LEGISLATIVE REPORT
PBA on a roll
with legislative victories
ROB NIXON
The “high profile” issues, for obvious reasons,
tend to dominate the State PBA news. The battle
over the future of Atlantic City, the health of the
pension system and the cost of healthcare are
matters that impact every officer across the state.
The State PBA leadership works 24/7 on issues
like those and its presence in Trenton has never
been more meaningful.
Yet, there are many issues that are priorities for
the State PBA that also require the full attention
and passion of the organization in Trenton. On top of handling
those “front-page” issues, the State PBA has been successful
recently in moving legislation that will have a meaningful
effect on active and retired members alike. And while some
groups like to focus on one issue at a time or ride the wave
behind our moves, balancing hot-button issues with the continuing needs of the members each and every day is the norm
for the State PBA.
Perhaps the most important legislative action during the
past few weeks was the final compromise on legislation to
assist Atlantic City in balancing its budget and avoiding a state
government takeover. The bill the governor signed presents
Atlantic City an opportunity to use the next five months to cut
its nearly $100 million deficit going into 2017. In addition to
providing the city much-needed state funds and tax revenue,
the legislation gives the mayor the room he needs to work.
The State PBA and Atlantic City Local 24 have found Mayor
Donald Guardian to have been an honest broker throughout
this ordea