Going on Now: Assembly Vote on Major Changes in Public Worker Benefits

Sweeney's a "Reagan Democrat"* (4.00 / 1)

A union buster.  Just like his hero Ronald Reagan, who was the head of a union at one time but turned out to be the worst thing for unions in the history of this country.

When Sweeney says he's a union man, he only means his union.  All other union members can go screw themselves.

* There is no such thing as a Reagan Democrat.  They're called Republicans.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 21:15:15 PM UTC

I foresee Sweeney flipping to R (0.00 / 0)

will the D's finally realize they've been played?

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by: sayitaintso @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 22:02:13 PM UTC

Just tried to take the NJ 101.5 Comedy Show to task. (4.00 / 1)

Called into NJ101.5 to call out the Casey and Rosi Comedy Show for portraying the union members and leadership as not being passionate because the "Left at 5PM".

Pointed out that it's about CIVIL disobedience, not criminal disobedience, gave the details about hundreds of state troopers encamped in the basement and parking structure WITH riot gear (Yup, I was there and saw it all).
And they might consider looking into how PERMITS are written for events like these.

Unions are FAMILIES.
Children, women, retired seniors as well as the working men and women were in attendance and I am pretty sure they didn't want to get "Riot-Rushed" off the street by the state troopers.
The State Troopers I spoke to, almost to a man (and woman) support the rally, the message and the unions and didn't deswire to be forced into a confrontation with their union brothers and sisters. Mutual Respect was shown by both sides and the only ones without the respect for the people were the Christiecrats like Sweeney, Oliver and the rest of the drop out democrats.

This is the fight we are in; misinformation and disinformation. We need to cal these story tellers out at every opportunity and be CIVIL about iot. Let them be the bully's and the attack dogs. Whether it's the turn-coat Christiecrats, Christie himself or the media people pushing their middle-class killing agenda.

We all have a voice and today is NOT the last day of the battle but the beginning of our effort to turn the tide, right the ship and put the middle-class back in charge of this country.

No matter how the vote goes tonight, do not be silent, do not be forgiving and do not quit! You have a voice and a vote! Use both!!

If we don't stand together, we fall alone
That didn't last long.

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by: Couch Potato Politics @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 22:24:41 PM UTC

Oliver is so pathetic (0.00 / 0)

She doesn't even know the rules on seconding and tabling.  If Joe D doesn't give her instructions, he doesn't know what to do.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 22:34:26 PM UTC

Sweeney & Oliver statement (0.00 / 0)

Just received this via our news release address. I'm posting it in its entirety:

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) on Thursday evening announced an agreement has been reached to remove the out-of-state hospital provision included in the pension and benefits reform bill.

The Assembly will vote tonight and the Senate will concur on Monday to delete the hospital provision by amending legislation (S-2959/A-4162) that had already been introduced to revise the language. The legislative leaders released the following statements:

Sweeney:

"The most important thing has always been to pass a bill that is fair to both public employees and taxpayers. We will still achieve that goal."

Oliver:

"After very lengthy discussions, it was clear that this provision is a genuine concern amongst the members of my caucus.  Removing this provision is the best way to move forward. The goal of protecting taxpayers and public workers remains intact."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 22:45:25 PM UTC

Saving Face (4.00 / 1)

They knew they had to take that provision out or else there would have been no turning back for them. That they reversed position on this item was due to their feeling the pressure from their caucus and not their own doing. Sweeney and Oliver's doing was to go along with Christie and their respective masters from day 1. Now Oliver is trying to right the ship by making it into a "bi-partisan" effort exercised in the interests of fairness for both public employees and the middle class. When all along it was forced through in the interests of Christie and his cronies, and thrown at the Democrats to deal with.

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by: FreeDem @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 23:05:37 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Brave? I think not. (0.00 / 0)

The Republicans keep tossing out empty accolades to Sheila Oliver and Steve Sweeney aboutr being "Brave" and having "Courage" when everyone knows, infact, that they are coming from a position of fear and coardice. Fear of Joe D and Goerge the III.

Anyone assuming anythin more that that is eitehr disingenuous or ignorant of the truth.

We are seeing cowardice and bullying take over the state of New Jersey under the governership of one of the biggest bullys in recent history.

