Yes on Proposition I
Nurses Retirement Credit
What is it?
Proposition I will improve retirement benefits for nurses and 911 operators.
San Francisco uses temporary nurses ("per diem" nurses) to fill absences and vacancies at City health facilities, including SF General Hospital. These nurses are critical in maintaining the quality of care in hospitals and clinics. To incentivize them to become full-time city employees, Prop I lets them buy into the city's pension plan for the time they have already worked.
For 911 dispatchers, it gives them better retirement benefits.
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Fiscal impacts
Prop I would have a significant impact on the cost of government. Beginning in 2025, the incremental cost to the City would be between $3.8 million and $6.7 million, with costs increasing overtime due to the higher cost to the City for the improved benefits for nurses and 911 dispatchers.
However, these costs would be partially offset by lower costs for overtime and temporary staffing. Additionally, these extra costs should result in higher quality service to the public.
Why is this on the ballot?
This is a City Charter amendment introduced by the Board of Supervisors. Since the Board of Supervisors cannot directly amend the Charter, if they want to change the Charter they must go to the voters. A vote of six or more Supervisors is required to place a Charter Amendment on the ballot, and voters must approve it by a 50% + 1 majority.
- Sponsor: Supervisor Ahsha Safai
- Co-Sponsors: Supervisors Myrna Melgar, Dean Preston, Shamann Walton, Connie Chan, and Matt Dorsey
- Placed on ballot by: Unanimously by all Supervisors
Why vote Yes?
We have a dire staffing shortage of registered nurses and 911 operators. These increased retirement benefits should make San Francisco more attractive to prospective hires.
Proposition I also changes the pension plan for 911 dispatchers, increasing their benefits and, hopefully, thereby luring more 911 dispatchers to take a job in San Francisco. We should compensate these employees competitively, reflecting both the crucial role they have in our safety and our dire need to hire more.
Overall, we think the benefits outweigh the costs and you should vote yes on I.