The full Assembly voted 73-0-0 Monday to approve legislation (A-20) designed to provide much-needed Chapter 78 relief for public education employees in New Jersey. Bill sponsors, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) and Assembly Democrats Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex), Verlina Reynolds-Jackon (D-Mercer, Hunterdon) and Mila Jasey (D-Essex, Morris) issued the following joint statement:
“Public education employees are essential to New Jersey and we value their contributions. This legislation will restore fairness to Chapter 78 health benefit contributions and provide needed relief to New Jersey taxpayers.
“After months of work with Senate President Sweeney, the NJEA and the Governor’s Office—we are pleased to move this bill forward.
“By providing new, more affordable health plan options and including a guaranteed floor of savings, this bill is a win-win.”
The Senate also voted Monday, passing the measure 36-0. It now heads to the Governor’s desk.