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<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title>News & Press</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/</link><description><![CDATA[ Read about recent events, essential information and the latest community news. If you have any questions regard COVID-19 please reach out to our office at staff@cajpa.org for potential resources. ]]></description><lastBuildDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:52:01 GMT</lastBuildDate><pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:49:00 GMT</pubDate><copyright>Copyright © 2024 California Association of Joint Powers Authorities </copyright><atom:link href="http://www.cajpa.org/resource/rss/news.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link><item><title>CAJPA Cast Episode 1: 2024 Fall Conference with Mike Madrid, Nicole Mata, and Mike Pott</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/679782/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/679782/</guid><description><![CDATA[<h2><a href="https://www.cajpa.org/page/podcast"><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/podcast/CAJPA-Cast-Podcast-Logo.png" style="width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /></a></h2><h2>The Inaugural CAJPA Cast is Here Where We Discuss What to Expect at the Fall Conference! Listen Now! </h2><p>In Episode 1 of the CAJPA Cast, we’re giving you an exclusive preview of our upcoming <a href="https://conference.cajpa.org/">CAJPA Fall Conference</a>, themed "Cultivating Change" which is taking place September 10-13, 2024 in beautiful South Lake Tahoe!</p><p>Join us as we sit down with some fantastic guests who will provide insights into what’s in store. We’ll hear from Keynote Speaker Mike Madrid, Conference Committee Vice Chair Nicole Mata, and Mike Pott from the Legal Affairs Committee. They’ll share their perspectives on how the conference will address key topics and offer a glimpse into the exciting sessions and networking opportunities awaiting you. This episode is hosted by Amy Conley, General Manager, of CIRA. Thank you and we hope you'll enjoy this episode!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://share.descript.com/view/5kn4xpFDqHQ">LISTEN TO EPISODE 1</a></span></strong></p><p>Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, <a href="https://www.bickmoreactuarial.net/">Bickmore Actuarial</a>. Bickmore Actuarial is an actuarial consulting firm based in Sacramento, California. We have a staff of 22 actuaries, including 6 Fellows and 6 Associates of the Casualty Actuarial Society. All of our consultants are very experienced in public entity self-insurance and risk pooling. We provide key actuarial services for our clients, including estimates of outstanding liabilities, projections of loss costs, cost allocations between departments, pool members, and target surplus analysis. And yes, we can explain the numbers in a language you can understand! </p><p>Interested in getting your organization some air time on a future episode? Contact <a href="mailto:info@cajpa.org">info@cajpa.org</a> for more information.</p><p>Thank you to Sponsor!</p><p><a href="https://www.bickmoreactuarial.net/"><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/podcast/Bickmore_Actuarial_640.png" style="width: 50%; float: left;" /></a></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:49:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Join CAJPA's Accreditation Committee!</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/659216/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/659216/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>The California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) is currently seeking individuals who are passionate about advancing risk management excellence to join our esteemed Accreditation Committee. As we approach a crucial phase in maintaining the high standards of the nation's pioneering risk management accreditation program, we are reaching out to professionals who share our commitment to quality and professional standards.</p><p><strong>About CAJPA's Accreditation Program:</strong><br />Our Accreditation Committee plays a pivotal role in overseeing California’s first risk management accreditation program. Designed to ensure the highest quality and professional standards for all risk management pools, regardless of size, scope, or membership structure, the program involves a comprehensive study, evaluation, committee review, and determination of accreditation status. Successful California risk pools can attain Accredited or Accredited with Excellence status.</p><p><strong>Committee Member Qualifications:</strong><br />We invite individuals from CAJPA JPA member agencies who have a background and/or interest in the law or legal aspects of claims, governance, and pool finance, with a keen awareness of statewide regulations. Your valuable insights and dedication will contribute to the continued success of our Accreditation Program.</p><p><strong>How to Apply:</strong><br />If you are interested in becoming a part of this dynamic committee, please submit a copy of your resume and a letter of interest to Jessica Harris at <a href="mailto:jharris@cajpa.org">jharris@cajpa.org</a>. We highly value your input and look forward to considering your application.</p><p><strong>Questions and Clarifications:</strong><br />For any inquiries about the Accreditation Program or the application process, please feel free to reach out to Deputy Director Carmen Berry at <a href="mailto:cberry@cajpa.org">cberry@cajpa.org</a>. </p><p>Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of risk management excellence.</p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:51:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Call for Sessions is Now OPEN for the 2024 CAJPA Fall Conference! </title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/661637/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/661637/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/conference/2024/2024-CAJPA-SavetheDatev2.jpg" style="width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /></strong></p><p><strong>UNLEASH THE POWER OF CHANGE!</strong><br />Mark your calendars for September 10-13, 2024, as the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) sets the stage for an impactful Annual Conference. We invite you to contribute to this transformative experience by submitting your innovative session ideas.<br /><br /><strong>CALL FOR SESSIONS IS NOW OPEN!</strong><br />Join us in cultivating change by submitting your groundbreaking session ideas for the 2024 CAJPA Annual Conference. We are seeking sessions that transcend the ordinary, focus on cutting edge technology in risk management and leave a lasting impact on professionals at every level.<br /><br /><strong>WHY SHOULD YOU SUBMIT?</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Elevate your expertise:</strong> Showcase your knowledge and skills to a diverse audience eager for innovation.</li><li><strong>Be a catalyst for change:</strong> Inspire and empower fellow risk management professionals with your cutting-edge insights.</li><li><strong>Shape the future: </strong>Contribute to a conference that aims to redefine the landscape of joint powers authorities.<br /></li></ul><p><span style="color: #c00000;"><strong>DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS EXTENDED:</strong> Friday, February 16, 2024</span></p><p><strong>SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:</strong> <br />Your session proposal must include:</p><ul><li><strong>Session Title:</strong> Captivating and concise, reflecting the essence of your content.</li><li><strong>Session Description: </strong>A glimpse into the transformative journey attendees will embark on.</li><li><strong>Three Learning Outcomes: </strong>Clearly defined goals to guide participants toward tangible takeaways.