As reported by NJ.com, New Jersey’s public labor unions leaders say they are intently watching a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could strike down compulsory membership dues and threaten how they are funded. The outcome is of major consequence in the Garden State and about 20 other states where public workers are
NJ Lawmakers Clash Over Forcing Bigger Pension Payments
As reported by NJ.com, State Senate President Stephen Sweeney and labor leaders defended Sweeney’s proposal to constitutionally enforce payments into the public pension system against arguments it’s a gift to special interests that will shackle New Jersey’s finances. The scrap between Sweeney and labor leaders versus Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. and business
State Buying 5,000 Body Cameras For 176 NJ Police Departments
As reported by NJ.com, State officials will announce awards to 176 police departments to buy more than 5,000 body cameras, a move they claim puts New Jersey at the “forefront” of states embracing the relatively new technology. Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said that when his office kicked off the $2.5 million program
Lawmakers Push Pension Ballot Question On Forcing NJ To Make Payments
As reported by NJ.com, a referendum to amend the New Jersey Constitution to require the State to make contributions to public worker pensions cleared the State Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday during a discussion that drew sharp criticism from a Republican lawmaker.
Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen) faulted Democrats for pushing the legislation through without
Sweeney Plan To Bypass Christie On NJ Public Worker Pensions Clears First Hurdle
As reported by NJ.com, a key State Senate Committee approved legislation to ask voters to revise the New Jersey Constitution to require the State to ratchet up contributions to the public pension system. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee cleared the resolution along party lines, with Republicans’ opposition rooted in protecting taxpayers from severe
Legislation Introduced To Cement Promises To Fund Pension Systems
As reported by NJ.com, State Senate President Stephen Sweeney introduced legislation that would cement state officials’ promises to fund government workers’ pensions in the New Jersey constitution. Such a constitutional amendment requiring the State to make payments into the public retirement fund was expected to be the next step after the State Supreme Court
State PBA President Lashes Out At Christie For Shameful Comment
As reported by NJ.com, the president of the New Jersey police union that represents nearly 33,000 officers lashed out against Governor Chris Christie after the Governor called him a “pension pig.” Pat Colligan, president of the New Jersey State PBA, referred to the Governor as a “schoolyard bully” and said Christie’s statement “didn’t surprise”
Hamilton Police Department Receives State Accreditation
As reported by NJ.com, the Hamilton Township Police Department has received accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The Chiefs of Police’s accreditation is a voluntary program in which departments conduct a self-analysis for meeting over 100 standards of operations and best practices. Trained, independent assessors then review and verify
Moody’s Warns of Teacher Pension Risk to N.J. School Districts under Christie Plan
As reported by NJ.com, a new report from a Wall Street rating agency warns that Gov. Chris Christie’s seemingly dormant plan to overhaul government worker pension and health benefits to save the State billions of dollars could come at a risk to school districts if Christie’s proposed reforms don’t play out as envisioned.
Moody’s
Hamilton Mayor Talks Fire District Consolidation; Wants State Input
As reported by NJ.com, Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede met with the Township firefighters’ unions two years ago about consolidation and said she is pleased to finally see petitions going to taxpayers to start the process. The mayor, though, believes the unions which are spearheading the effort should be seeking signatures in all districts, including