Judge rules state pension, benefits overhaul does not apply to N.J. judges

[ElNono]

Judge rules state pension, benefits overhaul does not apply to N.J. judges

TRENTON — The state’s new pension and health benefits plan is uncons utional as it applies to Superior Court judges and Supreme Court justices because it amounts to a reduction in their salaries, a judge ruled this afternoon.

Assignment Judge Linda Feinberg, sitting in Trenton, said the increased health benefits and pension contributions that went into effect run counter to a provision of the state Cons ution that specifically prohibits the reduction of judges’ and justices’ salaries during their time in office.

Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale brought the legal challenge in July after Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation on June 28 increasing judges’ pension contributions from 3 percent to 12 percent of their annual salaries and requiring them to pay 35 percent of their health care premiums.

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[Wild Cobra]

Well, it probably is illegal for anything considered current contract. Automatic grandfathering?