PFANJ Statement on Proposed $33M Fund Diversion from New Jersey State Fireman’s Association
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As reported in NJ.com () on May 5, 2019, it appears that the Governor’s proposed budget for 2020 calls for $33 million to be siphoned from the New Jersey Fireman’s Association. This fund was established in 1885 to assist active and retired firefighters – paid or volunteer – during times of financial hardship or tragedy.
The State’s reasoning is that the fund is healthy and will still have plenty of money after the $33 million is removed. Respectfully, we all know how that worked out back in the 1990’s when the State siphoned money from the Police and Fire Retirement System!
We cannot let history repeat itself.
The State of New Jersey should learn from their prior mistakes – mistakes the pension fund (PFRS) are still suffering from today.
Dominick Marino
President
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey


