Proposition H | californiachoices.org

My vote

Would amend the Charter to change pension benefits for members of the Fire Department hired on or after January 7, 2012. Proposition H would lower from 58 to 55 the age at which these members of the Fire Department can obtain the highest pension based on age. These changes would make pension benefits for members hired on and after January 7, 2012, the same as benefits for members hired before January 7, 2012. Prop H is a charter amendment that requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Prop H would increase costs to the City starting at approximately $3.7 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and increasing every year through fiscal year 2040-2041.

Next San Francisco County Measure: Measure I

See Endorsements for Proposition H

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Supporters argue that firefighters have a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population. Since 2006, over 300 active and retired San Francisco firefighters have died because of cancer. More than 160 have been diagnosed with cancer in the past six years alone. Most diagnoses occurred in firefighters over 50, shining a bright light on the increased risk that comes with age.

Prop H would allow San Francisco's firefighters to cut their cancer risk by retiring at age 55. Currently, San Francisco's firefighters face inequitable retirement ages. Firefighters hired before 2012 can retire at 55 while those hired after must wait until 58. Prop H would standardize the retirement age for all firefighters, ensuring fairness for everyone who performs the same life-threatening job.

A YES vote on this measure means: you want to amend the Charter to change how pension benefits are calculated for members of the Fire Department hired on or after January 7, 2012, by lowering the age these members can receive the highest pension from 58 to 55, and make those benefits the same as members hired before January 7, 2012.

Con:

Opponents argue that Firefighters have risky jobs with lengthy shifts. When they put themselves at great risk to help others, they truly are heroes. They voluntarily chose this career field despite the risks. San Francisco firefighters hired after Jan 6, 2012 were made aware of the new full pension retirement age of 58 (it was previously 55). The modification to the pension age was needed due to decades of fiscal mismanagement by the city government. Vote no on this ballot measure and have a proactive city government that protects itself against future bankruptcy while not increasing the tax burden upon its citizens.

A NO vote on this measure means: you do not want to make these changes.

In Depth

The City provides its employees with pension benefits through the San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS). Members of the Fire Department are eligible to retire at age 50 if they have at least five years of credit for City service. A member’s pension generally increases with the member’s age, compensation and number of years worked. Members of the Fire Department hired before January 7, 2012, could reach the 90% maximum percentage for their pension at age 55. Members hired on or after January 7, 2012, could reach that maximum three years later, at age 58.

Proposition H would amend the Charter to change pension benefits for members of the Fire Department hired on or after January 7, 2012. Proposition H would lower from 58 to 55 the age at which these members can obtain the highest pension based on age.

These changes would make pension benefits for members hired on and after January 7, 2012, the same as benefits for members hired before January 7, 2012.

Source: Final Digest - Retirement Benefits for Firefighters

Voter Resources

City and County of San Francisco Office of Elections