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ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SAYS PENSION REFORMS SHOULD INCLUDE STATE AUTHORITIES

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver says pension reform should be expanded to include the independent state authorities in New Jersey.

Measures now making their way through the legislature require public employees to contribute to the costs of their health benefits and will cap the amount of unused sick time payouts to retiring workers.

Oliver say lawmakers are considering additional legislation that would have those changes apply to all government entities in the state.

“Why should the Turnpike Authority be excluded? Why should the Sports and Exposition Authority be excluded? It’s all taxpayer generated money or money that rightfully belongs in the state treasury even though they are independent authorities.”

If the percentage of employee contributions to their health care costs is increased in the future, Oliver says consideration should be given to having an incremental scale so those with lower salaries would not have to pay as much as higher paid workers.

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