>N.J. lawmakers vow to address eligibility for public workers to receive accidental disability pension
Senate Democrats said Tuesday they plan to introduce a bill before the end of the year that would make public employees undergo far more scrutiny before receiving an accidental disability pension.
Democrats said they had planned to introduce the measure next year, but stepped up their timetable after an article appeared Tuesday in The Star-Ledger focusing on how looser eligibility requirements have led to a record increase in the awarding of pensions.
“There are certainly appropriate times when someone deserves an accidental disability pension, but it shouldn’t be abused,” said State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Atlantic), who plans to co-sponsor the legislation with Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Burlington). “It harms taxpayers and those who depend on pensions.” (Renshaw, The Star-Ledger)
