(TRENTON) — Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington), Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington) and Assemblyman Daniel Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex) to crack down on a double-dipping practice in local government was recently released from the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.
The bill (A-1143) would prohibit local government agencies from employing any person currently on paid leave from a position with a local government agency of another county or municipality.
“New Jerseyans are tired of seeing their property tax dollars wasted on inappropriate payments to those abusing the system,” said Lampitt. “This bill is a common-sense reform that will end an egregious double-dipping practice, saving taxpayer dollars in the process.”
“When it comes to spending tax dollars, it’s absolutely critical to ensure we do so efficiently, transparently and accountably,” said Benson. “This needed bill will eliminate the ability of some individuals to game the system and drive up property tax costs for the middle-class families and seniors that play by the rules.”
“A key component of promoting a fairer and more progressive tax system is making sure we close loopholes that allow individuals to take advantage of the system,” said Greenwald. “This legislation is an important component in that effort — ensuring greater accountability in the spending of taxpayer dollars.”
The bill was released by a vote of 5-0-1. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.