Legislative News

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March 26, 2010
 
Re:   I.  Pension Reforms FAQ’s
 
Dear Mayor:
 
We have been receiving numerous inquires on the pension reforms taking effect on May 21, 2010.  Below is an excerpt of the FAQ’s in today’s op-ed piece in Times of Trenton by Senate President Sweeney, a co-sponsor of the bills, which may address some of your issues.
 
We are awaiting additional guidance from the Division of Pension and Benefits and will share that with you as soon as it becomes available, but in the meantime we thought this would be helpful.
 
Making sense of pension reform
Friday, March 26, 2010
By Senate President Stephen Sweeney
 
When Gov. Chris Christie signed three landmark public employee pension reforms into law last week, lawmakers should have known the job was only half over. In retrospect, passing the reforms in the first place may have been the easy part, as lawmakers' offices have quickly become inundated with phone calls and emails from nervous employees unsure of what these changes mean to them and their families.
 
To try to reach out to every single public employee would be a nearly impossibly task. Hopefully, answers to the frequently asked questions below will not only put their minds at ease, but ensure that all residents understand why the action was needed.
 
How bad is the problem, really?
A recent report from the Pew Center for the States showed that New Jersey's pension system had the third-highest unfunded liability in the country. When that report was compiled, the gap stood at $34 billion. It has since grown to nearly $46 billion. Pew placed our pension system in the category of "serious concern," among the eight worst states in the nation. New Jersey's unfunded liability for retiree health costs is the highest in the nation, ahead of even California.
 
Why is only New Jersey focusing on its public employee pensions?
We're not. According to Stateline.org, a clearinghouse for news from all 50 state capitols, at least 16 other states are considering similar changes to their pension and health benefits systems.
 
I'm a career public employee. Why are you taking away my pension and retirement benefits?
We are not. The pension system was created to provide for career public employees, and now we are returning it to that core mission. The only change any current employee will feel is the requirement that he or she contribute at least 1.5 percent of his or her salary toward the cost of health benefits -- at the start of his or her next contract. This is something most state employees already do. All other reforms being implemented -- changing the pension calculation, limiting sick-leave payouts, removing part-time workers from the system -- are prospective and will only affect newly hired employees.
 
What do you mean, "prospective"?
For better or worse, the rules in effect when a public employee entered into the system are the rules he or she will continue to work under. We can, however, make sure the system is fixed for everyone who enters the pension and benefits system from this point onward.
 
The police in my town already pay 1.5 percent of their salaries to their health benefits. Why are they being made to pay an additional 1.5 percent on top of that?
They are not. The 1.5 percent figure is a blanket minimum. If a contracted employee already pays 1.5 percent, he or she will keep paying only 1.5 percent. There is no additive effect.
 
What about retiree health care?
All employees hired after May 21, 2010, will be required to contribute 1.5 percent of their pension toward health care when they retire. Current retirees are not affected.
 
Who chose 1.5 percent, anyway?
This is a more than fair amount for public employees to contribute to their health care. A public employee making $40,000 a year will pay $600 toward his or her premium -- or roughly $11.50 per week. The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services estimates that even with this minimal contribution, local property taxpayers will still be able to save more than $300 million over the next fiscal year alone, and hundreds of millions more over time as more public-worker contracts expire.
 
What about people who work at one of the many state or local authorities or commissions?
Anyone who is a member of the State Health Benefits program or one of the state pension systems will be treated in exactly the same way, regardless of where he or she works.
 
Why weren't politicians and political appointees included in these reforms?
Those reforms already were done three years ago. Any elected or appointed official who took office after 2007 -- including the governor, Cabinet officials, senators, Assembly members and mayors -- is barred from the state pension system. They all must enroll in a 401(k)-style defined-contribution plan. Any legislator who receives health benefits through the state plan pays the same 1.5 percent as anyone else. And all newly elected officials will no longer be eligible for health benefits.
 
 
For additional information please see our previous Dear Mayor Letters.  If you have any questions or need further information please contact Lori Buckelew at lbuckelew@njslom.com or 609-695-3481 x112.
 
Very truly yours,
 
William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director
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RE: II.  Social Media for Municipal Officials
 
Dear Mayor:
 
To help New Jersey's municipal officials better understand and utilize new social media technologies, the NJLM Education Foundation presents a half-day conference with New Jersey’s expert practitioners. 
 
Social media has created opportunities and pitfalls as more public agencies grapple with this new communication phenomenon.  Social media uses internet and web-based technologies to transform traditional broadcast media (one to many) into social media interactions (many to many).  This includes such familiar applications as Linked-In, Facebook and Twitter.  Knowledge and information become more democratized while content consumers become content producers. 
 
Presenters will cover successfully launching a web-based advocacy campaign and protecting one's on-line reputation.  Breakout panels include:
 
• Getting Started on Social Media, Best Practices,
• Case Studies on Successful Advocacy Campaigns
• Social Media's Longer Term Impact on Communications and Policy.
 
