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(a.m.) The buzz is that the Assembly Speaker, Sheila Oliver, plans to take some time 'vetting' the bills and will hold a public hearing on them as well. On Monday, the Senate Pension bills passed 36-0 (4 'no votes').
UPDATE 2-24-10 AFTERNOON: Associated Press "N.J. Assembly to take up pension, benefit reforms promoted by Gov. Chris Christie" February 24, 2010, 3:17PM
"...Bills mirroring reforms that the Senate approved on Monday are expected to be introduced Thursday.
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver said they have bipartisan support and more than the 41 votes needed to pass."
N.J. Assembly to take up pension, benefit reforms promoted by Gov. Chris Christie
By The Associated Press
February 24, 2010, 3:17PM
PICTURE: Amanda Brown/The Star-LedgerAssembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, a Democrat, at her first press conference with Republican leader Alex DeCroce, left.
TRENTON — The New Jersey Assembly faces competing pressures from the governor's office and public worker unions as it prepares to take up pension and benefit reforms.
Bills mirroring reforms that the Senate approved on Monday are expected to be introduced Thursday.
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver said they have bipartisan support and more than the 41 votes needed to pass.
The bills would cap the value of unused sick days retiring public employees can cash out at $15,000; require government workers to contribute at least 1.5 percent of their salaries toward their health insurance costs; and bar part-time workers from enrolling in the state pension system.
