Sweeney Praises Sarlo, Oroho & Path to Progress Panel for Groundwork on Health Savings Plan

Trenton –Senate President Steve Sweeney praised the work of the New Jersey Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup for the contributions the study panel made towards the plan advanced in partnership with the New Jersey Education Association today. The proposal, which will produce more than $1 billion in annual savings for taxpayers and educators, was crafted in large part from the work of the special committee chaired by Senator Paul Sarlo and Senator Steve Oroho.

“The agreement with the NJEA to capture substantial savings for local taxpayers and educators is consistent with the goals and objectives of the workgroup,” said Senator Sweeney. “None of this could have happened without the workgroup.  We will continue to push for other policy items in the Path to Progress report, including pension reform, but today’s agreement marks substantial progress that would not have happened without the efforts of the workgroup.”

“The savings for taxpayers and educators that will be achieved by this agreement is a direct reflection of the studies and recommendations of the workgroup,” said Senator Sarlo, who also serves as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. “We started the conversation on these issues and generated constructive ideas for cost-saving reforms that are producing results.”

“Finding solutions to reduce the rapidly rising cost of public employee health benefits was an important goal of our bipartisan Economic & Fiscal Policy Workgroup to help the taxpayers and the employees,” said Senator Steven Oroho. “Today’s announcement of a new proposal to achieve healthcare savings certainly aligns with the intent of our ‘Path to Progress’ recommendations. I look forward to reviewing the new legislation and joining my colleagues in a renewed effort to advance our workgroup’s many recommendations more broadly.”