TRENTON, NJ – Shortly after invoking former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as the model for public housing reform, Bill Spadea told New Jersey he would also follow in the former governor’s footsteps on public worker pension reform.
Republican candidate for governor, Bill Spadea has sparked controversy by calling for major cuts to New Jersey’s public pension system, targeting unions like the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).
Speaking during a candidate debate last night, Spadea demanded a renegotiation of pension plans to address the state’s financial challenges, a stance reminiscent of past efforts to overhaul public employee benefits.
“We’ve got to renegotiate some of these pension plans, especially with the CWA and NJEA,” Spadea said, emphasizing the need to curb costs that he claims burden taxpayers.
His proposal would affect a wide range of public workers, including teachers, police, and firefighters, whose pensions form a significant part of the state’s obligations.
Spadea argued that without action, rising costs could destabilize New Jersey’s economy.
For the first time in decades, New Jersey’s public worker pension plans are fully funded. That could change in January should Spadea win the GOP primary election in June and the general election in November.
Spadea did not address pension reforms for part-time elected officials or certain government workers, a choice that may invite scrutiny.
His focus remained on public unions, which he sees as central to the state’s fiscal woes.