**Baja California Government Pushes for Issstecali Reform Amidst High Pension Payments**
The government of Baja California is insisting on reforming the Issstecali pension system as it faces a financial crisis largely attributed to the current pension structure. The system, known formally as the Institute of Security and Social Services for Government and Municipal Workers of the State, allows retirees to receive high monthly pensions, reportedly up to 260,000 pesos, while contributing minimally to the system. This issue has prompted the state’s finance secretary, Marco Antonio Moreno Mexía, to call for a reform to cap pension amounts and adjust contribution levels.
The disparity between the maximum pension amounts in Issstecali and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) is significant, with Issstecali’s cap at 350,000 pesos compared to IMSS’s 70,000 pesos. Moreno Mexía highlighted that around 1,800 retirees from Issstecali earn more than a million pesos annually. He further noted that the replacement rate for these pensions ranges from 160% to 200%, much higher than the 60% rate in other state systems across the country. This unsustainable model has contributed to the financial instability, necessitating the reform to prevent the state from covering deficits with short-term loans.
Despite the government’s push, the state’s Bureaucratic Union opposes the proposed changes, citing a risk to their hard-won labor rights. They argue that the issues stem from mismanagement rather than the pension structure itself. An external audit of Issstecali is underway, and the results are expected in the coming weeks. Moreno Mexía assured that any reform would be conducted transparently, with efforts to engage unions in discussions to highlight the benefits of potential changes.
**Related Developments: Further Reaction to the Proposed Issstecali Reform**
Following the announcement of reform discussions, other union groups, such as retirees and pensioners from the Baja California State Water Commission (CESPT), have also voiced their opposition. They have joined the broader call to resist changes to the law governing Issstecali pensions, suggesting instead a financial reengineering of the institution to address inefficiencies.
Adding to the complexity, the city of Tijuana has been dealing with numerous civic issues, such as improving city infrastructure and addressing education shortages. Recently, parents from Forjadores de Baja California primary school protested the lack of teachers due to payment issues, which have seen children out of the classroom since earlier this week.
In the broader societal context, the state is also experiencing a slight increase in safe abortion procedures, reflecting changing health service needs. Meanwhile, local governance challenges include the city council’s authority to restrict concerts glorifying criminal conduct, a subject of debate among officials and residents alike.
Additionally, in border control updates, Mexican authorities announced that an inspection filter at the San Ysidro crossing will now handle immigration document checks more stringently, as part of efforts to manage cross-border activities efficiently.
Stay informed with more local updates, including currency exchange rates and weather forecasts for the region, to navigate the dynamic landscape of Baja California.