Support AB 1383
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Being a firefighter means bearing health and safety risks that do not exist in other occupations. While we have always known about the physical dangers that exist in our unique workplace, we have recently discovered increased exposures on the job to cancer-causing pollutants that pose long-term risks to our health. Cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters in America. The longer we firefighters are on the job, the higher the risk we take of job-related injury or death.
That’s why we must fight to reform our retirement system in California so that we can retire safely. CPF is currently advocating for AB 1383, which lowers the retirement age for CalPERS public safety officers and ensures firefighters have security after their service.
AB 1383 Legislative Update
CPF would like to thank the more than 300 CPF members who made their voices heard at the Capitol on April 23, and the 2,500 CPF members who sent their legislator a letter and stood together to support AB 1383 (McKinnor), our bill to improve firefighter retirement security.
We knew this would be an arduous undertaking at the onset, but accomplishing a change this significant is going to take some time. Given the incredibly difficult budget situation facing all levels of government right now, we are disappointed to report that the Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair called President Rice to say that AB 1383 has been designated as a two-year bill and will be considered again in January. The Appropriations Chair committed to working with CPF on this bill and she noted that the current budget is the worst she has experienced since being in the Legislature, which drove some very difficult decisions.
While this is a speed bump, the fight is far from over and we will continue to work to move these needed retirement security items forward.
While we’re disappointed to report that AB 1383 did not advance out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this fight is far from over.
Retirement security remains one of CPF’s top priorities and we’re not giving up, because we can’t afford to.
The risks we face on the job, the health impacts of long-term exposure, and the need for a fair, secure retirement are all still real and our advocacy must continue. Every story shared and every voice raised makes it harder for lawmakers to ignore what’s at stake for firefighters across the state.
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Share Your Story!
Your story is powerful. Whether you're early in your career or nearing retirement, your experience helps show the real-life impact of AB 1383. Every personal story helps lawmakers see beyond policy and into the lives of the people their vote affects.
- Lower the retirement age for public safety personnel
- Provide greater bargaining flexibility for CPF Locals
- Address critical recruitment and retention challenges
- Reduce health risks by allowing earlier retirement from a dangerous profession