safety
California is running short on money. Should the state boost police and firefighter perks?
By Adam Ashton | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 10, 2026
· 8 min read
CalFire firefighters cut a fire line during an uncontrolled fire using hand tools and chain saws at the Hughes Fire in Castaic, on Jan. 22, 2025. (David McNew / Getty Images)The Legislature wants to make putting on a California police or firefighter uniform more lucrative.Three bills are moving ...
Key takeaway “This job is physically and mentally demanding in the extreme and asking us to work until 57 is pushing us not just to our limit but beyond it.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
As the Legislature considers boosting perks for California police and firefighters, Los Angeles residents should be aware of the potential impact on local public safety budgets. With the state facing anticipated deficits, increased spending on retirement benefits and pay raises could lead to tough decisions about resource allocation in cities like Los Angeles. The city's own pension funds may also be affected, as CalPERS, one of the state's largest pension funds, covers many Los Angeles city employees. Locals should watch how Governor Newsom navigates these proposals, given the state's history of pension crises and the ongoing recovery of its pension funds. The potential long-term liabilities of these measures could have far-reaching consequences for Los Angeles' ability to fund its own public safety initiatives, making it crucial for residents to stay informed about the legislative outcome.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CalFire firefighters cut a fire line during an uncontrolled fire using hand tools and chain saws at the Hughes Fire in Castaic, on Jan. 22, 2025. (David McNew / Getty Images)The Legislature wants to make putting on a California police or firefighter uniform more lucrative.Three bills are moving ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adam Ashton | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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