Assemblywomen Britnee N. Timberlake Statement on the Impending Healthcare Premium Tax Hikes For Local Government

(East Orange, NJ) – It is with a great sense of urgency that I offer this statement in support of a one-time appropriation to offset the increases to the State Health Benefits Plan in 2023. My district office has received many calls from local government union members, first responders, their concerned family members, and the faith-based community, in addition to local government and community leaders who brought awareness to the financial burden that the healthcare premium tax hike will create for families. 

We must do better to protect municipal workers from unfair increases to their health insurance. While we understand inflation and market cost increases are inevitable, this increase is an unfair, unyielding, exorbitant hike that will decimate the household budget of so many. During a time when we should be finding solutions to create an affordable healthcare system for all, an increase like this, right on the heels of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu seasons, in a state with high pollution, cancer, asthma rates, etc., is unfair.

In the 34th Legislative District, which I represent, the impact on the local governments will affect: Bloomfield Twp; Clifton; East Orange; Glen Ridge; Montclair Twp; Nutley and Orange; and over 790 other municipalities throughout our great state that will be negatively affected by this increase.

There are funds available to the State of New Jersey through the American Rescue Plan Act, and there is also a budget surplus that the state has at its disposal to address this most dire issue. It is incumbent upon us to do all that is attainable to offset these costs for our treasured workers. We must join in unity to do the morally responsible thing so that all our citizens, directly and indirectly impacted, can move forward together entering the new year with the security of health care without poverty. The reasoning is simplistic, the way to continue to move all of New Jersey Forward Together and is an excellent opportunity to put Principles Over Politics.