The New Jersey Legislature concluded its 221st session with the passage of two bills that were priorities for the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Lawmakers approved S4713/A5936 and S4716/A5935, which update the state’s charter school law. The new legislation was developed in collaboration with groups such as the New Jersey Charter Schools Association and received bipartisan support. The changes aim to increase accountability and transparency for public charter schools, replacing a framework that had been in place for nearly thirty years.
In addition, both legislative chambers passed S4223/A5118. This bill restores access to state health benefits for public employees on long-term disability. It follows an earlier reform this year related to pension rights for members returning after a break in service. NJEA leaders said these developments reflect ongoing progress on pension issues, which are expected to remain a focus when the next legislative session begins.
The long-term disability and charter school reform bills now await action from Governor Phil Murphy.
Efforts to further reform pension systems—including eliminating DCRP and reinstating all members into Tier 1 of PERS and TPAF—will continue in the next session.
NJEA President Steve Beatty, Vice President Petal Robertson, and Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare issued a joint statement: “These victories are a direct result of the relentless advocacy of NJEA members over the past year and especially over the last six weeks. Restoring health benefits for members on long-term disability is a fundamental matter of fairness. It will be life changing for the affected members. Modernizing New Jersey’s charter school law is long overdue and brings greater fairness and accountability to that sector of our public schools.
“These wins show what we can accomplish when we stand together and speak up for justice. But our work is far from done. We remain committed to achieving full pension justice, including a Tier 1 pension for every member. That fight continues, and NJEA members will keep leading the way as a new Legislature is seated and a new governor takes office.”
