Garden State Times

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco has voiced concerns regarding the Governor's recent proposal to borrow funds from the State employees' health benefit fund to support the local public employee health benefits system, which is facing insolvency.

Bucco criticized the management of the local public employee health care system by stating, "The Murphy administration’s poor management of the local public employee health care system serving hundreds of thousands of employees has put the system on a course to become insolvent.” He added that instead of implementing cost-control measures backed by various stakeholders, the administration seeks borrowing authority to sustain the struggling local system.

He further elaborated, "This legislation might be a necessary Band-Aid until this administration—or the next one—finally embraces cost controls to prevent massive premium increases that will slam property taxpayers and public employees." Bucco expressed concern about potential loan repayments adding financial strain due to rising insurance premiums and highlighted a lack of transparency regarding the system's funding status.

Bucco urged for better communication and reforms, stating, "The administration must do a better job and embrace reforms proposed and supported by almost everyone except them." He emphasized the need for sharing information with local governments, unions, and legislators about emergency loans and other options being considered. Bucco warned that if the local system collapses, it could lead to significant consequences for New Jersey's taxpayers and public employees.

The legislation in question, S3838/A4999, would allow temporary transfers from the State employees' health benefit fund under certain conditions to support the financially troubled local system.