Congressman and mayoral candidate Bob Filner argues the high-profile pension initiative on the June ballot is a fraud. Though proponents tout nearly $1 billion in savings, he says it alone wouldn’t save a nickel.
We’ve previously examined Filner’s claim and explained why it’s possibly true. According to the city’s financial analysis, the initiative’s long-term savings would come from a freeze in pensionable pay that isn’t guaranteed to happen. The savings would depend on the City Council’s future actions.
However, during some debates and media interviews, Filner has gone a step further and claimed the initiative would actually cost taxpayers $100 million in the first few years. Could the initiative dig into taxpayers’ pockets in the short-term and the long-term?
In this edition of Fact Check TV, Andrew Donohue and Scott Lewis explore that question and the accuracy of Filner’s claims. For an in-depth look, you can read our full analysis here.
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New episodes of Fact Check TV appear on NBC 7 San Diego every Friday during the 6 p.m. newscast and our website the following Monday. If you want us to Fact Check a claim, just send me an email explaining the statement and why it merits review.
Keegan Kyle is a news reporter for Voice of San Diego. He writes about local government, creates infographics and handles the Fact Check Blog. What should he write about next?
Please contact him directly at keegan.kyle@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5668. You can also find him on Twitter (@keegankyle) and Facebook.
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