The Challenges of Employee and Retiree Health Benefit Costs for California Districts

The costs of employee and retiree health and welfare benefits have increased rapidly in recent years and districts require employees to pay relatively little of these costs. As a consequence, the cost of these benefits represent a growing share of district budgets. Many districts have accumulated large unfunded liabilities in the form of health benefits promised to their retirees. These financial pressures divert resources from other district priorities and may become worse if revenues stagnate or decline. Districts have begun taking steps to address these issues, but policymakers can do more.

Join us for a seminar in which Getting Down to Facts II Researcher Paul Bruno, will present his PACE report on the challenges of employee and retiree health benefit costs for California districts. Superintendent Jorge Aguilar will discuss the particular situation in Sacramento City, and Michael Fine, will provide a broader perspective on districts across the state and what some possible approaches are to solving the financial pressures facing school districts as a result of escalating health care costs.

Speakers:

• Paul Bruno, PhD Candidate, University of Southern California
• Jorge A. Aguilar, Superintendent, Sacramento City Unified School District
• Michael Fine, CEO, Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT)

Moderated by Heather J. Hough, Executive Director, PACE

Paul Bruno