Regular Meeting of the California Citizens Compensation Commission
Time Meeting Commenced:
Time Meeting Adjourned:
Chair:
Secretary:
Members Present:
- Laura Horrocks
- Darrel Roberts
- Tyren Thompsom
- Yvonne Wheeler
- Margaret Wong
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
- Manpreet Singh, Personnel Program Manager, CalHR
- Lisa Hatten, Staff Personnel Program Analyst, CalHR
- Sarah Cohen, Commission Counsel, CalHR
- Somjita Mittra, Chief Economist, DOF
- Natalie Griswold, Finance Budget Analyst, DOF
- Danielle Brandon, Principal Program Budget Analyst III, DOF
Agenda Item I – CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Sweet.
Agenda Item II – ROLL CALL
Roll was called and a quorum was established.
Agenda Item III – CHAIR WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Chair Sweet welcomed the Commission as the newly appointed Chair and acknowledged the two new commissioners, Commissioner Roberts and Commissioner Wheeler. Upon request by Chair Sweet, each of the commissioners introduced themselves.
Agenda Item IV - APPROVAL OF JUNE 22, 2022, COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Adoption of June 22, 2022, meeting minutes moved by Commissioner Horrocks, seconded by Commissioner Wheeler.
Ayes (6) Horrocks, Roberts, Sweet, Thompson, Wheeler, Wong
Noes (0)
Abstain (0)
Absent (0)
Minutes adopted.
Agenda Item V – DISCUSSION OF JUNE 22, 2022, COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Sweet provided the opportunity for Commissioners to share their comments about the 2022 Commission meeting. No comments were presented.
Agenda Item VI – CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Sweet called for public comment. No comments were received.
Agenda Item VII – DISCUSSION OF STAFF REPORTS
Sarah Cohen, Commission Counsel, outlined the responsibilities of the California Citizens Compensation Commission set forth in the California Constitution.
Commission Secretary Angelina Snarr identified the materials provided to the Commission in the staff report binder.
Somjita Mitra, Department of Finance Chief Economist, explained how the Department of Finance measures inflation and provided an overview of inflation numbers and trends. Somjita Mitra reported as follows:
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the monthly change in prices paid by U.S. consumers. CPI components include food, energy, and other goods in addition to shelter, medical care, transportation, and other services. The California CPI is calculated as a population-weighted average of the California regional CPIs.
From 2020/2021 to 2021/2022, the percentage change in California prices increased from 2.3 percent to 6.6 percent. It hit a peak in July 2022 and has been decreasing ever since. The Department of Finance projects California’s rate of inflation to decrease to 3.5 percent by the end of the current fiscal year or June 30, 2024, and then to 2.9 percent by the end of the following fiscal year or June 30, 2025.
Manpreet Singh, California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Personnel Program Manager, presented a chart of the 21 bargaining units showing which labor contracts are closed and which are still open. For purposes of salary setting, Manpreet Singh explained that CalHR typically extends the general salary increase percentage bargained by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to excluded (supervisory and managerial) and exempt employees. As of the date of the Commission meeting, contract negotiations between CalHR and SEIU had not concluded.
Agenda Item VIII – DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION SETTING COMPENSATION
Chair Sweet invited the commissioners to put forward a motion. Commissioner Wong proposed a 4 percent increase across the board, seconded by Commissioner Roberts.
Chair Sweet opened discussion. Commissioner Horrocks and Commissioner Wheeler expressed their support for the 4 percent increase. Chair Sweet expressed support for a 4.5 percent increase. After discussion, Commissioner Wong amended her motion to propose a 4.5 percent, instead of a 4 percent increase.
Resolution setting compensation moved by Commissioner Wong, seconded by Commissioner Roberts.
Ayes (6) Horrocks, Roberts, Sweet, Thompson, Wheeler, Wong
Noes (0)
Abstain (0)
Absent (0)
Motion carries.
Agenda Item IX – DISCUSSION OF SCHEDULING OF COMMISSION MEETING(S) FOR 2024
Chair Sweet introduced the idea of multiple meetings for the 2023-2024 Commission year.
Commissioner Wong, Commissioner Roberts, and Commissioner Thompson expressed support for multiple meetings. Commissioner Roberts and Commissioner Thompson also expressed support for a combination of in-person and teleconference meetings.
There was no action to be taken on this item. Chair Sweet directed staff to poll Commissioners regarding their availability.
Agenda Item X – ADJOURNMENT
Chair Sweet adjourned the meeting.