Call them what they are, cowards and turn-coats.

If we don't stand together, we fall alone
That didn't last long.

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by: Couch Potato Politics @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 23:35:49 PM UTC

And Finally. (0.00 / 0)

Regardless of how it ends up. We get our Democrats to show their true colors, and shine through. A defining moment. No confidence for Sweeney and Oliver.

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by: FreeDem @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 23:50:59 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oliver and Sweeney (0.00 / 0)

Liar and backstabber are the appropriate adjectives.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Thu Jun 23, 2011 at 23:57:21 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Joe Crynan (4.00 / 1)

You're looking at the next speaker.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 00:20:17 AM UTC

Here, Here. (0.00 / 0)

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by: FreeDem @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 00:24:08 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Greenwald (0.00 / 0)

is all over the place. WTF is he saying?

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by: FreeDem @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:07:30 AM UTC

Higher costs (0.00 / 0)

greenwald "This bill will create 9 plans"

Well, 9 plans is 9 pools and 9 pools instead of three pools are smaller pools and smaller pools cost more money for services offered.

This bill is a diract assault on public workers familes and finances.

That money being stolen from these working families for unregulated, over-priced, unregulated health care coverage is money that will not be spent in local restaurants, stores, for services and a myriad of other JOBS MAINTAINING and CREATING activities.

Shame on the Senate and Assembly for passing this JOBS KILLING BILL.

If we don't stand together, we fall alone
That didn't last long.

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by: Couch Potato Politics @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:11:56 AM UTC

If the plans... (0.00 / 0)

are all part of the SHBP, isn't it really just one pool at the end of the day.

Not trying to antagonzie, but I've read people believe that Norcross will benefit financially from the creation of new plans, etc.

But from what I heard Sweeney say last night is that the new plans will be created by a panel of 1/2 union reps, and 1/2 admin reps... but those plans will be created all within the SHBP, right?
 

"Where ever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Bonzai

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by: William Weber (WjcW) @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 12:36:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

They don't even know (0.00 / 0)

what they voted on yesterday.  They just did what they were told.  Louie gave a nice speech, the old "this is going to hurt me more then it hurts you" line.....This bill was scheduled for a vote before even going through committee.  I actually thought I used to like Louie, now I know he is just a hack machine politician in a $1000 suit.

"Only a fool would follow a bully"

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by: brendanod @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 14:03:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

He loves those pinstriped suits (0.00 / 0)

The wider the stripes, the better.

And you described his speech perfectly.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 14:36:50 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Greenwald statement (0.00 / 0)

Released after the 46-32 vote on his bill, posted in its entirety:

"New Jersey's economic reality cannot be ignored.

"As of the July 20, 2010 report from the Division of Pensions and Benefits, the post retirement health benefit deficit was $66.8 billion. On the pension side, the combined unfunded liability as of June 30, 2010 was $53.8 billion.

"These are real numbers that play a large role in our property tax problem, and these numbers are reality because for decades people from both parties failed to do the right thing to keep these systems strong for our public employees.

"As difficult as this is to ask people in this economy to pay more, this legislation will finally fix the fragility of this system.            

"This bill will bring property tax relief, make benefits sustainable for the working families who rely on them and preserve collective bargaining for future negotiations. This protects both taxpayers and worker rights.

"It's now our responsibility to safeguard these systems and make sure the problems that led to this legislation never happen again. That is our obligation and commitment to New Jersey property taxpayers and public servants."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:18:48 AM UTC

Oliver's (0.00 / 0)

glee at being on the 'winning' side is evident in her voice and manner. Good for you. Thanks for showing your true colors. No confidence.

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by: FreeDem @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:19:19 AM UTC

Wisniewski statement (0.00 / 0)

"While I understand the magnitude of the problem we are facing, as Chairman of the Democratic State Committee I cannot in good conscience support the proposed solution which changes the rules in the middle of the game for working families," said Wisniewski. "Had these bills been split, I would have supported much needed pension reforms to ensure the state lives up to its funding responsibilities. Unfortunately, this combined legislation does not accomplish what its sponsor's claim with regard to addressing the true problem of exploding costs for healthcare. We are not fixing the system, but simply passing the buck. Asking workers to pay for the sins of Wall Street and past failures of Government, while not truly dealing with the problems we face, will only further erode the besieged middle class here in New Jersey."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:20:05 AM UTC

CWA President Larry Cohen statement (3.00 / 1)

 "This is a dark today for workers' rights as the race to the bottom continues.  We thank those who stood up and voted "No" despite
the pressure.  We will never forget them.

