In The News
STATE’S TOP COURT SAYS NO RETIREE COLA PAYMENTS UNTIL PENSION SYSTEM IS HEALTHY
Public employee unions outraged at ruling. One characterizes it as ‘theft, plain and simple’
New Jersey’s Supreme Court served up a big win for Gov. Chris Christie and state lawmakers yesterday with a ruling that preserves the state’s right to hold back regular cost-of-living adjustments from retired public workers until the public-employee pension system is in much better shape.
N.J. lawmakers push road plan with 23-cent gas tax hike
State lawmakers under the wire to craft a funding scheme for New Jersey's expiring Transportation Trust Fund on Friday announced plans to lower taxes on retirees and inheritances in exchange for a 23 cent tax hike on a gallon of gasoline.
Leaders from the two chambers Friday afternoon announced similar plans to spend $20 billion over 10 years through the trust fund, which is running out of money for new road, bridge and rail projects.
SWEENEY ON SCHOOL FUNDING: Q&A WITH THE STATE SENATE PRESIDENT
Sweeney’s proposed plan calls for a four-member commission and an up or down vote on its recommendations. Here’s his thinking on the issue
Gov. Whitman on Orlando: I support 2nd Amendment, but it's time to look at our gun laws
Orlando was an act of terrorism fueled by hate and easy access to assault weapons.
While we will not know the whole story for weeks, if ever, it appears that the shooting was prompted by the gunman's reaction to seeing two men kissing earlier in the month. Only at the last minute did he tie himself to the Islamic State. It is doubtful that this was part of a coordinated effort, but it was surely fueled by the rhetoric of terrorist groups.
Hate breeds hate and words shape behavior, whether they are used by radical groups or people here at home.
What's next for N.J. public worker pensions?
With two major government worker pension court battles concluded, the next front in public workers' fight for retirement benefits is a ballot question considering a constitutional amendment forcing the state to make annual contributions in the pension system.
The high court ruled last week that workers in the New Jersey Pension Fund are not entitled to cost-of-living adjustments to their pensions. And almost a year ago, the court ruled the state couldn't be forced to put money into the fund, prompting Democratic lawmakers and public worker advocates to pursue the amendment (A109).
SWEENEY CONFIRMS DEMOCRATS WILL PRESENT THEIR OWN BUDGET BILL TO CHRISTIE
Line-item veto means governor gets the last word on funding for women’s healthcare and other Democratic priorities
N.J. lawmakers want animal-abuse offenders put on a list
Sixty-six dogs were rescued earlier this year after being kept, scarred, and sometimes stacked in crates for several months as part of a multistate dogfighting ring.
Ciattarelli-Singleton bill would expand reach of varsity letters
Assemblyman Jack M. Ciattarelli (R-District 16) has introduced legislation that would lead to varsity letters being awarded at New Jersey high schools for competitions not on the athletic field.
N.J. lawmakers consider expanding lieutenant governor's duties
A measure advancing in the New Jersey legislature would expand the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor.
N.J. Democrats' pension funding push moves forward
State lawmakers are one step closer to putting a constitutional amendment mandating contributions to New Jersey's public pension system on the ballot in November.
The state Assembly Judiciary Committee on Monday advanced a resolution that would create a ballot question asking voters whether they want to write regular payments for the state's underfunded pension system into the constitution.