As reported by nj.com, for 14 months, Governor Chris Christie and Democratic lawmakers have been at an impasse over payouts to public workers for unused sick time when they retire, further straining the budgets of municipalities. On Tuesday, however, Senate President Stephen Sweeney introduced a measure that would end the practice for new employees
Oliver
NJ Wants To Keep Taking Increased Pension Contributions From Judges During Appeal
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, the state wants to keep taking increasing pension and health benefits contributions from Superior Court judges and Supreme Court justices while it appeals a judge’s ruling that the hikes are unconstitutional.
The state Attorney General’s Office filed a motion to postpone implementation of Superior Court Assignment Judge Linda Feinberg’s …
Christie’s Constitutional Amendment On Judges’ Pay Gets No Support From Leaders
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver have no plans to post a constitutional amendment ensuring judges are subject to increases in pension and benefit payments proposed by Governor Chris Christie. “I am not inclined to support pursuing a constitutional amendment,” Oliver said. “It sets a very unhealthy …
NJ Republican Leaders Block Pay Raises for Top State Officials
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, the state’s highest ranking government officials will not be getting a raise any time soon. Republican legislative leaders and Governor Chris Christie’s office announced they would withhold appointments to a seven-member commission that meets every four years to set salaries for a broad range of officials from the governor …
Leaked Audio Reveals Christie Says He Helped Oliver Remain In Power For Her Help Passing Public Employee Benefits Overhaul
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, leaked audio from Governor Chris Christie’s closed-door speech to conservative donors in Colorado gives new details on the heated final days in the battle to cut public employee benefits. In particular, Christie said Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver personally asked him for Republican support to stay in power if dissident …
Sweeney, Oliver Denied Endorsement By NJEA
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, New Jersey’s largest teachers union is declining to endorse the state’s two legislative leaders, the latest sign of a rift between public employee unions and Democrats who supported an overhaul of pension and health benefits.
On Saturday, the union’s political action committee announced its endorsement of 68 candidates for …
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 …
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 …