We, the labor members of the State Health Benefits Program Plan Design Committee (PDC) are absolutely flabbergasted that the State Division of Pensions and Benefits unilaterally canceled today’s PDC meeting…and to do so with less than 24 hours notice to committee members.

The State’s actuary, AON, has proposed a drastic and draconian rate increase for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). It will bring about devastating effects on counties, municipalities, taxpayers and hundreds of thousands of working-class New Jersey families enrolled in SHBP. These rate increases were not presented to the PDC until yesterday, when we were told they were posted on the State’s website.

Labor remains ready, as always,  to roll up our sleeves and find solutions to address this crisis precipitated by the Covid pandemic. It’s baffling that management would skirt their responsibilities and unilaterally and unlawfully cancel our meeting today.

Signed by the Labor members of the PDC

·       Mike Zanyor, PDC Co-Chair, State Troopers Superior Officers Association

·       Jim McAsey, Communications Workers of America

·       Kevin C. Lyons, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association

·       Dave Krueger, NJ Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association

·       Patrick Nowlan, American Association of University Professors – American Federation of Teachers

·       Bob Little, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees