Democrat,

Yesterday our state took a major step forward that will provide much needed financial relief to thousands of hardworking educators as well as New Jersey taxpayers. Governor Phil Murphy signed a landmark new law to modernize health benefit plans offered to teachers, which will save up hundreds of millions in reduced costs for the State and local school districts. 

The new plans will finally reform the state of the Christie-era “Chapter 78” law that resulted in many teachers seeing less take-home pay each year due to ballooning health care costs deducted from their salaries. Additionally, the new plans that will now be offered to teachers include lower cost options that will create significant savings for taxpayers throughout New Jersey. 

Governor Murphy has always been committed to the value of collective bargaining, and this new law is the direct result of that steadfast desire to restore fairness and respect to the negotiation process between the State and its teachers. After years of Chris Christie demonizing the men and women entrusted with teaching our children every day, we now have a Governor who stands by their side and worked to bring all parties together to find a reasonable solution to a major problem. That’s the kind of leadership New Jersey deserves. 

-- NJDSC Team