Tag: Trenton Nj

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Murphy’s benefits deal with NJEA and Other Public Unions – A snow job in September

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by Organization For Economic Growth

Trenton NJ, Gov. Phil Murphy would have us believe he struck a tremendous blow for taxpayers with this new “deal” he negotiated behind closed doors with the NJEA and other public sector union heads
The deal is no bargain for taxpayers. Although there is more evaluation that needs to be done, it is clear from what we know that the alleged savings of $500 million over two years represents a tiny drop in the bucket of the $3.4 billion that state taxpayers spend for employee health care in a year.

The reported savings by the administration and the NJEA by moving retirees from traditional Medicare supplements to Medicare advantage, is supposed to save school districts $162 million next year and $110 million in 2020. That’s virtually nothing.

Continue reading Murphy’s benefits deal with NJEA and Other Public Unions – A snow job in September

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AFP-NJ: It Exists Therefore It’s Taxed

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July 2, 2018
by AFP-NJ: It Exists Therefore It’s Taxed

Trenton NJ,  Americans for Prosperity-New Jersey (AFP-NJ) responded to the New Jersey state budget, which the legislature passed and the governor signed on Sunday. The $37.4 billion state budget increased income taxes as well as corporate taxes. AFP-NJ opposed the measure.

AFP-NJ State Director Erica Jedynak issued the following statement:

“The way New Jersey lawmakers tax everything you’d think they’re purposefully trying to drive everyone out so they can keep the state to themselves. According to Sen. Sweeney and Gov. Murphy, the only thing better than a tax on one thing is a tax on two. But the higher income and corporate taxes will only exacerbate the Garden State’s already troubling outmigration problem and increase the tax burden on an ever-shrinking population. How long before New Jersey lawmakers start taxing folks in New York or Pennsylvania?

“That some lawmakers refuse to acknowledge that New Jersey has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, is outrageous. Our elected officials need to recognize that spending on wasteful programs such as corporate welfare is a core driver of increased taxes, which in turn make it harder to live, work, and raise a family in the Garden State.”

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Trenton Tries to Sneak Thru Pay Raises for judges, county prosecutors, gubernatorial Cabinet members and senior legislative staffers

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February 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood

Trenton NJ,  State lawmakers were back to their old tricks on Monday quietly advancing legislation that would raise the salaries of judges, county prosecutors, gubernatorial Cabinet members and senior legislative staffers, passing the bill out of committee without a single word of discussion.

The measure, sponsored by state Senate President Steve Sweeney and two of his top Democratic allies giving the governor the ability to boost the salaries of all his Cabinet members from $141,000 to $175,000 a year.

The new legislation would allow for higher pay for the four top legislative staff members, enshrining in law the right of the Assembly speaker, the Senate president and each of the minority leaders to pay their top aides up to $175,000.

The salaries of all state judges, Supreme Court justices, prosecutors, surrogates, county clerks, registers of deeds and mortgages and sheriffs would increase by $24,000. The hikes would be phased in over three years in $8,000 increments. Further raises would be linked to the consumer price index.

County prosecutors and Superior Court judges now make $165,000, and Supreme Court justices about $186,000, while the chief justice makes about $193,000. Current salaries vary for the other positions.

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Trenton Politicians Always Pay Themselves First

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December 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, A state Senate panel quickly advanced a Democratic bill that would give some elected officials bigger pensions, pushing through a vote on Thursday in about one minute and without any debate or public testimony.

The New Jersey Pension and Health Benefits Commission has stated that there are a combined $90 billion in unfunded liabilities for future pension and retiree healthcare benefits .

The bill known as (S3620) would allow certain elected officials, such as the outgoing Camden Mayor Dana Redd, to re-enroll in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) even if they were removed due to switching from one elected office to another.

Effectively, the bill creates a special exemption that allows Redd to cash in on a bigger public pension at a time when public workers who are not politically connected have seen cutbacks to their benefits and a freeze in yearly cost-of-living adjustments for retirees since 2011.

The legislation  is moving quickly because Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester), a Redd ally, has given the bill  special status, allowing it to move forward without a customary review by a public body that scrutinizes the cost of pension and health benefits legislation and makes recommendations to lawmakers.

In a “hail Mary” the bill could be approved by the Assembly and Senate and signed by Gov. Chris Christie who is another Redd ally during the waning days of the lame-duck Legislature. A full vote in the Assembly and Senate could be held on the bill before the legislative session ends on Jan. 9.

 

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Assembly Republican Caucus Make major leadership changes in Trenton

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi

August 16,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , the Assembly Republican caucus  has made some major leadership changes in Trenton. We are excited to announce Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi has been named to leadership in the Assembly Republican caucus.

Schepisi has been very active in recent months shedding light on the court forced over development
of Bergen County .

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick announces leadership additions :

TRENTON, N.J. – Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick made the following statement regarding leadership appointments:

“I am proud to announce new leadership appointments to lead the Republican caucus in Trenton.

· Ron Dancer, deputy leader
· BettyLou DeCroce, assistant leader
· Holly Schepisi, assistant leader

We expect Jay Webber to assume the position of appropriations officer in January 2018.”

 

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$429.6 million Powerball Winner takes all ticket sold at 7-Eleven in Trenton

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May 9,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, If you were lucky enough to have bought a Powerball ticket at a 7-Eleven in Trenton, New Jersey this week you better check your numbers.According to authorities the holder of the winning ticket for the $429.6 million Powerball has yet to come forward. Lottery officials confirm that it was purchased at 750 Chambers Street, a 7-Eleven a few blocks from Trenton Central High School.

The winning ticket matches all six numbers from Saturday’s drawing — 5, 25, 26, 44, 66 and the Powerball number, 9.Meaning the winner of the grand prize ticket in New Jersey has the third most valuable lottery ticket ever sold in the U.S.and because only one ticket was a perfect match in Saturday night’s drawing, the winner will keep the entire jackpot. Making this grand prize winner in New Jersey has the third most valuable lottery ticket ever sold in the U.S.

Keep in mind that it’s only worth the full $429.6 million if the winner opts for an annuity to be paid over 29 years. New Jersey law, requires 25% of the winnings will be withheld for federal taxes, and the state will take a 3% cut. And if the winner has any outstanding “financial obligations” such as unpaid child support , traffic tickets, yard waste tickets or student loans the state may take that out of the prize money.

Like most states, New Jersey law stipulates that the name, town and county of lottery winners are a matter of public record.In the past some lottery winners have avoided this disclosure laws by setting up trusts.

The New Jersey lottery officials offer this advice to lottery winners: “First, sign the back of your ticket immediately, then you must file a claim form with the New Jersey Lottery. Claim forms are available at all New Jersey Lottery Retailers or at New Jersey Lottery Headquarters.” By the way it takes about three weeks to receive a check.