LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Political success requires a full-time commitment
On March 26 , the halls of the State House should once again be filled to capacity with State PBA members .
State PBA Day in Trenton has grown over the years to coincide with the expansion and success of the PBA ’ s political activity . The positive reaction from legislators and government leaders to the overflowing crowd of law enforcement officers in Trenton on that day is further proof
ROB NIXON
– if proof were needed – that the State PBA is firmly committed to being active and engaged politically and legislatively at a moment ’ s notice .
Some members might wonder why we should go through the effort of going to Trenton when there are no Senate and Assembly elections in 2018 . There are two excellent reasons : The first relates to the State PBA ’ s commitment to continually lobby the NJ State Legislature . It is highly anticipated that on March 26 , the Senate and Assembly will vote on our landmark legislation , Senate Bill 5 , to revise the management and investment powers of the PFRS .
After nearly 20 years of mismanagement and poor investment strategies , the time has come to put PFRS into the hands of independent managers who will work exclusively for the members and retirees of the system , and not the political powers in Trenton . There should be no greater cause for PBA members than the preservation and funding of your pensions . Coming to Trenton in large numbers to support this bill sends a message to your representatives that you are watching and that you expect them to support your pensions by voting “ YES ” on this important bill .
The second reason we ask for your participation at State PBA Day in Trenton involves the long-range goals of political activism . As an institution in New Jersey , the State PBA has a long history of leadership in public policy and politics . But your past isn ’ t enough to lead you to success in Trenton , and the past eight years should have proved that clearly enough . All that is standing between you and another attack on your pensions , benefits and bargaining rights is the continuous , focused and unified political activity of the State PBA .
Political action shouldn ’ t be reserved just for election years . It is not a simple matter of Democrat vs . Republican . It should not be for the short term , for one single issue or one single election .
Success in politics requires a full-time , year-round commitment to engaging the decision-makers who hold your career and your future in their hands . Everything you have on the job , in your paycheck and in your pension will be decided through an act by a politician or an appointed government official . Considering the value of your service and the sacrifices you make on the job , there is too much at stake to sit back and wait for a few weeks prior to the next election to “ get involved .”
The NJ State PBA leadership has made a commitment to daily communication with legislators , and our lobbying efforts never stop . But your efforts , your voices and your presence must be felt to solidify that effort and leave its mark .
In that sense , March 26 is merely just another date on the calendar . This visit to the State House isn ’ t designed to be a oneand-done . What you can do to support our efforts , and in essence support your career , is to be engaged every day .
Whether or not you can make it to Trenton on March 26 , there are a number of things you can do to build on our success . Get engaged in your Local , if you aren ’ t already , and participate in the events generating political activity . Stop by your legislators ’ offices to let them know you ’ re a PBA member and you simply want to introduce yourself . Write them a letter about issues we are working on ( yes , letters still make an impression ). Or simply send an email to support the State PBA when we are fighting for or against an issue . Every legislator ’ s email , address and phone number can be found at www . njleg . state . nj . us .
These activities may just take a moment out of your day , but the impression you can make will not be forgotten in Trenton . Legislators will leave the State House on March 26 with visions of PBA shirts imprinted in their minds , and we can ’ t afford to let that vision fade . If they hear from you regularly , the sounds of more than 30,000 PBA members will be ringing in their ears when they talk to State President Colligan , Executive Vice President Kovar or me when it counts . d
10 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MARCH 2018