News From The Senate Democrats

SWEENEY: LANDMARK ARBITRATION DEAL GOOD FOR
TAXPAYERS, TOWNS AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

            TRENTON -- Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney released the following statement regarding the landmark arbitration reform agreement struck today among himself, Governor Christie and Assembly Speaker Oliver:

            "This is truly historic reform for New Jersey.

            "I thank Speaker Oliver for her partnership as we made our case to the Governor. And I thank the Governor for not only listening, but realizing that through compromise we could produce better legislation and stronger reform than any of us could have come up with on our own.

            "Each of us shared the same goal: to revolutionize the system of binding arbitration, and for the first time, to ensure taxpayers stand on a level playing field with the police and fire unions. By putting aside partisanship, we did it.

                        "When the property tax cap was signed, I made a commitment to mayors that before the end of the year they would have the arbitration reform they would need to make it work. With today's agreement, we delivered on that promise."