We congratulate Gov. Phil Murphy and the leaders from the teachers and public sector unions on the announcement today that the administration has reached a cost-cutting health care benefits agreement.
The cost of providing health care to members of public sector unions has been a major issue for many years.
This announced agreement is a significant first step towards addressing the issue and moving from discussion to action. It is long overdue.
We are encouraged by this announcement and equally encouraged by State Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio’s statement that, “this is a tremendous step in the right direction and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners in labor to find ways to provide health care in a most effective, comprehensive and cost-efficient way."
This indicates that more will be discussed, and we anticipate more savings in the future.
This positive first step can help us build a stronger economy. It will also relieve pressure on the state budget when it comes to pension payments. There is much more to do but we can’t get there without taking the first step.
We applaud the process of collective bargaining and productive negotiations demonstrated in this announced agreement.
