Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) questioned the need for a new task force announced by Governor Phil Murphy to study the health benefits offered to public employees with studies already completed and legislation ready for action.

“The Byrne/Healey Commission report gave us everything we need to implement cost-saving health benefits reforms that can save taxpayers billions,” said O’Scanlon. “There’s nothing left to study. The Governor’s new task force simply kicks the can down the road again, which is exactly what this Administration has said it would not do.”

O’Scanlon sponsors legislation, S-220 and S-221, which would implement recommendations of the Byrne/Healey Commission.

“Without these reforms, we put the future fiscal solvency of the pension system, public workers, and the entire state budget in extreme peril,” O’Scanlon added. “We are one mild economic downturn away from disaster. Everyone needs to understand it, accept it, and endorse my bills to achieve health benefits reform. We know this needs to happen, and we already have the legislation introduced to make it happen.”