The 221st session of the New Jersey Legislature concluded with two legislative measures that the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) describes as significant achievements for its members.
Lawmakers approved S4713/A5936 and S4716/A5935, which update the state’s public school charter law. The NJEA worked alongside stakeholders such as the New Jersey Charter Schools Association to reach consensus on these bills. The new legislation aims to increase accountability and transparency in public charter schools, replacing a law that had been in place for nearly thirty years.
Another bill, S4223/A5118, was also passed by both legislative chambers. This measure restores state health benefits coverage for public employees who are on long-term disability. Earlier in the year, legislators had already taken steps to protect the rights of members returning to the pension system after a break in service. The NJEA sees this as further progress on pension reform efforts.
Both pieces of legislation now await Governor Murphy’s signature before becoming law.
Efforts to further reform state pension systems will continue into the next legislative session. The NJEA has stated its intention to pursue changes that would eliminate DCRP and return all members to Tier 1 status within PERS and TPAF systems.
Commenting on these developments, NJEA President Steve Beatty, Vice President Petal Robertson, and Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare said: “These victories are a direct result of the relentless advocacy of NJEA members over the past year and especially over the last six weeks. Restoring health benefits for members on long-term disability is a fundamental matter of fairness. It will be life changing for the affected members. Modernizing New Jersey’s charter school law is long overdue and brings greater fairness and accountability to that sector of our public schools.
“These wins show what we can accomplish when we stand together and speak up for justice. But our work is far from done. We remain committed to achieving full pension justice, including a Tier 1 pension for every member. That fight continues, and NJEA members will keep leading the way as a new Legislature is seated and a new governor takes office.”