</li><li><strong>Speakers: </strong>Introduce the visionaries who will lead the charge in cultivating change.<br /></li></ul><p>Let's make the 2024 CAJPA Fall Conference a beacon of innovation and inspiration. Submit your session now and be a driving force in shaping the future of risk management! Together, we'll turn ideas into action and cultivate change that resonates far beyond the conference walls.<br /></p><h4><strong>SEE YOU IN BEAUTIFUL TAHOE, AT THE NEW TAHOE EVENT CENTER!</strong></h4><p> </p><div> </div>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 4 Jan 2024 22:40:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>New Laws Impacting California Risk Pools in 2024</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/661636/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/661636/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>CAJPA follows hundreds of legislative bills each session that have potential impact on members. In this eblast, we wanted to highlight two bills that were signed by Governor Newsom. </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/files/leg-alerts/20230SB558_93.pdf">SB 558 (Rubio)</a> – Civil Actions: Childhood Sexual Abuse</strong><br />Signed into law by Governor Newsom, this bill further expands the definition of childhood sexual assault (previously expanded by AB 218) to include childhood sexual assault material (CSAM) for CSA that occurs <em><strong>before</strong></em> January 1, 2024:</p><ul><li>Expands the definition of sexual assault to include obscene matter depicting minors engaged in or simulating sexual conduct - think sexting and electronic transmission of photographs.<br /></li><li>Allows for claims based on CSAM to be filed up to the age of 40, or within 10 years of the date the plaintiff discovers the existence of obscene matter.</li></ul><p>Although child safety is always a top priority for CAJPA and its members, CAJPA opposed SB 558 as the bill creates <strong>retroactive</strong> liability and revives expired claims against an employer, including school districts, community colleges, public agencies, and others, where there has been a claim against an employee of that organization for penal code violations that involved alleged child sexual abuse materials (CSMA) prior to January 1, 2024. This bill was amended into its current form at the very end of the legislative session which resulted in little opportunity for CAJPA and other opponents to attempt to clarify a variety of ambiguities or unknowns created by this bill including, for example, whether it applies to activities that only involve student(s). Opponents to SB 558 shared concerns about the inconsistency of the bill language with federal law, ambiguous language, and the far back reaching time for claims. CAJPA will continue to support future efforts to secure clarification on implementation of this legislation and its potential impact to public agencies to hopefully avoid having some of these issues resolved through litigation. </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/files/leg-alerts/20230AB452_93.pdf">AB 452 (Addis)</a> – Child Sexual Assault: Statute of Limitations</strong><br />Current law requires that specified actions for recovery of damages suffered because of childhood sexual assault, as defined, be commenced within 22 years of the date the plaintiff attains the age of majority (18) or within 5 years of the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the age of majority was caused by the sexual assault, whichever occurs later. </p><p>Current law prohibits certain of those actions from commencing on or after the plaintiff’s 40th birthday unless the person or entity knew or had reason to know, or was otherwise on notice, of any misconduct that creates a risk of childhood sexual assault by an employee, volunteer, representative, or agent, or the person or entity failed to take reasonable steps or to implement reasonable safeguards to avoid acts of childhood sexual assault, as specified. </p><p>As of January 1, 2024, the law pertaining to these claims has changed as follows: <br /></p><ul><li>Time limits for the commencement of actions for the recovery of damages suffered because of childhood sexual assault have been eliminated for any alleged assault that occurs on or after January 1, 2024. </li><li>Eliminates the prohibition on certain actions proceeding on or after the plaintiff’s 40th birthday unless specified conditions are met. </li></ul><p>CAJPA respectfully opposed AB 452 which will eliminate the statute of limitations to bring a civil action against an employer, including school districts, public agencies, and others, where there has been a claim against an employee of that organization for alleged child sexual assault that occurs on or after January 1, 2024. CAJPA worked diligently with the author’s office to ensure that this bill would at least only address prospective occurrences and not be retroactive. </p><p>2024 is the second year of a two-year legislative session. The Legislature reconvenes on January 3, 2024. With the upcoming November elections, this will certainly be a lively year for legislative activities. CAJPA Legislative Committee will be monitoring all bills that may impact members and will update members as bills move through the Legislature. </p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 4 Jan 2024 22:17:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>DIR 2023 Assessment: Fa La La La Falling Assessment Factor Increases</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/659086/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/659086/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Representatives from the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) participated in the annual Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) assessment briefing with DIR Director Katie Hagen, Chief Deputy Director Deanna Ping, and Chief Financial Officer Josh Iverson. The preliminary meeting this spring estimated the assessment factor at an increase of 5%-10% but the actual assessment is a decrease of 6% for self-insured programs and an increase of 3% for fully insured programs.</p><p>Please note that each agency’s assessment is calculated based on several distinct elements, including total indemnity payments. These reported assessment numbers only apply to the assessment factor that comes from DIR. Workers’ compensation costs, such as paid indemnity, will affect the amount and percentage change in each employer’s final assessment.</p><p>CFO Iverson stated that the assessment factor is less than expected due to sufficient fund balances following years of increases. Director Hagen shared that advancements in data systems and automation should provide greater system improvements and steady future assessments as DIR continues to do its best to keep costs to a minimum. CAJPA members greatly appreciate these efforts in recognition of the many complex contributing factors, including DIR’s implementation of three dozen new laws.</p><p>CAJPA looks forward to updating members on future preliminary assessment planning figures in the Spring of 2024 as they become available from DIR as a part of state budget deliberations.</p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:38:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>CAJPA Legislative Committee Looking for Healthcare Observer</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/659092/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/659092/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>One of CAJPA’s priorities and greatest benefit to members is our legislative, regulatory, and public policy efforts lead by the CAJPA Legislative Committee. CAJPA is looking for individuals interested in joining the Healthcare Subcommittee. CAJPA’s full Legislative Committee meets in person and/or via Zoom four to six times a year; subcommittee meetings are in addition to the full committee. The committee guides the efforts of the Legislative Advocate and assists in the development of the Legislative Action Day. The Legislative Committee is comprised of a team of volunteers dedicated to putting in the time to review legislative bills assigned to their subcommittees and are committed to being the voice of California’s risk sharing pools.