Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. President Steve Sweeney said May 2 they continue to work on reaching an agreement on changes to the pension and health benefits systems for public workers including educators. Both gave indications that a solution could be reached sooner rather than later.
“It’s getting down to crunch time now to get this done” Christie said at a press conference “on legislation that Sen. Sweeney believes he can get support on and I can sign.”
Sweeney said reaching agreement on the health benefits end will be easier than on reform the pension system which he said is more “complex and severe.”
“We will reach significant meaningful reform of our health benefits system and our pension system” Sweeney said “something that is sound for the future and make them affordable for the taxpayers of New Jersey to support.”
Sweeney said: “I started talking about this in 2006 and couldn’t get support in my own party.”
Christie said they will continue to work together with budget-writing season heating up.
Source: Star Ledger