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
Sweeney
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 …
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 …
Sweeney, Norcross Lose Support Of AFL-CIO
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, two of the most prominent Democrats in the state legislature-both labor leaders-lost the support of a major union coalition Thursday, spelling possible trouble for their November reelection fights. The statewide AFL-CIO, representing 30 unions of public and private-industry members, voted in the annual endorsement conference not to support Senate President …
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 …
Effort to Cut NJ Public Workers Benefits Advances Despite Opposition
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, fierce opposition could not stop the Senate from passing a contentious measure Monday that will sharply raise the cost of health benefits and pensions for the state’s 500,000 public employees. With protesters dressed in Revolutionary-era garb gathered outside the Statehouse and union members clamoring inside, the pivotal Senate vote …