(TRENTON) – The full Assembly on Monday unanimously granted final legislative approval to a bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Elizabeth Maher Muoio, Thomas Giblin, Vince Mazzeo, Reed Gusciora and Daniel Benson to ensure that state workers who were involuntarily furloughed when Gov. Christie shut down state government receive the wages or salary they were owed during that period.

“The hardworking and dedicated employees of this state should not be penalized for something beyond their control,” said Muoio (D-Mercer/Hunterdon).  “Losing one or two days’ pay can have a huge impact on their monthly budget, especially in my district where there are many dual state worker households.”

“It’s unfortunate state workers had to wait a month to be paid when Gov. Christie could have just directed the Treasurer to do so, but I’m glad we’re officially resolving this for the sake of all of our rank and file employees who deserve it,” said Giblin (D-Essex/Passaic).

The bill (A-18) amends the annual appropriation act for fiscal year 2018 to ensure state executive, legislative and judicial branch employees who were involuntarily furloughed under the three day implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order No. 228 promptly receive their salary or wage payments for the period of the state government shut down from July 1 through July 3, 2017.

“Missing even one day’s pay can have huge consequences for many state workers, affecting their ability to pay the mortgage, rent or childcare among many other things,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex).  “This is the right thing to do.”

“State employees were ready and willing to show up for work,” said Gusciora (D-Mercer/Hunterdon).  “They should not be penalized because the Governor was intent on raiding Horizon.”

The measure now heads to the Governor’s desk where he has promised to sign it.