Measure limiting sick-time payouts advances in N.J.

A New Jersey Assembly committee has voted along party lines to advance legislation that limits cash payouts for unused sick time accumulated by public employees.

The measure would allow employees to keep the value of the unused sick time they’ve already have, but would eliminate payouts for any time they earn in the future.

Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt, D-Camden, says unionized workers would be able to negotiate that up to $7,500 worth of their sick time be used for their health-care benefits when they retire.

“They will not get a check in their pocket,” she said. “This goes to them to empower them to stay healthy while they’re working for us and be able to then utilize those funds for their post retirement medical.”

Republican Assemblywoman Donna Simon, R-Somerset, opposed the legislation.

“What we’re thinking of is the taxpayer,” Simon said. “They should not be burdened with paying for sick time or any type of benefits long-term that will burden their paycheck.”

Gov. Chris Christie is expected to veto the measure if the full Legislature approves it.