(HOBOKEN) – Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos, Jr. has introduced legislation that seeks to save taxpayer money by modernizing the state’s payroll system.
The bill (A-3899) provides that the state treasurer will have three years to ensure that every state employee be set up to receive direct deposit.
The bill also eliminates administrative costs associated with mailing pay stubs to employees by requiring that all pay information now be available online via the employee’s assigned e-mail address.
“It’s the 21st century and it’s time the state of New Jersey began acting like it,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “There’s no excuse as to why the state insists on physically mailing pay stubs that are sealed in an envelope, printed on paper, stamped and labeled. This is a recurring administrative cost that the state incurs for thousands of employees.”
Additionally, the bill requires that all employee W-2 IRS forms be available online for employee access, also eliminating the need for the state to print and mail these forms.
“Employees receiving direct deposit that have an e-mail account with the state should simply be able to access their pay and tax information in the office or at home,” Ramos said.
Under this three-year roll-out, the treasurer will also have the authority to provide exemptions and waivers for certain employees and departments that cannot accommodate the technological requirements.
“Numerous banks offer free checking with direct deposit,” Ramos said. “This is a commonsense, cost saving measure.”
The bill has been referred to the Assembly State Government Committee.
