Gov. Jerry Brown Asks for More Time on Calif. Pensions

by Judy Lin
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown is asking for more time to negotiate public pension reform with state lawmakers.

Although Brown issued a comprehensive proposal last fall, Democratic leaders only sent him their plan on Sunday.

Brown's spokesman Gil Duran says the governor ``could not agree to some of the changes in the pension counterproposal.'' He says such complex issues cannot be resolved by the end of this week, when lawmakers take a monthlong recess.

The governor wants to increase the retirement age from 55 to 67 for new, non-public safety employees and have local and state government workers pay more toward their pensions and retiree health care.

Brown's proposal would put new workers in a hybrid plan that includes 401(k)-style accounts.

San Diego and San Jose recently passed changes.