Legislature and Term Limits

Although I am certain that California is losing many talented people who have staffed the Legislature, I am enraged as a former 20-year employee of the University of California at the generosity of the legislators when it comes to their own and the treatment afforded the rest of us in similar circumstances. Instead of the “golden handshake” these legislative staffers are getting, after 25 years of service I received a 20-year service pin worth perhaps $25, a letter of layoff and the “opportunity” to collect unemployment for six months at about $600 a month, just like everyone else. Severance pay after only two years of service? Retirement credits? Outplacement services?

What is additionally appalling is that during the 20 years I worked for the University of California, virtually no state money was involved in my salary. I did scientific research on federal grants on a pay-as-you-go basis. The university and the state not only reaped the benefits of the prestige that accrued to the institution doing this level of research, they did not have to pay my salary. They received money for the direct costs of the research, plus up to 45% of the direct costs to pay for overhead.

I would be the first to argue that the level of civility being accorded these staffers is appropriate for any employer. But I have a real problem when this double standard seems to point out yet one more time that it’s not what you do, but who you know that matters.

ELAINE R. BROOKS

La Jolla