newjerseynewsroom.com

Proposed bill puts $15k cap on unused time at retirement

The Assembly on Monday will vote on legislation aimed at easing property taxes by revising the state's contract arbitration system for police and firefighters and limit unused sick leave payouts for all public workers.

The lower house will also consider bills to make it easier for local governments to hire laid off law enforcement officers, help residents suffering under foreclosure scams, encourage the purchase of "Jersey Fresh" agricultural products and help protect scholastic athletes from head injuries.

Topping the agenda is the arbitration bill (A-3393), sponsored by Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) tops the agenda.

"This legislation will go a long way toward controlling and constraining property taxes by turning the arbitration process upside down and finally forcing the focus to be on the fairness to taxpayers," Greenwald said. "This bill levels the playing field and requires arbitrators to finally respect the taxpayer. This bill puts property taxpayers first. It's that simple."

Also on tap is legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt (D-Camden) and Assemblyman Nelson Albano (D-Cape May) to prohibit current and future officers and employees of boards of education and local governments from receiving more than $15,000 of supplemental compensation at retirement for accumulated unused sick leave.

The Assembly will also consider legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Ralph Caputo and Cleopatra Tucker (both D-Essex), Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) and Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) to permit hiring without having to go through a Civil Service list law enforcement officers that have been laid off for reasons of economy.

Also on the agenda is a bill (A-359) sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer) to protect homeowners from "foreclosure rescue" scams perpetrated by unscrupulous lenders and consultants.

Another bill (A-2342) sponsored by Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Cumberland) to encourage the purchase of "Jersey Fresh" and other New Jersey agricultural products by state agencies, departments and facilities will also be considered.

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Craig J. Coughlin (both D-Middlesex), Thomas P. Giblin (D-Essex) and Mila M. Jasey (D-Essex) to create an awareness program on the prevention, risk and treatment of sports-related brain injuries will be considered for final legislative approval.

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM