Codey (Dem Gov): Benefits to public employees strangling N.J. taxpayers

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey's finances are so bad off, it will take years to put the state back on solid footing, acting Gov. Richard J. Codey says.

Codey puts a lot of blame on generous pension and benefit packages for state employees and retired teachers that squeeze New Jersey's budgets. The state foots the entire cost for pensions and health insurance coverage for state employees and teachers who retire with 25 years or more service.
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In an interview with The Associated Press, Codey discussed how entitlement spending has stung the state's pocketbook, and his decision to cut property tax rebates, a cost-saving plan instantly unpopular with lawmakers who must pass a budget by July 1.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--statebudget-codey0320mar20,0,4689967.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey

to save money in government without going after the employees. How about cutting back on perks for the big shots, printing on both sides of the paper, re-filling ink cartridges, eliminating non-essential travel and other expenses, personal cars for the bosses, purchasing goverment building rather than renting from political cronies, etc.?

Here in Colorado I think we have an excellent package. I paid a percentage of my salary into the system and the state paid into it, too. The system is sound even though there have been peaks and valeys to its income.

Now that I'm retired, I also pay for health care - over 300 a month. I know that's high but I'm glad to have good coverage. On the face of it, it doesn't sound like too much to ask of NJ employees to pay a share into the system whle working and to pay something for health care. Taxpayers can only do so much, imo.

. . . but more could be done from both sides: Reduce wasteful government spending, and have public employees kick in more of their own $$$.

To expect to maintain the status quo is crazy.