Alexandria, VA - Today, State Budget Solutions (SBS), a nonprofit organization advocating for fundamental reform of state budgets, released the following statement regarding the news that a California judge on Tuesday rejected a union-backed attempt to halt voter approved pension reform for San Diego city workers, which is set to take effect as early as next month. State Budget Solutions recently released a pension report that found that nationally, the average public employee pension plan is only 41 percent funded while total unfunded liabilities as of 2011 are at least $4.6 trillion.
 
"Our nation is facing at least $4.6 trillion in pension debt and every state, including California, is in desperate need for immediate pension reform. Lawmakers around the country are baffled by the looming fiscal crisis and most are doing nothing to fix this problem at a local level. However, retiring San Diego's Mayor Jerry Sanders has championed pension reform and turned San Diego into an example for the rest of the country to follow.  
 
That is why yesterday's court decision to uphold pension reform in San Diego is so vital to that city's survival. Without pension reform, San Diego, as well as all of the cities and counties in California, will go bankrupt. That means essential public services must be cut, dedicated government workers laid off, disrupting or eliminating public health, safety and education. There is no option for status quo or incremental adjustments. Drastic reforms, innovations and political courage are needed to save California.
 
State Budget Solution urges San Diego to proceed with the voter-approved pension reform. Delaying implementation is too risky and will only make the city's growing pension obligations increase. " 
 
The voters in San Diego and San Jose should be applauded for saving their cities millions of dollars and stabilizing the rocky pension system. "
 
To set up an interview with Bob, please contact Meghan Tisinger at Media@statebudgetsolutions.org or 703-965-1145.