LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Los Angeles Police Protective League has made a major radio buy to begin running spots that will shed light on the devastating impact that former assemblyman Keith Richman's state-wide pension proposal would have on police officers, firefighters and teachers.
Richman's proposal was formally submitted to the California Attorney General and could be placed on the ballot as early as the June 2008 elections. Under the proposal, pensions would be cut by 30 percent to 65 percent for new public employees hired on or after July 1, 2009. As a result, new police officers would have to work longer and would receive a smaller pension than current police officers. The measure is particularly harsh on non-safety employees, requiring them to work until age 65 to receive a drastically-reduced pension. For example, new government employees who work 40 years will retire with a pension of less than half of their working income.
"This initiative would dismantle the safety net that is offered to men and women who risk their health and their lives to keep residents safe. The state's public service employees should be rewarded for their efforts upon retirement, not penalized," said Tim Sands, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. "We need to encourage younger employees to work in the public sector to provide law enforcement and other essential community services."
The initiative removes incentives to the best and the brightest to pursue careers in public service-careers that offer lower pay than many similar jobs in the private sector. The LAPPL urges all voters to oppose Richman's plan to destroy public service by refusing to sign his petition.
To listen to the ads online, please visit www.LAPD.com. A transcript of the radio ad is included below.
Transcript of Radio Ad
A special interest group is having paid workers circulate a pension and health care initiative that would be devastating to police officers, firefighters and teachers. If asked-don't sign the petition. This initiative would severely reduce the ability to recruit and retain the best candidates for law enforcement and public safety. This initiative would also dismantle the safety net we offer those who risk their health and their lives to keep us safe. If this initiative succeeds, the retirement benefits for a new government employee who dedicates 40 years to public service would be cut in half. The initiative eliminates the incentive for the best and the brightest to pursue lifetime careers in public service-careers that often provide lower pay than similar jobs in the private sector. If you value the job that your police officers, firefighters and teachers do for the community, please don't sign this petition. Paid for by the Los Angeles Police Protective League
About the LAPPL
Formed in 1922, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,000 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com