Episode Details

Gray Davis’ 1998 California governorship was a lucky break over a bloodbath of pricey primary ads, fueled by union backing that came with steep promises—big benefit hikes for workers that later crashed the state’s finances. When the Great Recession hit, unemployment funds vanished and pensions hemorrhaged, leaving a $20 billion federal debt and forcing Davis’ recall. His successor, Jerry Brown, cracked down with reforms that angered unions—and some even sued. Now, 14 years later, those same unions are pushing AB 1383 to undo Brown’s cuts, arguing they’ve served their purpose, while local governments warn it’ll saddle the state with billions more in unfunded pension debt.

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