We are deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom has chosen to veto AB 1383 (McKinnor), despite strong bipartisan support from both houses of the legislature.
The measure would have strengthened retirement security for active and future firefighters by lowering the retirement age and giving CPF locals greater flexibility at the bargaining table to address the unique demands of a career in public safety.
Firefighters throughout the state stood united in support of AB 1383. Thousands of CPF members stepped up and took action – contacting legislators, sharing their stories, and attending hearings. Hundreds attended rallies at the Capitol in support of this bill – many traveling from every corner of the state, even driving overnight, to see this legislation move forward. Firefighters made it clear that retirement security is critically important to the sustainability of this career.
Local government employers and anti-union special interests shared misleading and exaggerated claims about AB 1383 throughout the process. The actions from local governments and these organizations show that many thank us in public; but work against us in Sacramento.
AB 1383 would have provided firefighters and other public safety personnel with additional time with their families, reduced exposure to carcinogenic materials, and protected the interests of taxpayers.
We are eternally grateful for the solidarity from our labor brothers and sisters from other unions and the support from the national level. We appreciate every legislator who stood with firefighters and championed our cause from both sides of the aisle.
To every CPF member, this fight is not over. I made a commitment to you all; we will keep fighting for retirement security, and we will stand together.
Many groundbreaking pieces of legislation have taken time, patience, and united advocacy to win. The Firefighters Bill of Rights was initially vetoed, but has now been a cornerstone of our profession for over two decades.
This veto does not change the fact that it is critical that we take action to amend the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) to address real issues being experienced in the field. Every Californian deserves to have a strong, well-trained, and experienced fire service, and our firefighters deserve retirement security that reflects the service and sacrifice they make for our communities.
Stay in the Fight,
Darrell Roberts
President, California Professional Firefighters