Quality Public Education for All New Jersey Students

 

 
     1-12-10 Moving on...'Budget plan a wrinkle for districts'
     1-11-10 Transition News
     1-5-10 GSCS: Update on January 4 Lame Duck Session
     1-6-10 Race to the Top Plans on the move, not without conflict
     12-27-09 'New Jersey competes for education reform stimulus money' (aka 'Race to the Top' funds)
     12-23-09 Gannett article provides details on Gov. Corzine's proposal to use additional surplus in place of state aid
     12-23-09 GSCS: Governor Corzine targets excess school surplus to replace state aid payments starting in Feb '10 - lame duck legislation anticipated
     10-20-09 REMINDER: Commissioner Davy to be at 10-28 GSCS meeting in Atlantic City
     9-13-09 As an issue for N.J.(Gubernatorial election), schools are in'
     7-22-09 'State gives extra aid for schools an extraordinary boost'
     6-19-09 a.m. GSCS 'Quick' FYI - State Budget Vote delayed to Thursday, June 25
     6-16-09 News from Trenton on State Budget in Senate and Assembly Budget Committees yesterday
     APPROPRIATIONS ACT FY2009-1020 as introduced
     A4100-S2010 Appropriations Act 'Scoresheet' and Language Changes released
     6-10-09 Education Week on Abbott Decision
     6-9-09 COMMENTARY on Supreme Court Abbott school funding decisio
     5-27-09 GSCS 18th ANNUAL MEETING - All INVITED GUESTS HAVE CONFIRMED, INCLUDING GOVERNOR CORZINE
     5-19-09 Treasurer David Rousseau announces additional round of cuts to Gov's proposed State Budget FY2009-2010
     4-5-09 The Record, Sunday April 5, Front Page Opinion
     3-29-09 Record Editorial on Judge Doyne recommendations
     3-16-09 EMAILNET
     3-11-09 CORZINE BUDGET ADDRESS: STATE FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS A LITTLE MORE NOT LESS - FEDERAL TITLE 1 & IDEA INCREASES YET TO BE COUNTED - STATE SCHOOL AID FIGURES ON DEPT OF ED WEBSITE 1:30 TODAY - RELATED ARTICLES, MORE...
     3-10-09 GOVERNOR TO DELIVER STATE BUDGET MESSAGE TODAY - SCHOOL AID FIGURES TO BE RELEASED BY THURSDAY LATEST
     2-24-09 State Budget & Stimulus News of Note
     2-19-09 Federal stimulus - information re: Education funding in 'State Fiscal Stabilization' part of the package
     1-16-09 Today's news notes state budget waiting on Obama stimulus package
     1-11-09 'Corzine State of State speech to put economy front & center'
     12-28-08 NY Times 'Pension Fight Signals What Lies Ahead'
     12-29-08 NJ to new leaders - Fund our schools
     12-23-08 Governor faces hard choices in the New Year
     12-21-08 GSCS EMAILNET - Excerpts
     11-18-08 Ledger Online & 11-19 Star Ledger headline news
     11-18-08 Supreme Court decides in favor of Abbott districts re new school funding law
     11-5-08 Gov. Corzine U.S. Treasury Secretary?
     11-5-08 Governor Corzine candidate for Secretary of U.S. Treasury per Ledger report
     Conversation with the Commissioner in Atlantic City
     Education Commissioner Lucille Davy at GSCS Open Mtg 10-29 in A.C.
     9-24-08 Supreme Court hearing on constitutionality of School Funding Reform Act
     8-29-08 'Newly hired teachers benefit from Corzine delay'
     12-3-07 As details become clearer on the new funding plan, GSCS will report on its emerging position
     11-20-07 RELEASE OF NEW SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA LIKELY TO BE DELAYED UNTIL AFTER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
     11-16-07 Governor Corzine's remarks on school funding to League of Municipalities
     11-8-07 Governor & Legislative leadership agree to take up - and pass - funding formula in Lame Duck
     10-23 Media reports & Trenton responses to date re GSCS Press Conf
     9-29-07 The New York Times - Patience with Corzine Wears Thin
