Modesto Voters Back Pension Reform Advisory Measures
MODESTO (AP) — Voters in Modesto are strongly supporting three advisory measures aimed at reforming the pensions of city employees.
With nearly three-quarters of precincts counted, Measure Q was leading 58.4 percent to 41.6 percent. It asks whether the city of 202,000 should replace defined benefit pensions with 401(k)-style plans, which would bring public-sector workers in line with the private-sector.
Measure R asks whether the city should base employee pensions on salaries over their final three years rather than the final year to avoid so-called pension-spiking. Measure S asks whether the city should raise the retirement age for city employees.
Measure R had 74.8 percent support while Measure S had 64 percent support.
The initiatives do not require action by the city, but supporters say they are important for gauging public support.
(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.)
