In October 2013, the Hoover Institution’s “California Public Pension Solutions” conference, co-hosted by Hoover senior fellow Josh Rauh and SIEPR’s David Crane and Joe Nation, engaged Hoover Institution fellows, pension scholars from across the country, current and former California and out-of-state policy leaders, and pension reform specialists to discuss, in-depth, solutions to California’s public pension challenges.
A Post Conference Report has now been published.
After a full day of rigorously discussing solutions and a public address by San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, conference attendees were asked to complete a post-conference survey. The survey consisted of ten statements; attendees marked, on a 5-point scale, whether they agreed or disagreed with each statement and then marked their confidence level, also on a 5-point scale.
The Post Conference Report presents the results of the survey providing a graphic for each statement showcasing the raw and weighted responses. Accompanying each graphic is a short summary providing more detail on the topic addressed in each statement.
Some key findings include wide consensus that for reform to occur the “California Rule” needs amended; wide disagreement that small reforms—like eliminating spiking and double-dipping—would solve pension challenges; and strong agreement that San Jose’s recent pension reform is the best example for other California cities/localities to follow.
- For a more detailed analysis of the report, please see my Defining Ideas article Reform or Bust.
- Visit Hoover’s blog Eureka for an overview of the report’s findings and articles related to California.
To explore the report directly, click here.