TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie says he had to renege on a campaign promise to New Jersey firefighters not to touch their pensions in order to save their pensions. During the campaign last year, the Republican told firefighters he would not "eliminate, change, or alter" their pensions. Last week, Christie proposed pension and health benefits reforms that would raise...
Gov. Chris Christie speaks today during a press conference in Bayonne. TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie says he had to renege on a campaign promise to New Jersey firefighters not to touch their pensions in order to save their pensions.
During the campaign last year, the Republican told firefighters he would not "eliminate, change, or alter" their pensions.
Last week, Christie proposed pension and health benefits reforms that would raise the retirement age for public workers and require current employees and retirees to shoulder a substantially higher portion of their health care costs.
The governor says past promises made by other governors about the level of benefits "can't be kept."
The state pension system is underfunded by at least $46 billion. The health benefits system is underfunded by $76 billion.
Previous Coverage:
• Assembly lawmakers say N.J. should pay into pension fund before making more cuts
• Gov. Chris Christie says N.J. in jeopardy of not making pension contribution next year
• Gov. Christie promises more public pension, benefit reforms at 6-month anniversary rally
| Governor Chris Christie on decision to alter firefighter pensions |