     10-10-07 Key Questions for Legislative Candidates
     10-12-07 Coach Corzine's tactic to win the game? Punt
     In the news - Corzine on school aid formula & good news for urban schools
     9-13-07Corzine adds school aid to the lame-duck agenda
     8-10-07 'Standing 'O' greets Corzine as he hosts town hall mtg'
     8-1-07 'Paterson isn't ready to gain control' & 7-29 'The Numbers still don't add up'
     4-4-07 News articles, editorial & Op-Ed on bill signings for A1 and A4
     3-25-07 New York Times on NJ Comparative Spending Guide, more on Gov putting off signing A1, Tax Caps & Rebate bill
     3-22-07 THINGS CHANGE...Governor Corzine delays A1 becoming law
     3-21-07 The Tax Cap-Credit bill, A1, can become law by Friday without Governor's signature
     3-1-07 Emerging Devil showing up in the details
     2-23-07 News Articles re Gov's Budget Proposal
     2-22-07 GSCS EMAILNET re Gov's Budget Message
     2-22-07 Governor Corzine's Budget Message today
     2-16 to 2-19 New Articles of Note
     2-14-07 GSCS letter to Gov Corzine & Commr of Education Davy - Request for State Aid FY0708
     2-12-07 State School Aid - needed to offset property taxes now
     2-9-07 GSCS EMAILNET MEMBER FYI on Trenton legislation Action
     2-8-07 News artiles-editorial re Gov's annoucnement that there will not be a new school funding formula for FY0708
     2-7-07 School funding, school audits - need for new formula underscored
     2-6-07 Trenton Update - S19 Super Supt passes Senate; Tax Cap bill stalled; No funding formula in FY0708
     2-1-07 Turnpike for sale, Gov - need funding formula, more
     1-30-07 'Is Property Tax Plan Legal?'
     1-30-07 Tax Caps bill, A1, passes Assembly late last night
     1-25-07 GSCS: No School Aid = No Real Tax Relief...again
     1-24-07 Quinnipiac Poll & School Construction woes for Corzine
     1-21-07 Gannett article on 'property tax credit, annual cap vote due'
     Trenton Update Jan 9-Jan 15, Gov's State of the State, more
     1-8-07 Articles & Editorial talk about 'missing pieces' of tax reform proposal and note consequences
     1-7-06 GSCS & HARD CAPS & IMPORTANT PIECES OF THE PUZZLE STILL MISSING
     GSCS RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2007
     1-5-07 Small-town officials protest consolidation
     1-2-07 GSCS New Year's Resolution
     12-19-06 Feedback - articles on school funding hearings yesterday
     12-18-06 Sunday editorials - take of Property Tax session
     12-15-06 EMAILNET Bills Held!
     12-11-06 Trenton is in disarray - read news clip
     12-8 & 12-9 News clips on Trenton machinations...
     11-19-06 Sunday Press Articles & Commentaries
     11-16-06 Governor Corzine's speech on Property Tax Address to League of Municipalities
     11-10-06 NJ education chief vows urban support
     11-11-06 EMAILNET Special Session Legislative Committees report Nov. 14 or 15
     11-9-06 Public hearing on school consolidation tonight, 7 pm, at Freehold Borough Chambers, 51 Main St
     11-9-06 Public hearing on school consolidation tonight, 7 pm, in Freehold
     11-6-06 The need for special education funding to stay as a 'categorical' aid based on each students disability is real
     11-4-06 Senate President & Assembly Speaker 'no new taxes'
     10-25-06 Details on Corzine Administration's new funding formula starting to emerge
     10-5-06 EMAILNET
     10-5-06 Conversation on school funding, consolidation continues
     School Construction: Third Report to Governor by Interagency Working Group
     9-15-06 Star Ledger & AP - 3.25B suggested for school construction
     9-15-06 Star Ledger - 3.25B suggested for school construction
     August 2006 on - GSCS NOTEBOARD ON SPECIAL SESSION Committee meetings
