California Highway Patrol union offering to give up raise to reduce pension debt

The state union representing California Highway Patrol officers recently reached a four-year agreement with Governor Gavin Newsom to divert part of a raise to go towards pension debt.

The proposal, authored by the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, still requires approval from union members and the legislature. If it passes, then about half a percent of a 3.5 percent raise would be given to help reduce unfunded debts for CHP pensions. That amounts to about $25 million over four years.

The proposal also increases how much patrol officers contribute to their retirement, bringing it closer to a 50 - 50 split with the state.