WEST SACRAMENTO – Renewed contract negotiations, which began July 13, 2010, between the California Correctional Peace Officers Association and Governor Schwarzenegger’s administration ended abruptly when the state virtually closed the door on more than $150 million in savings for taxpayers.

CCPOA negotiators were informed by DPA officials that their proposal was “dead on arrival” and the Governor has declined to entertain any further discussions with CCPOA.

Yesterday, the discussion began with what are considered to be the “common ground” issues between the two parties. Next, as a show of good faith and willingness to compromise, CCPOA placed its concessions on the table that included pension reform and ultimately more than $150 million dollars in concessions in the first year. Still, the state walked away from the deal.

“We don’t believe that they were ever interested in negotiating with us from the beginning and the rejection of this deal clearly indicates that.” said Mike Jimenez, State President of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association. “Our proposal included long-term meaningful reform solutions and would have benefited California taxpayers significantly. This is the second time under the Schwarzenegger administration that we offered savings in excess of $150 million only to be rejected.”

The Association says that all that its members asked for in return was non-monetary language offering job protections.

“This was an honest and sincere attempt to do our part in helping the state save money,” said Chuck Alexander, Executive Vice President of CCPOA. “We are dumbfounded as to how the administration could walk away from a deal that saves the state in excess of $150 million.” Alexander went on to say, “These are real dollars. How many school textbooks, teachers, or afterschool programs could this administration fund with those savings.”

CCPOA says that it remains ready to implement real reform with real savings for taxpayers.

For more information please contact JeVaughn Baker at (916) 372-6060 or jevaughn.baker@ccpoa.org.