N.J. Democrats seek to reduce, eliminate perks for public employees

Perks like personal drivers, cars, housing allowances, credit cards may soon end

file photoSen. Donald Norcross

TRENTON — Perks such as personal drivers, cars, housing allowances and government-issue credit cards could soon end for public employees in New Jersey.

Democrats in the Senate and Assembly are sponsoring five bills to eliminate or sharply pull back perks at all levels of public employment. That includes the governor's office, Legislature, state colleges and universities, authorities, and agencies. Even local governments, school boards and local fire districts would not be exempt.

The bills by Sen. Donald Norcross and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty would also bar employees from accepting gifts and limit travel.

The measures were prompted in part by revelations that Delaware River Port Authority employees got free E-ZPass transponders and stayed in luxury hotels billed to government credit cards.

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