</p><p>The Legislative Committee is currently looking to fill an observer position on the <strong>Healthcare Subcommittee</strong>. An observer is a volunteer who is introduced to CAJPA’s legislative efforts and mentored by the Subcommittee, so they are prepared to step into a committee member position in the future. </p><p>If you feel passionate about issues that affect CAJPA’s members and have interest in joining the Legislative Committee, please provide a short statement of interest letter and CV to CAJPA’s Legislative Assistant Brett Moore at <a href="mailto:bmoore@cajpa.org">bmoore@cajpa.org</a> <strong>by Friday, December 8, 2023</strong>. The Legislative Committee will be reviewing submissions. If you need additional information, please reach out to CAJPA Executive Director Catherine Smith at <a href="mailto:casmith@cajpa.org">casmith@cajpa.org</a>.</p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:49:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>CAJPA Supported Bill Signed by Governor</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/648525/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/648525/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>AB 489, introduced by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, which will extend the authorization to deposit indemnity payments in a prepaid card account until January 1, 2025, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. CAJPA joined in support of AB 489 with the California Coalition on Workers Compensation, PRISM, and American Property Casualty Insurance Association. </p><p>AB 489 extended the sunset on this authorization until January 1, 2025. AB 489 continues the effort stemming from SB 880, adopted as Labor Code 4651, that went into effect in 2019. The law, until January 1, 2023, authorized an employer, with the written consent of the employee, to deposit disability indemnity payments for the employee in a prepaid card account that meets specified requirements, including allowing the employee reasonable access to in-network automatic teller machines. The sunset was extended one year by AB 2148 (Calderon, 2022)</p><p>The bill was addressing a challenge for many injured workers because temporary disability could only be transmitted to injured workers by either a paper check or direct deposit, which presented unique challenges for “unbanked” households -- households where no one in the household has a bank account. For unbanked workers, direct deposit would generally not be available. Without a relationship with a financial institution, cashing a check without significant fees can also prove challenging. The bill was designed to assist these households by starting the process of regularizing the use of prepaid card accounts for TD payment as an authorized method for delivering unemployment insurance benefits.<br /></p><div> </div>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Aug 2023 22:06:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Pooling Academy Releases New Finance Course</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/647445/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/647445/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/PoolingAcademy-1020.png" style="width: 50%; vertical-align: middle;" /></p><h2><strong>NOW AVAILABLE<br /><span style="font-size: 16px;">New finance course</span></strong></h2><h1>FINANCIAL REPORTING PRACTICES</h1><p>Every pool has processes and practices to ensure adequate and transparent financial reporting. Annual audited financial statements are an important foundation of pool financial reporting practices – and also provide useful context to better understand pool activities and operations.</p><p>In Pooling Academy’s new two-module course, you will learn why financial reporting and regulations differ by pool. You’ll also explore common elements in audited financial statements and the important information you can take from them.</p><p>This course is appropriate for anyone looking to better understand pool financial reporting practices and audited financial statements, no matter your role. </p><p><strong>Additional finance courses currently available.</strong><br /><br /></p><h1>INTERNAL CONTROLS & DATA MANAGEMENT</h1><p>Internal controls are the mechanisms, policies and procedures used to ensure financial and accounting information integrity. They also aid a pool in promoting transparency, accountability and fraud prevention.</p><p>In this course, you will explore the reasons why internal controls are vital to pooling, including important considerations for capturing and managing financial data.<br /><br /></p><h1>OPERATING BUDGETS</h1><p>The members and governing body of any public entity risk pool depend on pool management to develop an accurate budget that adequately funds all its operations and supports rate stability.</p><p>In this two-module course, you will review the basic components of a pool budget and common sources of revenue for pools, common pool expenditures, and variables that a pool may encounter during the budgeting process.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Members of AGRiP, CAJPA, and NLC-RISC receive special pricing.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></strong>Further discounts are available with group purchase.</p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 22px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001drLQ2slWQpOb9uK4RDZklwEVz-GLi4JZ8CTjJc8pdk7mCmkleeNd9nBq_XvjDGNEqL5v9UAzISQbsZ7AOH7xyoWW-8ZJiUkkvGsmBK-4pIOoKa-hxLquvTtRU_Ed5ghOWgdkbwowZKC2_J_KWE6Hb9stYDp1i7ADggaIfNRgVncO92uFcr3bnWuwg_XzmACdKAf3MliWvMUhgV_gkwY7pQ==&c=rLE5_ivB6Gh2SQg6EC2LuZIcCW6KiyOrCAVgBJZdiEg8QhcziPVeLQ==&ch=ytY4gDVcThx0xQWnTDr3SMqVgDpEXDLeNldd16iFdApuzunQpQmOtA==">LEARN MORE!</a></span></strong></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Wed, 2 Aug 2023 16:08:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>In Loving Memory of Robin Johnson</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/646990/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/646990/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/news/RJohnson_smiling_portrait.png" style="width: 30%; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px;" />It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Robin Johnson, a long-time CAJPA leader. Robin passed away at home in Folsom on Saturday, June 24th, having courageously fought a year and a half-battle with cancer.