Updated · New Jersey Globe | New Jersey Politics · Jun 17
4 GOP Lawmakers Urge Probe to Block Newark Lifetime Benefits for Outgoing Councilman
Updated
Updated · New Jersey Globe | New Jersey Politics · Jun 17
4 GOP Lawmakers Urge Probe to Block Newark Lifetime Benefits for Outgoing Councilman
3 articles · Updated · New Jersey Globe | New Jersey Politics · Jun 17
Summary
Four Republican Assembly budget committee members asked New Jersey's Division of Local Government Services to investigate and stop Newark from granting Carlos M. Gonzalez taxpayer-funded lifetime health benefits before he leaves office on June 30.
The lawmakers said Gonzalez's 20 years on the council fall short of the city's 25-year consecutive-service threshold for employee health benefits, making the proposed exception an improper compensation enhancement for an elected official.
Their letter urged the state to review the plan's long-term fiscal impact, determine whether it violates state law or regulations, and prevent implementation if it conflicts with the public interest.
Newark's proposal surfaced a day after a report said the city wanted to honor Gonzalez's 'long and faithful service,' even as Newark seeks to preserve and increase more than $110 million in annual state municipal aid.
The Republicans argued Newark and statewide taxpayers should not subsidize lifetime benefits for departing officials and said the state should consider withholding aid if needed to stop the plan.