New Jersey lawmakers advance pension reform bills

While New Jersey lawmakers are considering the deep cuts proposed by Governor Chris Christie, they are moving ahead on bills to cut pension and health care costs.
The Assembly’s Appropriations Committee has approved a package of bills, already passed by the Senate, that ban part time public employees from getting in the pension system.

While New Jersey lawmakers are considering the deep cuts proposed by Governor Chris Christie, they are moving ahead on bills to cut pension and health care costs.

WHYY’s Phil Gregory reports.
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The Assembly’s Appropriations Committee has approved a package of bills, already passed by the Senate, that ban part time public employees from getting in the pension system. They also limit the number of sick days retiring workers can cash out and  require government workers to contribute one and a half percent of their salaries for their health benefits.
Lawmakers say the changes are necessary to save the state pension system.
But CWA Local 10-33 President Rae Roeder takes issue with that.

Roeder: I don’t think their approach is one of fixing. I think it’s one of destroying it. Making the final blow to end pension.”

The Assembly version of the reforms also bans lobbyists from the pension system.
The measures now go to the full Assembly for final legislative approval.