NJEA President Barbara Keshishian issued the following statement in response to Governor Chris Christie’s budget address:
“In this budget, the governor continues to scapegoat public education employees by pitting senior citizens and all of New Jersey against them.
“He may claim there are no new taxes in his budget, but don’t tell that to New Jersey’s teachers and school employees, who would take a huge hit under his proposals.
“He promises to make a legally required $500 million contribution to the pension system, but only if teachers and school employees pay thousands more out of their salaries – on top of their current contributions.
“He promises to provide property tax relief to senior citizens, but only if teachers and school employees pay thousands more in higher health care premiums – on top of what they already pay.
“Educators have already shown they’re willing to share in the sacrifice, but Chris Christie is singling them out to pay the entire tab for this budget.
“We estimate that his proposals would cut the average teacher’s compensation by 15 percent or more. Where is the shared sacrifice?”