OROHO, McHOSE & CHIUSANO: IF A JUDGE IS NOT WILLING TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, LET’S GO DIRECTLY
TO THOSE WHO DO – THE VOTERS!

Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, all R-24, issued the following statements regarding the issue of whether judges should be included in the new pension and healthcare law and their support for a constitutional amendment that would address the matter:

Oroho:
“Judges cannot exempt themselves unilaterally from paying their fair share for lucrative pensions that are the envy of private sector employees and many in the public sector as well. The judicial opinion issued last week cannot be allowed to stand. It is an affront to every New Jersey citizen and public employee who supports these jurists with their tax dollars. We cannot afford to wait for a prolonged appeals process to resolve this issue. This dispute warrants giving the public a direct say on the matter by deciding whether a constitutional amendment is appropriate.”

McHose:
“It is absurd that a judge could reach the conclusion that increasing the judiciary’s pension and healthcare contributions equates to a reduction in salary. The public is rightfully outraged at the rationale used in arriving at this decision. All public employees, including elected officials, were meant to be included in the new law, but Judge Feinberg erroneously believes there is a loophole for this highly paid group of jurists. The remedy to fix this misinterpretation is for the Legislature to immediately begin the process that will allow the public to vote on a constitutional amendment. This solution is not setting a precedent. It is correcting a flawed, self-serving decision.”

Chiusano:
“I’m concerned, but not totally surprised, that a self-interested judge jumped at the opportunity to exempt such an elite class of well-paid public servants from the shared sacrifice of the pension and health benefit reform. I stand firmly behind my vote to enact a sweeping reform that I believe should be applied equally to all public employees. Our Constitution provides the opportunity to correct such a misguided decision. Judges are not above or outside the new law. A constitutional amendment would make that clear.”

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