5-12-08

Contact:           Rich Dase  652-8735

                        Joe McDevitt 513-0261

McDEVITT AND DASE:  STATE CAN’T LEAD, FOLLOW, OR

GET OUT OF THE WAY ON PENSION REFORM

(Northfield)   Freeholders Joe McDevitt and Rich Dase want to give taxpayers back their money, but due to a glitch in state law, they can’t.

            Both McDevitt and Dase promised during their campaigns they would forgo the taxpayer funded retirement plan offered to members of the Board of Freeholders.  Upon winning the election, McDevitt and Dase attempted to do just that.  However, according to a new state law, they have to participate in the state’s retirement plan.   

            “Only in New Jersey can it be illegal to give the taxpayers back their money,” said McDevitt.  “In making changes to the pension and health benefit system, the state forgot to include one of the simplest methods of lowering the retirement fund obligations – letting people not take it.”

            “If the situation didn’t involve taxpayers’ money, it would be funny,” said Dase.  “Unfortunately, we are talking about real dollars, and Joe and I pledge to take steps to save the public those dollars.  It is a shame the state couldn’t get it right.”

            Under the new law, all new office holders elected after July 1, 2007, were forced to enroll in the state’s Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP).  Only those making less than $5,000 per year could submit a waiver to opt out of the program.  Under the DCRP, the employer (read the taxpayer) contributes 3% of the official’s base salary. 

            “We call on the Legislature to close this loophole,” said McDevitt.  “Maybe the state can get it right the second time.”

            “The law needs fixing,” said Dase.  “We want to keep our word.  We don’t want a state pension, and we think we should be able to turn that perk down.”

            McDevitt and Dase said they will introduce a resolution at the next Board of Freeholders meeting urging legislators to change the existing law.