"Since the downturn, new hires have borne the brunt of belt-tightening in the nation's public sector. They, not their elder cubicle mates, have had to swallow diminished expectations for their golden years. This unfair two-tier system is likely to further discourage the young and talented from considering a career in the civil service. In addition, such marginal reform won't be enough over the long term to fill a $700 billion shortfall in America's public pension system. A better approach is burden sharing -- something San Jose and San Diego are trying to push through."