Gov.-elect Jerry Brown, state lawmakers and others are outraged that high-paid UC executives are threatening to sue UC unless the university system spends millions of dollars to increase their pensions. Three-dozen executives made their demand in a Dec. 9 letter to the UC Board of Regents.

Following what he claims is the "governmnet's efficiency standard," The State Worker reveals 100 percent accurate predictions about the year that is just ending.

Gov.-elect Jerry Brown will propose a ballot measure to extend temporary tax hikes set to expire next year and pressure Democrats to consent to billions of dollars in spending cuts. The tax package is planned for the June ballot.

Between his swearing-in and private reception, from noon to 2:30 p.m., the newly sworn-in Gov. Jerry Brown will mingle with the public at the Capitol and lunch on hot dogs and chips.

A state appellate court has effectively blocked the sale of 11 state office properties until Gov.-elect Brown takes office next month. Gov. Schwarzenegger supported the sale, but the Legislative Analyst's Office criticized the deal as "poor fiscal policy."

Gov.-elect Jerry Brown has told California State Lottery Director Joan Borucki that her services are no longer needed. Her last day will be Jan. 2.

The State Worker column reports today that CDCR has issued at least 75 layoff notices, Gov. Schwarzenegger has spent $1.4 million in legal fees on furlough litigation, the LAO goofed in assessing the cost of the new SEIU Local 1000 contract, and more.

Gov.-elect Jerry Brown will be sworn in Jan. 3 at Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium with a reception at the state Railroad Museum that afternoon. Brown staffers report there will be an "emphasis on frugality."

State workers may think of Gov.-elect Jerry Brown as their furlough salvation, but as governor his hands will be tied. For a look at Brown's options legally, see the State Worker blog.

A former state worker and single mother, who struggled to make ends meet after furloughs cut her pay, gave $10 of free gas to motorists at a gas station in Sacramento. Samantha Johnson, who has left her state job, said she now has the means to help others and has founded God's Giving Girls to do just that. The gas giveaway was her first public event.

Citing limited usage and increasing costs, CalPERS is suspending its mortgage home loan program. The last day to apply for a CalPERS mortgage is Dec. 24. Loans currently being processed will be completed, and existing loans will not be affected. CalPERS has been making mortgage loans for 29 years.

Even though he isn't governor yet, Jerry Brown is having to put together a budget proposal by the mandated Jan. 10 deadline. He promises it will be "shocking." The deficit, predicted to be $28 billion over the next 18 months, makes budgeting a "huge challenge," the governor-elect said. Education funds are a major focus.

DPA PML memo: Long-term disability premiums for excluded employees will decrease beginning Jan. 1. Long-term disability insurance is optional and employee-paid.

The UC Regents yesterday voted to create a two-tier pension system and require retirees to pay more of their health care premiums. The pension changes do not affect current employees, but new hires after July 1, 2013, will have to work five years longer to retire with the same level of benefits current employees receive at age 60. The regents had voted in September to increase the contributins employees must contribute to their retirement plan.

Two days before the state had planned to sell 11 prominent properties to private investors, an appellant court has blocked the transaction. Gov. Schwarzenegger supported the plan. Gov.-elect Jerry Brown has said he would not like to sell the buildings. The Legislative Analyst's Office has warned the deal would ultimately be costly for the state.