Pension and Benefit Reform Deal Meets Resistance In Democratic Assembly Caucus

NJEA And CWA Oppose Deal

Capitol Quickies has a summary of the proposed deal that reportedly has been agreed to by Governor Christie, Senate President Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver.

There have been multiple news reports of shouting, not cheers, coming from the Democratic Assembly caucus room.  Oliver said “we’re not there yet” about her caucus supporting the deal. 

In the past Oliver has implied that she will not pass the deal with the support of Republican Assembly members. In effect, even if the majority of the Assembly supports the reform legislation, Oliver won’t allow it to be voted on unless a majority of the Assembly Democrats support it.  There are 33 Republican Assembly members, 46 Democrats and one vacancy.  If Republican unanimously support the deal and 7 Democrats join them, the legislation would pass.  Oliver who said, “My caucus must have the chance to have their concerns considered. The voters who elected them deserve no less,” won’t let that happen.

What do the voters who elected Assembly members who support the reforms deserve?

The presidents of the NJEA and the CWA condemned the deal, saying it would reduce employee compensation and was an assault on collective bargaining.

That sounds like progress.

Posted: June 9th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Public Employee Unions | Tags: Pension and Benefit Reform | Comments Off on Pension and Benefit Reform Deal Meets Resistance In Democratic Assembly Caucus

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