As reported by nj.com, State Attorney General Jeffrey Chisea made his case for the Department of Law and Public Safety’s proposed $958 million budget, which includes money for new State Police recruits and hundreds of patrol vehicles. The budget, proposed by Governor Chris Christie in February, also includes money for the State Police to
NJ Public Safety Officers
Union County Could Lay Off Workers To Close Budget Gap
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, talk of fiscal belt-tightening has become common over the last year in the halls of Union County government. Now, with an executive budget set to be unveiled Thursday, the real scope of Union County’s money troubles is coming into focus: Officials say they must close a $36 million deficit, and nearly …
NJ Judge Takes Pension Fight to NJ Supreme Court
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, the question of whether Governor Chris Christie and the Legislature can order judges to pay 9 percent more toward their pensions is headed to the New Jersey Supreme Court. The justices will hear arguments today in a case brought by Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale of Hudson County.
DePascale hopes …
Trenton Picks New Police Director
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, a former state trooper and veteran of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has been selected by Mayor Tony Mack to head Trenton’s police department, the city’s legal counsel confirmed. Ralph Rivera, Jr. rose to the rank of major during his 27 years with the New Jersey State Police and was …
Public Employee Unions Fear Political Shift in NJ Supreme Court
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, as hearings on Governor Chris Christie’s two Supreme Court nominees draw near, the state’s largest public employee unions say they are alarmed by a potential shift in the Court’s political balance, and Democrats are poring over new information about the pair.
In a letter to the Senate last …
Old Bridge Lays Off Ten Officers
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, on Thursday, Old Bridge Township laid off 10 officers and issued notices that some supervising officers, including captains, lieutenants, and sergeants, would be reduced in rank. Mayor Owen Henry said the department was reduced from 91 officers to 81 because of a recent arbitration award resolving a police contract dating …
Pension Reform Lawsuit Dismissed
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by app.com, a federal lawsuit brought by New Jersey public employee unions, in an attempt to overturn last year’s pension and benefit reforms, has been dismissed. U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson ruled Monday that the issue is not under federal jurisdiction because of the 11th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, …
Governor Christie Talks Criminal Justice Reform At Westwood Town Hall
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, Governor Chris Christie told a town hall crowd in Westwood why he thinks reforming the state’s criminal justice system will save money and reduce the number of repeat offenders.
This week he said he will release details about the mandatory drug treatment program for nonviolent offenders first unveiled in …
State’s Failure To Make Full Pension Payments Hinders Fund
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, public pension funds may have gotten a much-needed boost from Governor Chris Christie’s landmark overhaul last year, but reports released show the funds continue to be hampered by the State’s failure to make full payments into the plans.
Christie and Democratic leaders joined together last year and shifted …
NJ Lawmakers Asks For Gov. Christie To Compromise On Sick-Leave Payouts For Public Employees
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, the sponsor of a bill to end five and six figure sick-leave payouts for retiring public employees in New Jersey is calling on Governor Chris Christie to sign compromise legislation.
Senator Paul Sarlo of Bergen County told The Associated Press the Governor is holding up the bill over a …