As reported by NJ.com, in a significant blow to Governor Chris Christie, a judge ruled today that the Governor broke a law he signed by cutting $1.57 billion from a pension payment this year, and must now work with state lawmakers to restore the money. The decision could blow a massive hole in the
NJ Fire
Court Rules Some NJ Volunteer Fire Companies Subject To Public Records Act
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by NJ.com, a State Superior Court Judge has ruled that four (4) volunteer fire companies in Lakewood are government agencies subject to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”). Specifically, the Judge ruled that four (4) volunteer fire companies in Lakewood must produce rosters, check registries, e-mails, meeting minutes and resolutions,…
Legislature To Vote On Extension Of Arbitration Cap for Police, Fire
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Interest Arbitration
As reported by northjersey.com, top Democratic lawmakers are rushing to extend the cap on police and firefighter pay raises that some say has helped keep property tax bills in check. But local officials say the bill expected to be voted on today in both the Assembly and State Senate includes too many loopholes to be…
Christie Wants to Eliminate Division of Fire Safety
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, a Democratic state senator said that Governor Chris Christie is looking into eliminating the Division of Fire Safety, which is responsible for enforcing the state fire code, education programs, and firefighter training. In a news release criticizing the plan, Senator Jim Whelan said the administration wants to divide the …
Towns Must Provide Explanations When Hiring Less Qualified Workers
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, municipalities hiring from a civil service list have to give a “legitimate” reason for skipping over a candidate in favor of one who placed lower in test ranking, the state Supreme Court ruled yesterday.
The 4-2 decision reverses a practice that labor experts said had given too much power …
Sweeney Pushing Legislation for Shared-Services Agreements
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by app.com, State Senate President Stephen Sweeney said he will push for a law aimed at moving the State’s 566 municipalities into shared-service agreements. Sweeney said he would introduce the legislation this week.
The bill is expected to revive the Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission (“LUARC”), created some four years …
Police, Fire Union Leaders Slam Christie At Rally
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, leaders of police and firefighter unions slammed Governor Chris Christie at a rally outside the Statehouse on March 3, 2011.
Bill Lavin, president of the New Jersey Firefighter’s Mutual Benevolent Association, said Christie loves police and firefighters, but hates the unions because “he hates your voice.” Lavin said the …