The U.S. Supreme Court sided with former Paterson police officer Jeffrey J. Heffernan and ruled that his First Amendment rights were violated when he was demoted after picking up a campaign sign for the mayor’s opponent. Heffernan had been demoted after supporters of Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres saw him picking up a campaign sign for
The Costs of Chapter 78, P.L., 2011 on New Jersey Retirees’ Healthcare Contributions
Chapter 78, P.L., 2011 (hereinafter referred to as “Chapter 78”) went into effect on June 28, 2011, and has increased the average healthcare contributions required of public employees substantially. However, not all employees and retirees are equally effected. This article will briefly outline the effect Chapter 78 will have on newly and prospective retirees.
Chapter
Investigation Concludes that Brick Police Officers were Justified in Using Deadly Force in 2015 Shooting
As reported by the Brick Patch online, the shooting of a 21-year-old Brick Township man in August 2015 during a confrontation with police has been ruled a justifiable use of deadly force, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato announced Thursday.
In a statement released Thursday morning, Coronato said the investigation into the Aug. 23 shooting
NJ Public Unions Defend Mandatory Dues Challenged in U.S. Supreme Court
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
Trenton First Responders to Receive Bulletproof Vests & Raises
As reported by Trentonian.com, Trenton firefighters will receive bulletproof vests and raises as part of a labor contract approved by city council on Dec. 17.
“Our firefighters — they go inside houses — sometimes in situations where they don’t really know what the circumstances are,” Qareeb Bashir, the city’s fire & emergency services director
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
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 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