Senator Jennifer Beck and Assembly Discuss Upcoming Reforms

Legislators from District 12, made up of Mercer and Monmouth Counties, spoke at Monday night’s Fair Haven Borough Council meeting on the issues of pension, education and healthcare.

Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr., Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and new 12th District (former 13th District) Assemblywoman Amy Handlin were given the floor by Mayor Halfacre to deliver their legislative update.

Assemblyman O’Scanlon spoke on the topic of public employee pensions, starting with an update that the legislature is continuing to manage budget and property taxes by reforming pension plans. Work has included increasing the length of time needed to serve in order to receive pensions, in addition to recalculating final pension payments.

 “These and other initiatives will solve the problem and enable our government to be sustainable,” said O’Scanlon. 

Assemblywoman Handlin also touched on pension reform, stating it is included in the number of bills she hopes to get movement on. Handlin mentioned that in instances where a public employee is indicted for a crime, they should be removed from office regardless of guilt or innocence.

“Taxpayers should not have to pay that person’s pension,” she said.

Education has been another hot topic in New Jersey as Governor Christie moves toward reform. Assemblywoman Casagrande noted that standardizing contracts and capping superintendent costs would allow for easier sharing of superintendent among districts. Casagrande also mentioned two acts she was proud to support – the Opportunity Scholarship Act and the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.

“The Opportunity Scholarship Act gives students in failing school districts a chance to succeed,” she said. “It is not partisan, it is pro-student.”

Casagrande stated that the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act holds districts more accountable, provides additional training and extends students’ rights outside of the classroom including on buses and ball fields.

“Students can’t learn unless they feel safe,” said Casagrande.

Public employees will soon see changes in their health care plans, as Senator Beck noted that the state will act on reforms within 60 days. Beck stated that the average family healthcare plan for a state worker costs $19,000, while plans in the private sector range closer to $13,000-$14,000 a year. To cut costs, state employees would pay more into their benefits, the equivalent of 12% of the premium for those making less than $30,000 a year and 15% for salaries above $30,000.

“Health care reform will provide more plan options and be phased in over time,” said Beck. “The result will be direct savings to the people of New Jersey.”

To learn more about local and state legislature and reforms, visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us