</p><p>Robin served as the Chair of the CAJPA Litigation, Insurance, and Tort Liability Committee and the Tort Liability Section of the Legislative Committee for many years. He also founded the CAJPA Legal Affairs Committee. He was a beloved colleague and friend to many in the JPA/insurance community. He started his insurance and risk management career in the late 1970s with American International Underwriters after completing his MBA in International Management at Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management in Arizona. </p><p>In 1982, he joined Marsh & McLennan where he was first exposed to public sector pooling clients when JPAs were beginning to form. Early in his career, Robin earned his CPCU credential and then a J.D. from Golden Gate University. In the mid-1980s he went on to earn his Master of Law in Tax, just to make sure he was completely educated in the captive insurance field he was then practicing. Robin always looked to dominate technical perfection in his work; this is one of the many reasons he loved working with public sector self-insurance pooling. </p><p>After a few years of gaining experience with private sector captives, Robin joined Bickmore in 1991 as a Pool Manager. His career path led him to work with Pools at other firms including Sedgwick/James and Driver Alliant, returning to Bickmore before finally putting his Law Degree to full use in 2011 as a practicing attorney and Risk Management Consultant. In retirement, Robin stayed active with CAJPA (including five years in Accreditation Management) and consulted with a Nevada Rural Hospital Pool. </p><p>The central focus of Robin’s career was mastering all aspects of Pool Management for both public and private self-insurance groups so one last ARM certification was needed. His background and training allowed him the unique ability to tackle all aspects of his clients’ needs. When most of his colleagues, clients, and business partners think back about their involvement with Robin Johnson these common words come immediately to mind: Technical, Thoughtful, Thorough, Kind, Calm, and Concise. These are his hallmark values. </p><p>But as many of you know, Robin was not just a practitioner of insurance and pooling. In the 1970s, Robin crossed the country on his BMW motorcycle, stopping along the way to work as a welder and learn what he could from the American people he met in small towns. </p><p>When riding seemed too dangerous, Robin put some space between himself and the ground by taking to the sky and truly soaring in his new glider. The learning curve was high, with the loss of lift sometimes landing him in fields and even barns. </p><p>To stay closer to sea level, Robin moved to the sport of ocean kayaking, and not just navigating river inlets. Robin liked to kayak into the ocean and surf the kayak to the beach to camp for the night before continuing along the coastline. But thirty years ago, these adventures were not exciting enough to keep Robin motivated; in the early 1990s, Robin learned to roll a kayak so he could run Class IV whitewater rapids. Although he found river kayaking to be the challenge he loved, it’s hard to carry a week’s worth of supplies (and white wine) in your river kayak, forcing him to buy yet another couple of boats and move into whitewater rafting. Many of his CAJPA colleagues have joined him on day trips to local rivers. And Robin typically spent at least 10 nights a year in some Idaho or Oregon wilderness. Because one week isn’t long enough to enjoy the outdoors, Robin has individually rowed the Grand Canyon three times - - each a 21-day wilderness trip.</p><p>As he aged, in his spare time around Folsom, he picked up motorcycle riding again with road trips through the Sierras, he mountain-biked the foothills, and he frequently tandem bicycled with a visually impaired friend on local bike trails in Sacramento. </p><p>Forever in search of learning new things, Robin also took up guitar a few years ago and mastered this instrument well enough to play with friends at a local coffee shop in the evenings.</p><p>Many might say that Robin lived many different lives, but the thread between them was always consistent: with whatever challenges he faced daily(at work or in the world of adventure) Robin achieved the technical skills needed to read the wind, the waves, or his clients’ problems, and he attacked them with the same precision and convictions. He had an adventurous spirit and lived life to the fullest. He was loved by many of us, including his wife Linda, daughter Elizabeth, and grandson Colin whom he held in his arms shortly after his birth 7 months ago. He will be missed by everyone.</p><p>A Celebration of Life is planned for Robin on October 28th beginning at 11:30 a.m. at <a href="https://www.camplotus.com/">Camp Lotus</a> Camp Lotus in the Gold Country along the South Fork of the American River. Please contact either Jeanette Workman (<a href="mailto:jeanette.workman@sedgwick.com">jeanette.workman@sedgwick.com</a>) or Mike Simmons (<a href="mailto:offwork2021@outlook.com">offwork2021@outlook.com</a>). </p><p>Donations to Friends of the River can be made in memory of Robin online <a href="https://www.friendsoftheriver.org/make-a-donation-2/">https://www.friendsoftheriver.org/make-a-donation-2/</a> or at the following address: 3336 Bradshaw Road, Suite 335, Sacramento, CA 95827.<br /></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:13:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>CAJPA Legislative Committee Looking for Interested Individuals</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/642852/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/642852/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>One of CAJPA’s priorities and greatest benefit to members is our legislative, regulatory, and public policy efforts lead by the CAJPA Legislative Committee. <strong>CAJPA is looking for individuals interested in being considered as a member of the Committee.</strong> CAJPA’s full Legislative Committee meets in person and/or via Zoom four to six times a year; subcommittee meetings are in addition to the full committee meetings. The Committee guides the efforts of the Legislative Advocate and assists in the development of the Legislative Action Day. The Committee is comprised of a team volunteers dedicated to putting in the time to review legislative bills assigned to their subcommittee and are committed to being the voice of California’s risk sharing pools.</p><p>The Legislative Committee is currently looking to fill a vacancy on the <strong>Joint Powers Authorities (JPA) Subcommittee.</strong> The JPA Subcommittee focuses on legislation that impacts local government governance and bills that may challenge our members ability to be efficient, independent, effective public agencies in service to members. We encourage interested parties with knowledge in JPA workings and who represent other types of risk sharing pools to consider applying for this opening but will consider all applicates.</p><p>If you feel passionate about issues that affect CAJPA’s members and have interest in joining the Legislative Committee, please provide a short statement of interest letter and CV to CAJPA’s Legislative Assistant <strong>Brett Moore at <a href="mailto:bmoore@cajpa.org">bmoore@cajpa.org</a> by Friday, June 23, 2023.</strong> The Legislative Committee will be reviewing submissions. If you need additional information, please reach out to CAJPA staff.</p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 8 Jun 2023 17:07:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Coalition Signers Needed to Oppose SB 623</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/641301/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/641301/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>CAJPA and other public agency employer associations have been working diligently to oppose <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB623">SB 623 (Laird).</a> If signed into law, SB 623 would:</p><ul><li>Extend the existing workers’ compensation presumption for specified peace officers that a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) is occupational to January 1, 2032 (from January 1, 2025) </li><li>Expand the PTSI workers’ compensation presumption to additional categories of peace officers including public investigators, public security officers, public safety dispatchers, public safety telecommunicators, and any peace officer employed by a K-12 public school district, and many more.</li></ul><p>The coalition’s opposition is based on the increased cost this expansion would impose on public employers without any evidence that the current workers’ compensation system is failing these vital employees. There is no evidence that a presumption is warranted. </p><p>CAJPA is asking its members to sign onto the <a href="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/files/leg-alerts/SB_623_LAIRD_-_Sen._Labor_Co.pdf">Oppose SB 623 Coalition letter</a> to help strengthen efforts to educate legislators that the intent of this bill to extend PTSI is not based on actual experience or analysis and would drive up costs for struggling public entities that are trying to provide emergency services.