A few minutes ago the State Senate passed a bill by a vote of 24-15 that requires higher pension and health benefits contributions from public employees, including NJEA members. The bill also raises the retirement age to 65, early retirement to 30 years, and eliminates a pension loophole that allowed elected officials to collect pensions while continuing to work. The bill will sunset in four years, upon which collective bargaining for benefits contributions will resume. Here’s more info from PolitickerNJ.