It's Here
The NJ pension and benefits bill, that is, via the Asbury Park Press.
For pensions: 7.5% contributions, but there is now a contractual right to the employer's contribution, which I hear from some is an important victory - we'll see. Contracts are broken all of the time; the real question is whether the Legislature will have the stones to tax the wealthy and make pension payments. Are you holding your breath? Didn't think so...
Health Care: Nothing about containing costs - surprise! Boss Norcross probably wouldn't like that, would he? I find it funny (no, not really) that Sweeney can get conservatives to sign on to progressive contributions to health insurance but not to a millionaires' tax. The ramping up is cold comfort, especially since salaries are now effectively capped so they can't be raised to make up the difference. The high-deductible plan is, in effect, gambling - a terrible idea.
My take? Well, the pension stuff was inevitable. But there is no way that any public employee should go along
For pensions: 7.5% contributions, but there is now a contractual right to the employer's contribution, which I hear from some is an important victory - we'll see. Contracts are broken all of the time; the real question is whether the Legislature will have the stones to tax the wealthy and make pension payments. Are you holding your breath? Didn't think so...
Health Care: Nothing about containing costs - surprise! Boss Norcross probably wouldn't like that, would he? I find it funny (no, not really) that Sweeney can get conservatives to sign on to progressive contributions to health insurance but not to a millionaires' tax. The ramping up is cold comfort, especially since salaries are now effectively capped so they can't be raised to make up the difference. The high-deductible plan is, in effect, gambling - a terrible idea.
My take? Well, the pension stuff was inevitable. But there is no way that any public employee should go along