     7-29-06 School Funding formula draws mixed reactions
     7-28-06 Gov to legislature: make history, cut taxes
     7-27-06 Trenton begins its move to address property taxes
     7-16-06 Lead economists address NJ's economy downswing
     7-12-06 Column on State Budget legislator items
     7-14-06 EMAILNET
     7-12-06 It's Official - Governor appoints Lucille Davy as Education Commissioner
     7-11-06 Talk of Special Session on Property Tax Reform
     7-9&10-06 State Budget news articles -wrap up & news analyses
     7-9-06 Sunday New York Times
     7-8-06 FY07 Budget approved - 19.5 in spec ed grants stays in
     7-7-06 EMAILNET - AGREEMENT ON STATE BUDGET REACHED, impt 'details' still being finalized
     7-7-06 AGREEMENT ON STAE BUDGET REACHED, impt 'details' still being finalized
     7-3-06 Roberts, Codey & Corzine still not on same page
     6-30-06 State Budget news - as the dissonance must be resolved
     6-29-06 Mirroring the elements, State Budget looking like a 'natural disaster'
     6-15-06 Star Ledger, Gannet articles- Abbott advocates demand school reform at educ. dept
     6-12-06 EMAILNET - Extraordinary Special Education student aid; FY07 Budget 'crunch' is on; news clips
     6-6-06 Legislative Leaders announce initial plans for property tax reform
     5-16-06 EMAILNET Action in Trenton
     5-10-06 A Lot is going on - Major News fromTrenton
     Gubernatorial Candidates' Education Plans announced September 05
     Governor Corzine takes steps towards major policy initiatives.
     4-8-07 Corzine Administration files brief with Supreme Court re Abbott funding
     4-7-07 The Record
     3-29-06 EMAILNET State Budget FY07 Hearings Update
     3-28-06 GSCS testimony before Assembly Budget Comm today
     3-24-06 EMAILNET FYI Update on Gov Corzine's Budget FY07
     3-23-06 Corzine says some Abbotts can raise taxes
     3-16-06 Gannett Press: Corzine wants to raise taxes, slash $2B
     Governor's Budget message 1 pm 3-21-06
     3-15-06 News articles on FY07
     3-10-06 Star Ledger 'Time is ripe for poorer districts to contribute.
     3-9-06 Governor speaks to S1701 at town meeting
     3-7-06 More articles on the Gov's Budget Summit and School Board members fo to Trenton
     3-7-06 Articles on Gov's Budget Summit and School Board members off to Trenton
     12-14-05 Asbury ParkPress Editorial 'Re-assess the ABC's of School Funding' notes the Governor's role is critical in making positive change occur
     Gubernatorial, Assembly District by District, County and Municipal voting breakdowns-results & formats for November 8 elections
     2-2-06 GSCS HEADS UP re probable delay of Governor's Budget Message
     Governor Corzine's Transition Team Reports
     1-19-06 EMAILNET Quick Facts, On the Homepage Today
     1-19-06 News Articles Trenton Times, The Record, Star Ledger
     1-18-06 Star Ledger
     Governor Corzine- Inaugural Address
     1-15-06 The Record 2 Sunday Articles anticipating top issues confronting the Corzine administration
     1-11-06 Star Ledger - Corzine Casts Wide Net for Cabinet
     12-14-05 Asbury ParkPress Editorial 'Re-assess the ABC's of School Funding'
     12-5-05 Governor-elect Corzine selects policy advisory groups
     11-20-05 Sunday Star Ledger 'Corzine's risky promise to taxpayers
     11-11-05 Trenton Times Corzine puts property taxes at the top of his agenda
     11-9-05 The Record - Governor Elect can't claim a mandate
     November 9 The Trenton Times - Corzine Triumphs
     9-9-05 Trenton Times,Corzine Education Agenda
2-16 to 2-19 New Articles of Note
Corzine aims to avoid tax hikes,insiders say He also plans to balance budget w/o selling the Turnpike Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007 Star-Ledger

