After the recent 85-day budget battle, most Californians would like to see the budget process changed, at least according to a survey conducted this month by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. The survey reveals that more than three-fourths of Californians want major changes in the budget process and nearly half support lowering the marjority required to pass the budget from two-thirds to 55 percent.

Terry Sutherland

The Sacramento Bee's "State Worker" blog on Sept. 25 features ACSS secretary-treasurer Terry Sutherland.

Columnist Jon Ortiz had written about an IRS proposal to change retirement age requirements and asked state workers to send their thoughts. Sutherland, a CPA, wrote Ortiz a letter analyzing the proposal as he sees it. Ortiz excerpted the letter and provided a link to read it in full.

A few very brief points from Sutherland's letter:

• Public safety workers likely won't be affected; they'll still be able to retire at 50.
• "Double-dipping" may be prevented.
• "Miscellaneous" state workers - like Sutherland - may need to wait until 55, not 50, to retire.
• The IRS proposal could be "sidetracked by the lobby tsunami."

Contact Jon Ortiz at jortiz@sacbee.com.

The State Worker columnist, Jon Ortiz, is once again asking for your thoughts. This time it's on a matter that pobably concerns most of you: your retirement.