TRENTON — The state Senate voted 24-15 to pass legislation that will force public employees to pay more for their health insurance and pension. The vote, after hours of speeches from lawmakers on both sides, leaves only the Assembly to sign off on the bill that was a focal piece of Gov. Chris Christie's agenda. The bill received largely...
TRENTON — The state Senate voted 24-15 to pass legislation that will force public employees to pay more for their health insurance and pension.
The vote, after hours of speeches from lawmakers on both sides, leaves only the Assembly to sign off on the bill that was a focal piece of Gov. Chris Christie's agenda.
The bill received largely Republican support to clear the Senate chamber, a strategy that Democrat Senate President Stephen Sweeney employed to get the bill passed.
"I am encouraged by the bipartisan Senate vote today and the continued display of support for common-sense pension and health benefits reform," Christie said in a statement. "This is a watershed moment for New Jersey, proving that the stakes are too high and the consequences all too real to stand by and do nothing."
The legislation pass 24-15 with mostly Republican support.
"As a result of Democrats and Republicans coming together to confront the tough issues, we are providing a sustainable future for our pension and health benefit system, saving New Jersey taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars and securing a fiscally responsible future for our state," Christie said in the statement.
Since a deal was reached last week, Christie has not taken questions from the public or press about his thoughts on some of the specifics of the compromise.
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• Gov. Christie touts bipartisan effort leading to public worker pension overhaul bill