”

Last year, the Legislature passed the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) to reform California’s public employee pension system.  PEPRA was a first step in the longer conversation to make the system sustainable and protect California public employees and taxpayers. 

“Voters expected the Legislature to advance new reforms this year,” concluded Levine.  “I am concerned that this bill reverses past reform efforts to satisfy a strong arm tactic from the U.S. Department of Labor.” 

Levine is the author of AB 1173 to bring independence and financial expertise to the California Public Employees Retirement System Board.

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Assemblymember Levine represents the 10th Assembly District which includes Marin County and southern Sonoma County.