If you haven’t reserved your space at the New Jersey League of Municipalities Education Foundation’s event on Social Media for Public Officials yet, please register now by visiting http://www.njslom.com/cal033010.html.
 
You have a chance to submit your questions about social media by visiting our blog at http://www.njleagueblog.com. We’ll be answering them during our event and remember to follow us on twitter for regular updates!  https://twitter.com/NJLeague
 
We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Very truly yours,
 
William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director
                                        
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Re: III.  Support of Organ and Tissue Donation
 
Dear Mayor:
 
In 2008, the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) appointed me as liaison to the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network, Inc. (NJ Sharing Network), the federally designated organ procurement organization that serves most of New Jersey.  I am writing you as April’s Donate Life Month approaches to ask your support of organ and tissue donation.
 
There are more than 4,600 New Jersey citizens waiting for the gift of life. There are several programs, mandated in the NJ Hero Act (approved 7/22/2008, P.L.2008, c.48), that will raise awareness and improve the administration of the process of donation.  NJLM is doing its part by working closely with NJ Sharing Network to advocate for donation by implementing a program that you can use to encourage your constituents to register to become organ and tissue donors.
 
To kick off this opportunity, there will be a press conference in Plainfield, NJ on April 12, 2010.  This is the perfect time for each of you to pledge to become a registered donor in the state of New Jersey, if you have not done so already, and to encourage your constituents to do the same.  You will be receiving more information as the date grows near. 
 
Our work in advocating donation continues to be challenged by the reality of an increasing demand for life saving organs. The opportunity exists for you, as a leader in your community, to assist in the important work of saving lives.  NJLM invites you to engage with NJ Sharing Network and your constituents to encourage donor registration and education. 
 
There are many ways you can make a difference in the lives of those waiting for a life saving organ.  NJ Sharing Network stands ready to assist you in implementing the following opportunities in your area. 
 
• In advance of April, Donate Life Month, we aim to increase recognition of organ and tissue donation issues and activities.   Possibilities include:  providing a link to the on-line donor registry on your municipality’s website, editorials, mayor letters and email blasts, and speaking opportunities at meetings with local officials either through the county leagues or before church groups, rotary clubs, Knights of Columbus groups, and others.
• Hero Act legislation requires New Jersey high schools to include organ and tissue donation education in the curriculum.  As a leader in your community, you can bridge relationships between superintendents of schools and NJ Sharing Network.  You can facilitate these relationships by showing public support of this legislation.  Support may be communicated through media interviews or other public relations initiatives that highlight efforts in your high schools.
 
• Hold a donor registration drive in municipal office buildings for employees that include the distribution of promotional items and literature.
 As a reminder – NJ Sharing Network staff and volunteers stand ready to assist in these and other creative ways of engaging constituents in making the decision to register to be an organ and tissue donor.  Please join us at 10 am, April 12, 2010 in Plainfield, 515 Watchung Avenue, Mayor’s Office, Plainfield, NJ to pledge your commitment to organ and tissue donation.
 
NJ Sharing Network is able to serve your communities through participation in many forms of outreach, including through high schools and institutions of higher learning in your municipality.  Please direct requests and questions by contacting Melissa Honohan, Director of External Relations at 973-924-2031 or mhonohan@sharenj.org.
 
Thank you on behalf of the thousands who wait for a life saving gift and in honor of those donors and donor families who are true heroes.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs
NJLM L liaison to the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network, Inc.
William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director, NJLM
 
 
DRAFT RESOLUTION TEXT
RESOLUTION 
In Support of Organ and Tissue Donation A Resolution
Every human life has matchless value; we must reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. We also wish to express our appreciation to those who have donated organs, tissue, and bone marrow.
Over 106,000 Americans are currently on the waiting list for an organ transplant and thousands more need life enhancing tissue transplants. I urge all New Jersey residents to register with the state’s donor registry; say yes to organ and tissue donation on their driver's license; and share their decision with family and friends. By taking these steps, New Jerseyans can help save lives. My Administration is committed to strengthening organ and tissue donation programs and to increase the number of organs available for transplantation in order to save lives.  The kindness and generosity of donors reflect the compassionate spirit of our state.
We celebrate the life-saving work of medical professionals and researchers and the many others whose actions reflect our commitment to a brighter tomorrow. Individuals can visit www.DonateLifeNJ.org to register to become a donor, to learn the facts, and to understand how their decision to give the gift of life can make a difference in the world of so many who are in need.
 NOW, THEREFORE, I, _________, Mayor of ________, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the citizens of __________, do hereby resolve our community’s support of organ and tissue donation. I call upon health care professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, faith-based and community groups, and private organizations to help raise awareness of the urgent need for organ and tissue donors throughout our state.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this __________, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten.
 
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New Jersey League of Municipalities
222 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
609-695-3481
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