N.J. Assembly Approves Bill Hiking Benefits Costs for Workers
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TRENTON, N.J. -- The New Jersey Assembly has passed landmark employee benefits legislation requiring public workers to pay sharply more for pension and health benefits.
The divisive bill passed 46-32 Thursday with support from all Republicans who were present and a smattering of Democrats.
The Senate approved the bill Monday.
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Republican Gov. Chris Christie is expected to quickly sign it.
The measure requires 500,000 teachers, police, firefighters and other public workers to pay a portion of their health insurance based on income. It also increases pension contributions.
The state's retirement funds are underfunded by $110 billion.
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The bill's backers say higher contributions are needed to ensure solvency.
Opponents object to the four-year suspension of bargaining over health benefits.
More than 8,000 rallied at the Statehouse Thursday to oppose the bill.