</p><p>To add your organization’s name to the coalition letter, please send an email to CAJPA Legislative Assistant Brett Moore at <a href="mailto:bmoore@cajpa.org">bmoore@cajpa.org</a> with the following information:</p><ul><li>Expressed permission to add your pool’s name to the letter</li><li>A jpeg logo</li><li>A signatory from the organization </li></ul><p><strong>Please respond no later than May 31, 2023 to be added to the coalition letter.</strong> If you need any additional information to consider this request, please email CAJPA’s Legislative Advocate Faith Borges at <a href="mailto:fborges@caladvocates.com">fborges@caladvocates.com</a>. </p><p>Thank you for strengthening the voice of California’s public agency employers.</p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Wed, 24 May 2023 21:30:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>DIR Update: An Optimistic Assessment Outlook</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/636214/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/636214/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>CAJPA leadership and staff met with Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Director Katie Hagen; Chief Deputy Director Deanna Ping and Chief Financial Officer Josh Iverson for our annual budgetary planning meeting. Each year DIR generously provides CAJPA leadership with a courtesy estimate of the change in the assessment factor that is billed in late November. After several years of double-digit increases, the estimated assessment factor is a five to ten percent (5-10%) increase. </p><p>While increases are never met with fanfare, a projected increase that is potentially less than the rate of inflation is welcomed news. Though the numbers are preliminary and subject to change, we are happy to relay the optimistic forecast. DIR attributed the anticipated moderate increase to improved modeling and sufficient fund balance levels. </p><p>Please remember that each agency's assessment is calculated based on several elements, including total indemnity payments. This estimate increase only applies to the assessment factors that come from DIR. Your agency's workers’ compensation costs will affect the amount and percentage change of your final assessment.</p><p>CAJPA will update members on future assessment figures when they become available later this year.</p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 21:51:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>CAJPA Legislative Committee Looking for Interested Individuals</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/629744/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/629744/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>One of CAJPA’s priorities and greatest benefit to members is our legislative, regulatory and public policy efforts lead by the CAJPA Legislative Committee. CAJPA is looking for individuals interested in being considered as a member of the committee. CAJPA’s full Legislative Committee meets in person and/or via Zoom four to six times a year; subcommittee meetings are in addition to the full committee. The committee guides the efforts of the Legislative Advocate and assists in the development of the Legislative Action Day. The committee is comprised of a team volunteers dedicated to putting in the time to review legislative bills assigned to their subcommittee and are committed to being the voice of California’s risk sharing pools.</p><p>The Legislative Committee is currently looking to fill a vacancy on the <strong>Loss Control Sub-Committee</strong>. The Legislative Committee currently has strong representation from school/education pools. We encourage interested parties with knowledge in loss control and who represent other types of risk sharing pools to consider applying for this opening but will consider all applicates.</p><p>If you feel passionate about issues that affect CAJPA’s members and have interest in joining the Legislative Committee, please provide a short statement of interest letter and CV to CAJPA’s Executive Director, <strong>Catherine Smith, at <a href="mailto:casmith@cajpa.org">casmith@cajpa.org</a> by Friday, February 10, 2023</strong>. The Legislative Committee will be reviewing submissions. If you need additional information, please reach out to CAJPA staff. </p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2023 01:31:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>2023 CAJPA Conference - Call for Sessions Deadline is Tuesday!</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/628093/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/628093/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/conference/2023/2023_CAJPA_Conference_Social.jpg" style="width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /></p><p>The California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) invites you to submit a potential session for our 2023 Annual Conference. Our aim is to include sessions that span topics that will be beneficial for all levels of risk management professionals.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://airtable.com/shraCDZJ47I4wOx5i">SUBMIT A SESSION</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong>Submission Guidelines</strong><br />Each submission MUST have a session title, session description, three learning outcomes and an identified speaker. CAJPA’s goal is to continue to provide members with a high level of session content by having comprehensive proposals for review by the Professional Development Committee.</p> <p><em>Deadline for submissions has been extended to Tuesday, January 17, 2023.</em></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:28:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Season's Greetings from CAJPA</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/626396/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/626396/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/news/CAJPA_holidays_2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px;">Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year filled with good health, happiness and spectacular success. Thank you for your continued support of CAJPA and commitment to serve the California pooling industry. We look forward to another successful year for our organization in 2023!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />CAJPA Board of Directors and Staff</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/news/CAJPA_holidays_22.jpg" style="width: 100%;" /></span></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:40:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>DIR 2022 Assessment: Leaves and Projected Assessment Factor Increases are Falling</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/624537/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/624537/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Last week representatives from the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) participated in the annual Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) assessment briefing with Director, Katie Hagen and Chief Financial Officer, Josh Iverson. Since the preliminary meeting in March when the estimated assessment factor increase of 15%-20% was shared, this update provides a bit of welcomed Fall news. This year the finalized assessment factor increase is 11.6%. </p><p>CFO Iverson shared that the actual increase is less than expected due to higher accumulated fund balances from the previous fiscal year. As you may recall, the assessment last year had a 19.62% increase in the factor. So, the lower assessment this year is