Corzine expected to deliver budget Officials mum about specific proposals Asbury Park Press on 02/19/07 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Poll: People don't expect much from property tax reform Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/18/07

State contract talks hit a hurdle on early-retirement issue Saturday, February 17, 2007 Star-Ledger

Corzine aims to avoid tax hikes, insiders say

He also plans to balance budget without selling the Turnpike

Sunday, February 18, 2007

BY JOE DONOHUE AND DEBORAH HOWLETT

Star-Ledger Staff

Last year he insisted on raising the sales tax to help balance the state budget. This year Gov. Jon Corzine has a different goal: to produce the first budget in six years with no tax increase.

All the numbers haven't been crunched yet, but administration and legislative officials say Corzine is pushing to avoid new taxes in a year when the Senate and Assembly are up for election.

The budget Corzine plans to unveil Thursday also is not expected to include selling, leasing or borrowing against major state assets like the New Jersey Turnpike -- but several sources said the governor is zeroing in on such a plan for future years.

Legislative leaders say they are counting on the governor to propose several hundred million extra dollars for schools. Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) said he was told there would be an increase in aid for all school districts, urban and suburban alike.

"Everybody this year will get some bones," Codey said. "It's nothing dramatic, but certainly welcome after five years" in which most districts have seen state aid essentially frozen.

Revenue growth that normally occurs when residents' incomes rise will help Corzine close a projected budget gap of $2 billion. But an assortment of spending cuts also will be needed, said an administration source who asked not to be identified because the governor's address is supposed to be the first official word of the budget. The official confirmed a no-new-taxes budget is the goal, but refused to elaborate on cuts because final decisions are still being made.

Lawmakers in both parties agreed the Democratic governor should forsake tax increases.

"I think it's essential there be no new taxes, and I'm hopeful the governor is able to recommend a budget that does not create new taxes or raise existing taxes," said Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), who also said he would insist on more school aid.

"Over the last six years, we have raised virtually every tax in New Jersey and as a result, people are leaving New Jersey," said Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon). "Under no circumstances should taxes be increased further."

Whether the budget will be entirely devoid of new "revenue-raisers" is not yet settled, however. Assemblyman Louis Greenwald (D-Camden), chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, said administration officials have not ruled out reviving a tax on hospital beds that was killed last year by the Legislature. But he said they also were looking at other options to boost funding for financially ailing hospitals. "They would go down that (bed tax) road only because they believe it's in the best interest of the industry," Greenwald said.

Treasury Department officials are continuing to put finishing touches on the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1. It is likely to be in the $33 billion range, up from the current year's $30.8 billion.

"The broad framework of the budget has been put together, and the administration and the governor are now finalizing the details," said Corzine spokesman Brendan Gilfillan. "The budget will reflect the governor's continuing commitment to fiscal responsibility, to targeted investments to help our most vulnerable citizens and to delivering substantial property tax relief to New Jersey homeowners and renters."

The biggest goodie in the package for voters -- a $2.2 billion property tax relief program -- has already been approved by the Legislature. It would provide credits of up to 20 percent of most homeowners' tax bills this fall. The money for that will come from the rebate program it replaces and revenue set aside from the sales tax increase.

That includes $700 million in sales tax revenue held over from the current year's budget -- a bonus that will not recur in future years. That is one reason the Corzine administration is studying ways to tap state assets like the Turnpike and Lottery for ready cash. Treasurer Bradley Abelow is expected to lay out detailed options within several days of the budget speech.

Four legislators and three lobbyists have told The Star-Ledger they have either been told by the governor directly, or given strong indications, that Corzine is leaning in favor of a deal that involves the Turnpike -- but without turning it over to private operators.

Instead, they said, the administration is exploring ways to leverage surplus toll revenues into a multibillion-dollar windfall while keeping the Turnpike under state control. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid upstaging the governor's announcement. Gilfillan said only that the governor is awaiting the treasurer's recommendations, adding "no decision has been made at this point."

