As reported by nj.com, a Superior Court judge challenging the increased payments judges must make under newly-enacted changes to public worker health and pension benefit plans will not be allowed to have his case directly sent to the New Jersey Supreme Court. In a two-paragraph order issued yesterday, Supreme Court Justice Virginia
Christie
Deal Is Not Close With Largest NJ Public Worker Union, Gov. Christie Says
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Contract Negotiations
As reported by nj.com, Governor Chris Christie says contract talks with New Jersey’s largest public worker union are continuing at a slow pace. Christie says the administration has offered proposals on wages and non-economic issues to the Communications Workers of America. However, he does not expect an agreement within the next two weeks.
The …
NJ Imposes Harsher Penalties For Killing K-9
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, people who intentionally kill police dogs or dogs involved in search and rescue operations are now facing stiffer penalties in New Jersey.
Governor Chris Christie recently signed legislation that mandates minimum five-year prison terms, with no chance of parole, for such offenders, who also will face fines of up …
Bill That Would Allow NJ Public Workers To Opt Out Of Joining Union Has No Chance to Pass, Sheila Oliver Says
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, labor leaders in New Jersey, still licking their wounds after losing a fight over pension and health benefits in the Democratic Legislature last month, are being told a new anti-union bill does not stand a chance.
The leader of the state Assembly told The Associated Press that New Jersey …
Sweeney Won’t Apologize For His Tirade Against Christie
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, two days after a tirade by Senate President Stephen Sweeney against Governor Chris Christie was published on the front page of The Star-Ledger, Sweeney refused to walk back his comments. “Could I have gone over the top with my language? Probably, I did,” said Sweeney. “But I don’t apologize for it. The governor …
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 …
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 …