partially due to the difference between the assessment and actual expenses last year. </p><p>Despite the welcomed news that the assessment is not as high as members were told to plan for, it is still a double digit increase which DIR attributed in large part to three things. First, the assessment funds department operation costs and staff. Notably there has been a lowering of Divisions’ vacancy rates with the Division of Workers’ Compensation down to an 8% vacancy rate. Second, is action taken by the legislature which results in a need to implement legislative budget change proposals (BCPs). Following a very active legislative session, DIR submitted nearly a dozen related BCPs to implement recently enacted laws. Lastly, claims, particularly Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund (SIBTF) claims continue to be a driver. </p><p>Regarding the last driver, Director Hagen shared that DIR recently awarded a contract to the Rand Corporation to perform a program evaluation of SIBTF to better understand program function, efficiencies, and improvements. Director Hagen was also optimistic that system improvements and advancements in data systems and automation will yield near-term system improvements and mitigate the need for future increases.</p><p>Please note that each agency’s assessment is calculated based on several distinct elements, including total indemnity payments. The reported increase only applies to the assessment factor that comes from DIR. Members workers’ compensation costs will affect the amount and percentage change in each final assessment. </p><p>CAJPA looks forward to updating members on future preliminary assessment planning figures in Spring 2023 as they become available from DIR as a part of state budget deliberations. </p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2022 17:22:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Enroll Your New Hires & Governing Body Members in Pooling Basics</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/622813/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/622813/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/news/PoolingGroupDiscount.png" style="width: 100%;" /></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">JOIN MORE THAN 700 POOLING ACADEMY LEARNERS</span></strong></p><p><strong>Enroll Your New Hires & Governing Body Members in Pooling Basics</strong></p><p><strong>JOIN BEFORE DECEMBER 31 TO RECEIVE INTRODUCTORY GROUP PRICING</strong></p><p>If your organization is like most, it is experiencing turnover in staff and governing body members at a pace rarely experienced before. Pooling Academy, the only online learning center for public entity pooling professionals, can help simplify your onboarding process with easy-to-access, reliable training.</p><p><strong>Pooling Basics</strong> is ideal for anyone new to public entity pooling. This <strong>eight-course curriculum</strong> provides a thorough, introductory review about what each pooling function does and what makes public entity pooling special. </p><p><strong>New courses coming soon.</strong></p><p>But Pooling Basics is only the beginning. Pooling Academy will continue to grow to include nearly 100 courses, tailored for any pooling professional. Look for new releases in the coming months.</p><p>But Pooling Basics is only the beginning. Pooling Academy will continue to grow to include nearly 100 courses, tailored for any pooling professional. Look for new releases in the coming months.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://www.poolingacademy.org/pooling-basics-overview/">LEARN MORE</a></span></strong></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2022 17:50:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>2022 Legislative Review</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/619947/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/619947/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/media/news/image-from-rawpixel-id-76619.jpg" style="width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /></p><p>California legislators introduced over 2,000 bills this year. Of those, the Governor signed 997 into law and vetoed 169. CAJPA’s Legislative Committee reviewed nearly 350 bills and designated about a dozen bills as key bills. Of those key bills, the vast majority were workers’ compensation related. Of 28 actively tracked workers’ comp bills, 15 bills were killed throughout the year, 4 were vetoed by the Governor (including proposed presumption and “4850 time” expansions) and 9 were signed into law, 8 of which the employer/payor community supported, sponsored or was neutral on. The one exception or “loss” is SB 1127 (Atkins) which was signed into law/chaptered. Thank you to those of you who participated in CAJPA’s veto efforts by sending individual letters. Your efforts are appreciated and not in vain as discussed below. </p><p>Beginning January 1, 2023, SB 1127 shortens the time employers have to investigate presumptive claims from 90 to 75 days. The bill also more than doubles the duration of temporary disability for cancer claims from 104 to 240 weeks for claims covered by a cancer presumption. Lastly, the bill creates up to $50,000 in penalties on all claims covered by presumption statutes, including COVID-19, in situations where liability has been “unreasonably rejected… or unreasonably delayed” which are undefined terms within the statute. While the bill will not take effect until January, the penalty provision shall apply to all presumptive injuries, without regard to whether the injury occurs before, on, or after the operative date of this section.</p><p>Though this measure being signed into law is disappointing, it is not the final word. This topic has moved to the top of the list of items needing to be addressed in future workers’ compensation legislation/regulation that we anticipate will occur as a part of a larger reform package next year. Illustrating that the bill is not solving the root causes for delayed (or provisionally denied) claims is the Department of Workers’ Compensation’s recent request for an extra 30 days to schedule appointments with qualified medical evaluators. Demanding employers accept liability within 75 days or pay $50,000 in taxpayer-funded penalties while injured workers may not even be examined for 90 days, demonstrates the bill was not passed as serious reform but as a product of the political theater in an election year. If you have ideas for meaningful workers’ compensation reform, please email CAJPA’s Workers’ Compensation Subcommittee Chair, Jackie Miller at <a href="mailto:jacquelyn.miller@sedgwick.com">jacquelyn.miller@sedgwick.com</a>.</p><p>In addition to workers’ compensation key bills, there are several other recently enacted laws that should be on your radar. </p><p>In the wake of escalating violence towards those working in public service, here is some good news. SB 1131 (Newman) was signed into law and is effective now as an urgency measure. This authorizes public employees and contractors to apply for the Safe at Home (SAH) program administered by the California Secretary of State's office. SAH provides a substitute mailing address for enrollees to receive first class, certified, and registered mail. The address is accepted by California state, county, and city government agencies in lieu of a residential or other mailing address whereby a home address can be tracked down. SAH keeps residential addresses confidential and out of the hands of someone who might obtain them with the intent to harm an applicant or their families.</p><p>Pertaining to public meetings, these three measures were signed into law:<br />S</p><p><strong>B 1100 (Cortese) CHAPTERED</strong><br />Authorizes the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee to remove an individual for disrupting the meeting. Requires removal to be preceded by a warning- if the individual does not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. The bill defines “disrupting” for this purpose.