Gilfillan confirmed the Treasury Department soon will hire consultants to study how to bolster the state's ailing horse racing industry when a casino subsidy expires late this year. One option: installation of video lottery terminals at the three tracks, as has been done in other states.

Besides fattening racing purses to help the tracks, that could provide extra cash for the budget -- as much as $500 million a year by some estimates.

Codey, one of the racing industry's leading advocates, said he was pleased the administration plans to explore ways to preserve it. Video lottery "obviously has to be number one on the charts with all your competition now doing it," he said.

Barbara DeMarco, spokeswoman for the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Inc., said installing terminals at state-run race tracks not only would provide a short-term boost but would triple their value to more than $1 billion should the state decide to sell them. Without new funding, she added, "we're doomed."

Corzine was originally scheduled to give his budget speech Feb. 27, but moved it up five days so he can attend the National Governor's Association conference in Washington, D.C. As a result, administration officials say, full budget details may not be available until the original date.

Not since 2001, when Republicans controlled the Statehouse, has a state budget avoided significantly higher taxes.

Last year, Corzine raised taxes nearly $2 billion to help close a budget gap that had been estimated at $4.5 billion. The biggest increase came from raising the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent and extending it to more goods and services.

Corzine's insistence on that tax increase led to a standoff with the Legislature that shut down state government for a week. The eventual deal dedicated half the revenue from the increase to property tax relief.

While Democrats are hoping for election-year harmony, one potential sore point could be whether Corzine will consider dedicating the other half of the sales tax increase to property tax relief. Roberts, who pushed for that last year, said he will continue to press his case.

"I feel very strongly we need to pursue that," Roberts said. "We need to assure stability and certainty to the property relief we are providing this year. I think dedicating the additional half penny is the best way to do that."

Staff writer John Mooney contributed to this report. Joe Donohue may be reached at jdonohue@starledger.com or (609) 989-0208. Deborah Howlett may be reached at dhowlett@starledger.com or (609) 989-0273.

 

Corzine keeps patriotic holidays in the public school classrooms

Friday, February 16, 2007

Star-Ledger Staff

Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a bill yesterday that would continue the teaching of Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day and Commodore Barry Day in New Jersey public schools.

The bill, designed to eliminate a variety of unnecessary mandates imposed upon schools, includes recommendations made by the governor when he conditionally vetoed the original version on Jan. 29.

The original bill was criticized by veterans groups because it would have eliminated the requirement that schools teach about Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Corzine responded by returning those holidays and several others. The bill was intended to reduce property taxes by eliminating costly mandates on schools.

The bill (A-17) was sponsored by Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and Sen. John Adler (D-Camden).

Corzine expected to deliver budget

Officials mum about specific proposals

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/19/07

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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TRENTON — Gov. Corzine will unveil his budget plan Thursday, and though his administration has said little about his expected proposal, lawmakers have made it clear they don't want to see proposed tax increases.

Thursday's address marks Corzine's second since becoming governor, this time amid a projected $2 billion budget deficit. His first plan sparked a fight with fellow Democrats in the Legislature, leaving the state without a budget for a week and closing state government in July.

Legislative Democrats say they don't want to repeat last year's fight, but also are hoping Corzine doesn't propose tax increases to help resolve the budget hole.

They already have denounced Corzine's reconsideration of a proposed tax on hospital beds that legislators opposed last year. The proposal would raise money to help hospitals pay for treating people who lack health insurance.

Treasurer Bradley Abelow has said he doesn't expect the administration to propose increasing the state's major taxes, such as the income, sales and corporate income levies.

Overall, last year's $31 billion budget increased taxes about $1.8 billion, the largest amount of any state in the nation. That money helped erase a $4.5 billion budget hole.

Though the budget plan hasn't been unveiled, it should include $2.3 billion for a plan to slice the nation's highest property taxes by 20 percent for most homeowners.

Corzine would like to revive plans first proposed last year to cut taxes for 614,000 families who earn less than $30,000 per year.

