Assemblywoman Nellie Pou

POU: TESTIMONY FROM AUTHOR OF MURPHY REPORT PROVIDES VALUABLE INSIGHT

(TRENTON) - In response to testimony provided to the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Employee Benefits Reform by Philip D. Murphy, Chairman of the Governor's Benefits Review Task Force, Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic), one of the committee's co-chairs, issued the following statement:News from
Assemblywoman Pou

For Release:
October 25, 2006

Contact:
Assemblywoman Pou
(973) 247-1555
James Sverapa IV
(609) 292-7065

POU: TESTIMONY FROM AUTHOR OF MURPHY REPORT PROVIDES VALUABLE INSIGHT

(TRENTON) - In response to testimony provided to the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Employee Benefits Reform by Philip D. Murphy, Chairman of the Governor's Benefits Review Task Force, Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic), one of the committee's co-chairs, issued the following statement:

"Chairman Murphy's recommendations for employee contributions on health-care costs, a one job/one pension policy, and a requirement that the state make its full contributions to the pension systems are principled and sound considerations for this committee as we move toward our November 15th deadline.

"Chairman Murphy agreed that, in light of legal opinions authored by both the Office of Legislative Services and the Office of the Attorney General, a two-tiered system of benefits would be preferential to doing nothing to address the issue. This is an encouraging change in perspective from his task force report's adamant opposition to a two-tiered system of benefits.

"His testimony today made strong cases for substantive reform to several areas of state pensions and benefits programs that should be seriously considered by this committee in the coming weeks."

To view this or other hearings, or for information on the special session, please visit: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/PropertyTaxSession/specialsessionpt.asp.

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