"We will also never forget those who moved New Jersey back fifty years,
stripping bargaining rights from public workers and imposing health care
cuts that will destroy living standards for hundreds of thousands of
families."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:21:17 AM UTC

The funeral dirge for democracy (0.00 / 0)

That is the sound from all corners of the state of New Jersey.

If we don't stand together, we fall alone
That didn't last long.

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by: Couch Potato Politics @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:23:53 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

70% of Democratic caucus voted no (0.00 / 0)

An even larger percentage than in the senate

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:27:54 AM UTC

Hear that sound, New Jersey? (0.00 / 0)

It's the funeral dirge for democracy.

Pathetic and pitiful that you were ignorant enough to believe that this lie wrapped in back-room graft meant to serve George Norcross would somehow help you.

Next year, when you services are disappearing, your taxes are 40% higher and your state-employed neighbors are fleeing the state and driving your property vaues down another 30%, who will you put the blame on then?


If we don't stand together, we fall alone
That didn't last long.

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by: Couch Potato Politics @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:33:38 AM UTC

Next Subject. (0.00 / 1)

Only 40 % of the members of the " Peoples House" voted against the Bill.

That is a pretty sizeable majority win.

Let us all act mature and move on to the budget.    

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by: firstamend07 @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:45:30 AM UTC

70% of the majority party (0.00 / 0)

in control of the Assembly voted against it.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:47:58 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Only 40% were against (0.00 / 0)

The Representatives of the Peoples House have spoken.

Let it go.  

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by: firstamend07 @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:49:54 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Gee, for someone who wants to let it go (0.00 / 0)

You keep on posting about it.

This will never be let go.  You have sewn the wind, in time you will reap the whirlwind.  When you and your ilk are driven out of power by the majority of real Democrats who oppose you.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:52:22 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not to Bring up the 1930s (0.00 / 0)

But a majority of people voted for a certain person back then.  A majority vote doesn't mean it was a correct vote.

It's a sign of immaturity to want to forget when a great immoral crime was committed.  Let us act mature and continue to remember who turned their back on labor today.

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by: princetonblue @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:51:33 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

firstamend07 (0.00 / 0)

Only 40 % of the members of the " Peoples House" voted against the Bill.

firstamend, nobody was expecting the Republicans in the people's house to protect the rights of working people employed by the state. They had a right to expect the Democrats to do that. Your better than 50% of the legislature have defined themselves very poorly this week. I doubt people will let that be forgotten.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:51:55 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

A one-way bipartisan street (0.00 / 0)

Not one Republican voted against it.  

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:53:56 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Assembly disapproves NJN sale (4.00 / 2)

45-30.

Senate expected to vote on Monday.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:48:53 AM UTC

Good. NJN sale was bad move (0.00 / 0)

Tough decision now for Christie.

Legislature must come up with some money or it gets shutdown anyway next week.

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by: firstamend07 @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:53:23 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Budget Bill (3.50 / 2)

Why do we need a Assembly & Senate when all they do is Kiss Christie's Ass and say Yes Sir? #p2

For every D that voted "Yea" we must end there political careers make sure they cannot get elected to pick up dog shit in the park

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by: garak99 @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 01:53:26 AM UTC

Thanks to Blue Jersey! (4.00 / 3)

Fantastic work Blue Jersey in keeping up with this story and the events today.

Now we sleep.

And tomorrow we fight . . . again!

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by: Hetty Rosenstein @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 03:28:44 AM UTC

It was a very long day (4.00 / 1)

for a lot of people. Some of those people we should be very proud of. And some of them ... not so much.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 03:40:35 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank you! (0.00 / 0)

Thank you for fighting the good fight.  It's because of the efforts of people like you that progress is made in this country.

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by: princetonblue @ Fri Jun 24, 2011 at 03:53:27 AM UTC

[ Parent ]