"The budget will reflect the governor's continuing commitment to fiscal responsibility . . . to delivering substantial property tax relief to New Jersey homeowners and renters," Corzine spokesman Brendan Gilfillan said.

Legislators want to see the other half of the money raised by last year's sales tax increase also devoted to property tax relief, though Corzine hasn't committed himself to the idea.

Lawmakers also have said they want state aid to public schools increased to help control property taxes.

Corzine may consider increased public school aid by about 4 percent, or about $400 million. It would be the first state aid increase for schools in five years and will serve as interim help while a new school funding formula is developed.

"I would rather work to make sure that we have an appropriate funding formula than one sooner," Corzine said recently.

Corzine and legislators also are hoping a new contract agreement with state worker unions can be reached before Thursday so it can be included in the budget plan.

What likely won't be in the budget address is a plan to sell or lease state assets to raise money to cut $2.7 billion in debt owed next fiscal year.

While the administration has been considering such ideas, officials have said the issue is too complex and important to be rushed so it can be included in the budget plan.

Possibilities include selling development and naming rights to state properties and leasing toll roads.

Poll: People don't expect much from property tax reform

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/18/07

BY JONATHAN TAMARI
GANNETT STATE BUREAU

TRENTON — Most New Jerseyans don't expect much out of the final package of property tax reforms, according to results of a Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll.

Only one in 10 residents believe they will see "significant savings" as a result of the nearly seven-month push to reform property taxes, and about the same amount believe the tax relief will be long-lasting, according to the poll of 654 residents.

Nine percent of those surveyed on the property tax issue believed they would see "significant savings" from the final reform package, which is nearing completion; 45 percent expect "small savings," while 38 percent don't think they will get any relief.

"The message is pretty clear: New Jersey doesn't believe that they're going to get anything real out of these property tax plans," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

Murray said previous polls showed widespread public skepticism even before the reform effort began. "Our polling showed they got what they expected," he said.

About 12 percent of those surveyed believe property tax relief will be long-lasting, 47 percent said it will be short-term, and 34 percent expect nothing.

Among a handful of people interviewed further on the issue, nearly everyone focused on the enhanced property tax rebates, expected to average $1,051 but with wide variations based on income and taxes paid.

To some, like Manalapan resident Frank Marchesi, any relief is welcome, even if he questions if it will last beyond this year.

"Property tax has been such a problem in the state of New Jersey that anything that is some relief is a help," Marchesi said.

Bryan Repa, of Delran, agreed. A 20 percent property tax credit, the maximum amount allowed under the relief plan, is a "drastic improvement" over his existing rebate.

Last year, tax rebates averaged $285 for homeowners under the age of 65.

"Property taxes in New Jersey have gotten a little bit out of hand recently. It's about time they start giving a little bit of it back," Repa said.

Others, however, said that while they're looking forward to an increased rebate, they don't think it's the answer to their problems.

"It's too little, too late," said Pamela Superior, of Woodbridge. "I'll be happy for anything. Compared to other states' (taxes) it's just still crazy."

Paul Oliu called the credit "a short-term giveaway," and recalled the beefed-up rebates sent out under Gov. James E. McGreevey that were later slashed when the funding came up short.

"They just give us some crumbs when it's a much bigger issue than I think they're approaching," said Oliu, of Montgomery. He said taxes have become the fuel for a bloated government.

The reform process began with a focus on issues as wide ranging as schools, government benefits, town and school consolidations and government ethics. Some steps were taken in each of those areas, but many plans were altered or killed by compromises and pressure from an array of interest groups and lawmakers. Some reforms remain works in progress.

The most tangible immediate aspect of the proposals are the credits, which will range from 20 percent to 10 percent for people earning less than $250,000.

Much of the blame from the public fell on Gov. Jon S. Corzine, according to the poll. Half of those surveyed said Corzine showed "too little" leadership on property taxes; 33 percent said he did enough. Still, 44 percent of 801 people polled on another question approved of Corzine's overall performance, while 34 percent disapproved.

