As reported by nj.com, state law enforcement authorities are mounting a coordinated response to rising gang activity in cities and suburbs, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. Gang violence in the state has become “more widespread, more violent and more sophisticated” in recent years, Fishman told about 400 law enforcement agents at the
June 2011
Gov. Christie Signs NJ Public Worker Pension and Healthcare Overhaul Bill
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, Governor Chris Christie signed into law controversial legislation that will force public employees to pay more for their pension and health insurance. Christie, who signed the bill flanked by a bipartisan cast of mayors, said passage of the bill is his biggest legislative victory since taking office.
“It is an …
NJ Pension and Healthcare Bill Heads Back to Senate On Way to Christie’s Desk
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, a contentious bill raising pension and health benefits costs for more than half-million New Jersey government workers goes back to the state Senate one more time on Monday for a formality vote.
A provision in the main bill allowing health plans that restrict out-of-state care will be removed. The provision …
NJ Assembly Passes Landmark Employee Benefits Overhaul
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, New Jersey lawmakers voted to enact a sweeping plan to cut public worker benefits after a long day of high-pitched political drama in the streets of Trenton and behind closed doors. Union members chanted outside the Statehouse and in the Assembly balcony, and dissident Democrats tried to stall with …
NJ Public Workers To Stage Large Protest Over Pension And Healthcare Reform
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, New Jersey’s battle over benefits could hit a fever pitch today. Thousands of public workers are expected to stage what leaders vow will be their biggest Statehouse protest yet over a controversial bill to force them to pay more for health insurance and pensions. The bill is up for final passage …
CWA Local 1033 To Sue State Over Missed Pension Payments
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported bynj.com, a public worker union local plans to take New Jersey to court over missed pension payments. The Communications Workers of America Local 1033 told the Associated Press it will file suit in U.S. District Court today.
The union wants the court to find the state’s continued failure to make …
Democratic Legislators To Introduce Budget, Includes Money for Police
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, under pressure to regain control of the issues in Trenton, Democratic sources said Tuesday that legislators plan to introduce their own budget next week that will include money for police departments and property tax relief for the elderly.
The plan to reshape Governor Chris Christie’s $29.6 billion budget …
Former NJDOC Official Pleads Not Guilty to Bribery, Attempted Extortion Charges
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, former Department of Corrections’ official Lydell Sherrer pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and attempted extortion today in federal court. Sherrer is accused of taking bribes from corrections employees he supervised while serving as assistant commissioner.
Federal authorities said he offered jobs, transfers and help with a lawsuit …
Effort to Cut NJ Public Workers Benefits Advances Despite Opposition
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, fierce opposition could not stop the Senate from passing a contentious measure Monday that will sharply raise the cost of health benefits and pensions for the state’s 500,000 public employees. With protesters dressed in Revolutionary-era garb gathered outside the Statehouse and union members clamoring inside, the pivotal Senate vote …
NJ Workers March Across Delaware River In Protest of Benefit Cuts
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, about 200 public employees marched across the Delaware River this morning in protest of cuts to their benefits. Later, protesters attempting to get into the Statehouse were pushed back by State Police troopers.
Led by Revolutionary War re-enactors, the workers carried signs and chanted as they crossed the Calhoun Street …