CalPERS pays out nearly $13 billion in pension benefits each year to retirees and beneficiaries using investment income and cash contributions from employers and members. Investment assets are not sold to generate cash and the fund continues to grow.

What You Should Know About CalPERS

• 1.6 million State, school, and local government members
  
  
• $3.4 billion in member contributions FY 2009-10
  
  
• State employees are contributing 2-5 percent more from their paychecks, saving California up to $300 million
  
  
• Investment portfolio has gained nearly $70 billion since low point during financial crisis