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Politics & Government

NJ Taxpayers Speak Out on Pension and Health Care Reform Bill

The bill, passed Thursday in the State Assembly and expected to be signed by Gov. Christie Monday, has generated some strong opinions among New Jersey residents.

Late Thursday night,  plan contributions for state employees was passed by the State Assembly.  The bill, expected to be signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie on Monday, has become a source of contention among those who challenge the constitutionality of the law and its implications to collective bargaining.  The state Policemen's Benevolent Association announced Friday that it will .

The bill, A-4133, will require teachers, school employees and state and local government workers to pay an additional 1 percent of their salaries toward their pensions as of July 1, and an additional 1 percent phased in over the next seven years for a total of 7.5 percent.

Police and firefighters will pay an additional 1.5 percent of their salaries toward their pensions for a total of 10 percent, as of July 1.  The bill moves the retirement age for new teachers and non-uniformed employees from 60-years-old to 65.  To be eligible for early retirement, the employees now have to work 30 years instead of 25.

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In this video, some New Jersey taxpayers discussed their reactions to the bill this week.

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