SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) today announced that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed AB 1255.  Parra introduced AB 1255 at the request of Fresno County and SEIU to provide statutory authority for implementing the negotiated agreement the two parties reached for retirement benefits for newly hired general members.  The bill moved easily through the State Legislature with bi-partisan support.

“AB 1255 allows Fresno County to provide an alternative retirement formula as agreed during collective bargaining between the County and SEIU,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “The new formula represents a savings to Fresno County for all newly hired workers and will assist the county in meeting its benefit obligations for all current and future employees.”

Similar to many counties, Fresno County is working to control retirement costs for the County and its employees.  To this end, Fresno County recently negotiated a new contract with SEIU to reduce the mandatory retirement tier for newly-hired general members, effective June 18, 2007.  This bill will amend state code to allow Fresno County to apply changes for general members regardless of Fresno County's participation in Social Security.  The urgency clause in the legislation ensures the negotiated agreements can be implemented by the start of the new fiscal year to ensure labor stability and lower retirement costs for Fresno County.

“The Fresno County Board of Supervisors wants to reduce the tax strain on Fresno County taxpayers by reducing the long-term cost of the retirement system,” stated County Supervisor Henry Perea.  “We are grateful to Assemblymember Parra for moving this bill so quickly through the legislature to help us keep good, qualified public employees working here in Fresno County.”

AB 1255 has been jointly sponsored by Fresno County and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).