Unions and Local Government Management Submit Plan to Address Pending SHPB Increase
The League of Municipalities, Conference of Mayors, the Urban Mayors Association, and New Jersey Association of Counties have been working with other interested stakeholders, including the major public sector union representatives, to address the unsustainable 22% increase in 2023 for the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) municipalities. Recognizing that the increase over the previous plan year is $350 million, we are seeking immediate financial relief by providing local governments with grants to fully off-set the increase, with savings shared with the public employee. Further, we call on the Plan Design Committee and State Health Benefits Commission to implement long-term and permanent savings.
Earlier today, several local government unions, several dozen elected officials, the New Jersey League of Municipalities, New Jersey Association of Counties, and New Jersey Conference of Mayors held a virtual press conference regarding the pending drastic increases to State Health Benefits Program health insurance premiums.
It is rare that unions and management are completely on the same page. However, this unprecedented coalition – representing both labor and management – has come together as one because the stakes are so high.
With such little time remaining it is critical for Mayors and elected officials in municipalities that participate in the SHBP to directly reach out to your Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) contact in the Governor’s office and to your Legislators to reiterate the need for an acceptable resolution of these newly imposed costs on municipal and county governments, our public employees, and taxpayers. If you have already reached out, please do it again—we need their attention and action.
Contacts:
Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.
Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
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