Concerns Raised About Costs of Retiree Health Benefits
On Tuesday, an appointed commission released a report finding that California's state and local governments face an unfunded liability of at least $118 billion over the next 30 years to fund health care benefits for current and future retirees.
The commission recommended that California set aside $1.2 billion in the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget to begin reducing the liability (California Healthline, 1/8).
Two broadcast programs included discussions of the report on Tuesday. Summaries appear below.
- KPCC's "Air Talk": The segment includes comments from Evan Halper, a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times (Mantle, "Air Talk," KPCC, 1/8). Audio of the segment is available on the program's home page.
- KQED's "California Report": The segment includes comments from Gerald Parsky, chair of the commission (Keith, "California Report," KQED, 1/8). Audio of the segment is available on the program's home page.