After the caps and credits won final legislative approval, Corzine said New Jerseyans have "a good right" to be skeptical of relief after years of promises, but he hopes a cap on tax hikes will keep levies under control.

Dan Yancheck said he wanted to give Corzine a chance but believes the governor caved in to labor unions. Yancheck, 70, was briefly retired, but when his wife had a partially paralyzing stroke, he returned to full-time work as a courier in order to get medical benefits. He has become frustrated by seeing public workers who reap the benefits of state-funded health benefits, even in retirement.

"They're no better than we are. I have to pay, who are they that they don't have to pay?" said Yancheck, who lives in the Turnersville section of Washington Township, Gloucester County.

Richard Cooper, of Newton, had a similar criticism.

"I was an engineer for a long time. My tenure was to the end of the week," Cooper said. "They've got to get into the real world and find out what's going on."

Diana Allessi, of the Colonia section of Woodbridge, credited Corzine with taking a serious look at property tax issues and not sacrificing school quality for rebates. Allessi, who has a 2-year-old daughter and 9-month-old twin boys, had worried that schools would be hurt in the name of reform.

"There's more thought going into this process this time around as opposed to previous administrations," Allessi said.

The poll, conducted between Feb. 8 and Feb. 12, has a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points.

Jonathan Tamari: jtamari@gannett.com

State contract talks hit a hurdle on early-retirement issue

Saturday, February 17, 2007

BY JOE DONOHUE

Star-Ledger Staff

After two weeks of intense negotiations, contract talks between the Corzine administration and state worker unions halted early yesterday morning.

While the impasse may be temporary, those familiar with the talks say it was aggravated by a dispute over the minimum age for early retirement, which is now 55.

Two sources familiar with the talks say state worker unions are upset because they believe the Corzine administration has reached a secret deal with the New Jersey Education Association teachers union to require new employees to reach age 60 and have 25 years of service before retiring. Under that scenario, teachers insured through the state's health plan would not be forced to contribute to their health insurance.

Leaders of three state worker unions now in salary talks with the administration found out about it Thursday night, which added tension to their negotiations, the sources said. Corzine is seeking concessions from state workers on both the retirement age and contributions to the health plans.

The early retirement age flap, and a lack of progress on other fronts, led to the talks ending around 2 a.m. yesterday morning, the sources said.

Lynn Maher, the NJEA's spokeswoman, would not comment when asked if her union had talked with the Corzine administration. While the NJEA does not conduct collective bargaining for local units, it has historically lobbied on legislation that affects teacher benefits statewide. The state oversees the teachers' pension fund, and it manages a health insurance fund that insures about half the teachers.

Brendan Gilfillan, Corzine's spokesman, declined to comment on the status of state worker negotiations. "This is a day-to-day process, and the administration will continue to work diligently towards an equitable solution."

Robert Master, political director for the Communications Workers of America, the largest state worker union, also refused to comment on negotiations, and would not discuss any dispute with the teachers union. "I can't talk for NJEA," he said.

While no new talks were scheduled for the weekend, Master said he views the hiatus as more of a breather than a breakdown.

"I think both sides are making a good faith effort to figure out if there's a deal there that protects the interest of our members and meets the needs of the public," he said. "That continues to be the tone of the negotiations."

Corzine has expressed hope that he can wrap up salary talks, which began in September, before he gives his budget speech on Thursday. In December, he asked legislative leaders to withdraw proposed legislation to trim public employee health and pension benefits as one way to cut property taxes. Those proposals included legislation to raise the early retirement age. The governor insisted it was better for him to seek concessions in the context of the ongoing negotiations.

Corzine's opening position included a two-year wage freeze and givebacks of holidays as well as asking employees to pay more of their health benefits, according to an administration official with knowledge of the talks.

The current contract, which was negotiated in 2003 when the state faced an even bigger deficit, froze wages for one year, then provided a total increase of 11.5 percent over the final three years.

In Pennsylvania last month, Gov. Edward Rendell agreed to a contract with state workers that provided a $1,250 first-year bonus, followed by wage increases totaling 10 percent in the final three years.