<br /></p><p><strong>AB 2449 (Blanca Rubio) CHAPTERED</strong><br />Allows, until January 1, 2026, members of a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing without identifying each teleconference location and making it publicly accessible provided at least a quorum of the members of the body participates in person at a singular physical location and meet additional requirements. <br /></p><p><strong>AB 2647 (Levine) CHAPTERED</strong><br />Exempts local agencies from making materials available for public inspection at the time they distribute them to members of the legislative body less than 72 hours before the meeting if the agency meets certain requirements. </p><p>Also of note, this week <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/10/17/governor-newsom-to-end-the-covid-19-state-of-emergency/">Governor Newsom announced</a> that the statewide state-of-emergency pertaining to COVID will be expiring on February 28, 2023. This may have an impact on current law enacted by AB 361 (Rivas, Chapter 165, Statutes of 2021) which allows, until January 1, 2024, local agencies to use teleconferencing without complying with specified Ralph. M Brown Act restrictions in certain state emergencies, and provides similar authorizations, until January 31, 2022, for state agencies subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act and legislative bodies subject to the Gloria Romero Open Meetings Act of 2000.<br /></p><ul> <li><a href="https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/DWCPropRegs/2021/QME-Regulations/Index.htm">The proposed DWC rules</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/DWCPropRegs/2021/QME-Regulations/Index.htm"></a><a href="https://www.sos.ca.gov/registries/safe-home">Information on SAH</a></li> <li><a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml">Bill text, analysis and outcomes </a></li> <li><a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml"></a><a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/10/17/governor-newsom-to-end-the-covid-19-state-of-emergency/">Governor’s press release to end COVID-19 State of Emergency</a></li></ul>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2022 20:38:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>SB 1127 (Atkins) Moving to Governor Newsom's Desk</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/616108/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/616108/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>SB 1127 (Atkins) is currently moving to Governor Newsom’s desk for a pass or veto vote. SB 1127 reduces the time to investigate workers’ compensation claims from 90 days to 75 days and institutes a fine up to $50,000 for each “unreasonable” rejection claim per case.</p><p>CAJPA urges you to take action to help prevent the passing of SB 1127 and refrain from undue burden being placed upon employer’ ability to rightfully handle workers’ compensation claims. Attached you will find a letter addressed to Governor Newsom which indicates which parts of the bill CAJPA takes issue with and why we believe it should be vetoed. Within the letter you will find two places that need to be customized to yourself, the date the letter is sent and your signature.</p><p>Please create your own version using the <a href="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/files/leg-alerts/SB_1127_SAMPLE_VETO_LETTER.docx">CAJPA template</a> and then send the letters to <a href="mailto:Leg.Unit@gov.ca.gov">Leg.Unit@gov.ca.gov</a>. Your emails should also be CC’d to Stuart Thompson, Chief Deputy Legislative Secretary, at <a href="mailto:stuart.thompson@gov.ca.gov">stuart.thompson@gov.ca.gov</a> and Faith Borges, CAJPAs’ Legislative Advocated, at <a href="mailto:fborges@caladvocates.com">fborges@caladvocates.com</a>. These letter should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2022 when the decision takes place. </p><p>Thank you and please support CAJPAs’ push to veto on SB 1127.</p>]]></description><category>Legislative Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 8 Sep 2022 00:20:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>CAJPA Board Nominations Open</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/613239/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/613239/</guid><description><![CDATA[<div style="color: #606d78; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ANNOUNCING CAJPA </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">OPENING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS PERIOD AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING!</span></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; color: #606d78;">There are five positions open for nominations on CAJPA’s Board of Directors. CAJPA board terms are three years in length. These terms will begin January 1, 2023 and conclude on December 31, 2025. CAJPA invites nominations or letters of interest from our members. Please send these along with other questions or inquiries about the election process to CAJPA Administrative Director Carmen Berry at <a href="mailto:cberry@cajpa.org">cberry@cajpa.org</a>. The deadline to submit nominations or personal interest for consideration by the nominating committee is Monday, September 5, 2022.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; color: #606d78;">CAJPA will be holding the 2022 General Membership Meeting and elections in person on </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; color: #606d78;">Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.</span> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; color: #606d78;"> This meeting will be held in conjunction with the 2022 CAJPA Annual Fall Conference in Lake Tahoe. Hope to see you there!</span></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 4 Aug 2022 20:18:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Pooling Academy Makes Onboarding Easy</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/612056/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/612056/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>ENROLL YOUR NEW HIRES & GOVERNING BODY MEMBERS IN POOLING BASICS</strong></p><p><strong> </strong>If your organization is like most, it is experiencing turnover in staff and governing body members at a pace rarely experienced before. Pooling Academy, the only online learning center for public entity pooling professionals, can help simplify your onboarding process with easy-to-access and reliable training.</p><p>Our first learning path, <strong>Pooling Basics</strong>, is ideal for those new to public entity pooling. This <strong>eight-course curriculum</strong> provides a thorough, introductory review about what each pooling function does and what makes public entity pooling special. </p><p>But Pooling Basics is only the beginning. Pooling Academy will continue to grow to include nearly 100 courses, tailored for any pooling professional. There will be courses and learning paths appropriate for your newest employees, developing staff and seasoned executives.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Members of AGRiP, CAJPA, and<br />NLC-RISC receive special pricing.</span><br /></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Further discounts are available with group purchase.</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://www.poolingacademy.org/">LEARN MORE!