A commitment to all who serve
SHEILA OLIVER
New Jersey is more than just a collection of 21 counties and 565 municipalities— we are a state of communities, both physical and professional, that care deeply about our neighbors and our future. Regardless of where we live or what we do, we all are part of one family.
Our law enforcement community is a critical part of that family; all who wear the badge must be held up as among the best and bravest of our state. That also means treating you with the respect you rightfully deserve and working with you to ensure not only you can do your jobs effectively but also that you can retire with dignity.
I know that as a result of Chapter 78, you are making less money than you did seven-and-a-half years ago. I have seen firsthand the impact this administration has had on your lives and on our state. You have met your end of the bargain, but Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno have broken their commitment to provide subsequent contributions to make certain that future retirees would receive everything that they are entitled to. Chapter 78 was an imperfect piece of legislation made worse by Governor Christie’ s and Lieutenant Governor Guadagno’ s outright refusal to fund the pension system.
That is why I, like Phil Murphy, support a constitutional amendment to fund our state’ s pension system. It is why I, like Phil, will work to provide real relief to public employees who are taking home less pay each year due to the rising health care costs in New Jersey. You can be assured that Governor Phil Murphy and
Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver will always treat you with respect and the dignity that you deserve.
From day one, our administration will end the scapegoating and name-calling of all public workers. Instead of slamming the door in the face of your leaders, we will offer them seats at the table. We will work with local leaders to provide critical financial resources. We will consult with those who serve when making decisions that impact those who serve.
I recognize that we will never agree on every issue, but I will never disrespect those who bravely serve our communities each and every day. My door is always open, and it always will be open.
Public service is not just a job; it is a calling. You did not choose to wear a uniform for any other reason than a love of service and a belief that you can make a true difference in the lives of those around you.
For the past eight years, your union leaders have been systematically shut out of the governor’ s office. Municipal aid has been held flat, leaving your departments to not only do more with less, but with equipment that in some cases no longer is up to the task. And some are wishing to use partisan politics to divide our law enforcement communities for their own electoral gain.
Throughout my service in the General Assembly, I have been proud to support law enforcement by voting for budgets that provide the resources necessary for you to serve your neighbors and by supporting commonsense and life-saving bills to protect you in the discharge of your duties. As Lieutenant Governor working alongside Governor Phil Murphy, my commitment will be no less. d
18 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ SEPTEMBER 2017