</a></span></strong></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2022 21:33:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Pooling Academy: Develop a Business Continuity Plan That Will Work</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/610154/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/610154/</guid><description><![CDATA[Learn more about how to develop a business continuity plan for your pool in a new 40-minute hot topic course in <a href="https://www.poolingacademy.org/hot-topics-overview/">Pooling Academy</a>. Whether your pool is at risk of being impacted by a hurricane, flood, fire, break-in or pandemic, the overarching goal of business continuity planning is to <strong>mitigate and respond to any sort of interruption</strong>. Having a plan in place also builds confidence in your team members and encourages a resilient organizational culture. This online, on-demand course is easy to access, affordable and includes guidance specifically for a pool.]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Fri, 1 Jul 2022 00:03:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Volunteer Opening on the Legislative Committee</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/609857/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/609857/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>One of CAJPA’s priorities and greatest benefits to members is our legislative, regulatory, and public policy efforts lead by the CAJPA Legislative Committee. CAJPA is looking for individuals interested in being considered as a member of the committee. CAJPA’s full Legislative Committee meets in person and/or via Zoom four to six times a year; subcommittee meetings are in addition to the full committee meetings.</p><p>The committee guides the efforts of the Legislative Advocate and assists in the development of the Legislative Action Day. The committee is comprised of a team of volunteers dedicated to putting in the time to review legislative bills assigned to their subcommittee and are committed to being the voice of California’s risk sharing pools.</p><p>The Legislative Committee is currently looking to fill one vacancy on the Workers’ Compensation Subcommittee (WC). The WC Subcommittee is looking for representation from individuals with strong pooling and California workers’ compensation knowledge. We encourage interested members to consider applying for this opening.</p><p>If you feel passionate about issues that affect CAJPA’s members and have interest in joining the Legislative Committee, please provide a short statement of interest along with your resume/qualifications to CAJPA’s Deputy Executive Director Carmen Berry at <a href="mailto:cberry@cajpa.org">cberry@cajpa.org</a>. The Legislative Committee will be reviewing submissions and making the recommendation to the board. If you need additional information, please reach out to CAJPA staff. <strong>The submission deadline is July 8, 2022.</strong></p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2022 20:51:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Seeking Accreditation Consultants!</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/608782/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/608782/</guid><description><![CDATA[CAJPA is also looking to add a new member to their team of Accreditation Consultants. These individuals are assigned to risk sharing pools who seek accreditation or reaccreditation through the CAJPA Accreditation program. Interested individuals should have experience or knowledge of risk sharing, JPA administration and governance as well as finance, claims management and underwriting. After selected, the new consultant will receive extensive training in the accreditation program. Travel is required. <br /> <br />Consultants are independent contractors, they receive a stipend for CAJPA Accreditation Committee meeting attendance, well as a contract fee per study completed. Individuals who are able to cover northern California are very encouraged to apply although all candidates will be equally considered on their skills and expertise.<br /><br />If you are interested in an exciting new contract opportunity assisting California’s risk sharing pools excel in all aspects of operations and governance, this may be a great fit for you! If you have additional questions on the roles and responsibilities of an Accreditation Consultant contact Program Manager Jim Marta at <a href="mailto:jmarta@jpmcpa.com">jmarta@jpmcpa.com</a> or submit your resume and letter of interest.]]></description><category>Accreditation</category><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2022 22:10:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>CAJPA’s General Liability Data Analysis Project</title><link>https://www.cajpa.org/news/605971/</link><guid>https://www.cajpa.org/news/605971/</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/docs/CAJPA_Tort_Liability_Project.pdf"><img alt="" src="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/docs/450-Tort-Liability-Project-F.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 259px; float: right; margin-left: 5px;" /></a>For years, California public entities have been facing an escalating crisis. For those of us who have been in the industry for much of our working life (or have heard the stories), it reminds us of the early 80’s when the insurance crisis led to the formation of many of our JPAs. We find ourselves in a lingering and daunting hard market cycle in not just one, but many lines of coverage. </p><p>To address the issue, in 2018 the CAJPA Board of Directors started the conversation and approved a plan that led to the creation of the attached report and findings of the state of the liability market for CA public agencies. Evidence and data that was obtained from multiple sources indicates that California public sector tort liability costs are on the rise and accelerating. Some insurance and reinsurance carriers are abandoning the California public sector altogether, or at minimum, increasing retentions or carving out certain coverage lines while delivering sharp premium increases. </p><p>The impact to the California public sector has been particularly devastating. Due to the lack of tort caps, specialist plaintiff attorneys and a change in jury profiles, awards and settlement values are increasing at alarming rates. The values of claims, coupled with the contracting insurance marketplace, is leading to an unsustainable financial state for California public entities.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.cajpa.org/resource/resmgr/docs/CAJPA_Tort_Liability_Project.pdf">CAJPA’s General Liability Data Analysis Project</a></strong> is a compilation of claims data from approximately 65% of CA public entities, including counties, cities, schools and special districts. The analysis identifies specific loss drivers (displaying trends in types of claims, in claims values and by type of entity) quantified impact and how we might seek opportunities to create change.</p><p>Overall, the study documents 300%- 400% increases in the average value of a claim, a pattern that is seen across all entity types over a 10 year period:<br /></p><ul><li>Average County claim has increased from $100,000 to $290,000</li><li>Average Municipal claim has increased from $120,000 to $400,000<br /></li><li>Average K-12 claim has increased from $240,000 to $510,000</li></ul><p>Additionally, data collected from all the JPA participants indicate total program costs (JPA SIR + insurance + assessments) experienced a cumulative increase of 159% during that same period. </p><p>The project received generous financial support from many of CAJPA’s members. Special thanks to who helped to fund the project as well as those who provided valuable data for analysis. This truly was a collaborative effort between CAJPA and our members. </p><p>CAJPA’s is currently reviewing possible next steps to address the issues raised in the report. We will keep our members updated on how the association proceeds in the future. We welcome any feedback from our members on the project and its results.</p>]]></description><category>Member Update</category><pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2022 18:23:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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