Professional Firefighters Association
of
New Jersey
International Association of Fire Fighters State Association
--Always
on the Front Line Protecting "New Jersey's Bravest"--
--Established 1929--
Member of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO
Welcome to the home page of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, proudly representing the interests and concerns of New Jersey's Bravest and their loved ones.
We encourage our membership to periodically, if not several times daily, review the contents of this web site and it's various departments, in order to remain up to date and conversant on the issues facing our profession in the 21st century.
In the event you need more specific or additional information, we further encourage you to submit your inquiry or commentary via e-mail to pfanj@pfanj.org. We will endeavor to provide any needed information or address any concern in a timely manner.
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Dear Affiliate Leader: In previous Senate action, a War Supplemental was passed that also included funds for Gulf Coast relief and assistance to Haiti to deal with the devastating earthquake. When that measure was sent to the House, it was amended by House leadership to include a number of Democratic priorities, including our collective bargaining proposal. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) brought the House-passed version of the Supplemental to the floor last night about 10:30 p.m. The decision to deal with the Supplemental was not made until earlier in the evening last night. The House version that Reid brought forth included our language. The cloture motion to proceed with debate and vote on the House Supplemental was defeated by a vote of 46-51. The 46 affirmative votes were all Democratic senators while a united GOP Conference and a handful of Democrats voted in opposition. Click here for the vote tally. As we previously communicated, all parties recognized that the House version in its current form would not achieve cloture. The original plan was that after the original House version failed cloture to find areas in which both parties could agree and work on a compromise proposal to move as the final Supplemental. Everyone was aware that the GOP was intent on reducing the domestic spending portions of the House-passed bill before agreeing to a final vote on the Supplemental. Against that backdrop, Leader Reid tried to fashion a compromise with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to allow our bargaining proposal to be considered as an amendment. Unfortunately, Senator McConnell objected. Reid then tried to work with Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) to find another path for consideration. Gregg was anxious to help our efforts, along with our other five GOP co-sponsors. However, Gregg and his colleagues would not, nor could we expect them to, turn against their leadership on the procedural issues he was objecting to on an emergency supplemental bill to fund the troops. Senator McConnell held firm that there would be no agreement unless all amendments were subject to full debate. This would have doomed the entire supplemental because of the time required to dispose of amendments. This process could literally have taken weeks on the Senate floor to accomplish and would deprive the troops of needed funding. Ultimately, the Senate voted to "disagree" with the House version of the bill. What that means is that the original Senate bill for war funding, the Gulf Coast and Haiti now goes back before the House. Consequently, the House Leadership has three options: (1) refuse to act and inform the Senate that they cannot pass the Senate bill; (2) pass the Senate version as is, which exclusively funds the War efforts, Haiti and Gulf Coast relief and doesn't include any other domestic amendments; or (3) again make further amendments to the Senate bill and send it back to the Senate for further consideration. At this point, no one knows how the House will react. We do know that the president is intent on getting the Supplemental passed as soon as possible. This morning at 8:45 a.m., I received a call from Majority Leader Reid. He first re-affirmed his total commitment to passing our collective bargaining bill in this Congress. While he shares our disappointment that GOP leadership blocked consideration on the Supplemental, he agrees that we needed to make that effort. The Leader recognizes that winning final passage is the ultimate objective. He is resolute in his desire to ensure our proposal is signed into law. Reid also recognized the efforts of Senator Judd Gregg, but lamented that Republican Leader McConnell refused any and all attempts to reach a middle ground. He reiterated that the GOP caucus was united on all procedural issues. He went further and said that his final proposal to McConnell had stripped all of the major spending initiatives out of the bill and included only our collective bargaining piece, border security and other non-deficit increasing measures, but the GOP Leader still objected. So, in the face of that opposition, there was no choice but to remand the issue back to the House. During our discussion, Reid went on to say that he will continue to look for additional opportunities to move the bill. He also said that he will work with Senator Gregg but acknowledged that, at some point, especially if this is ultimately moved as a free standing bill, our GOP allies will have to vote against McConnell if he continues to object. At that time, no one can hide, and we will know who is really willing to stand with this IAFF. There are no guarantees in this world, especially, not in this Congress, but we still have reason to be optimistic. Speaker Pelosi has already proven that she will do what it takes to get this done. In the Senate, there isn't a better bi-partisan combination than Leader Reid and Senator Gregg. Collectively, with our tenacity and their commitment, I believe that we will succeed. There's no question that this is a step back; however, we are not going to give up our quest. We will continue to fight for passage and I need all of you to do the same. This battle is not over. We can win this fight and I am still convinced that we will.
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DOMINICK
MARINO 7-14-10 To All PFANJ members: Update on what the State Association is doing with respect to the copious legislative bills that have or are in the process of being introduced that has an adverse effect on your wages, benefits and your pension. Because the Governor was successful in March in winning reduced benefits for any newly hired firefighter after May 21st, 2010, he now believes that all existing firefighters should have their benefits and pension reduced. We have testified in front of a number of Assembly and Senate committee hearings on behalf of all PFANJ members and all union members. We will continue to testify on your behalf as committee hearings are announced. Over the next two months Vice-President’s Borek and Maguire and myself will be meeting with key Democratic legislators in the Assembly and Senate to discuss the varies bills and how it will affect you as firefighters. We will be presenting as much data and information with the objective to show how adverse and unjust the legislation is towards firefighters. Getting the legislators to understand and agree and to be willing to do something about it is our objective. Meeting our objective is an uphill climb! There are many obstacles in our way. The general public and our state legislators have joined in the notion that what you and those before you have negotiated for over the last 40+ years, now must be cut through legislation and not negotiations. That is just plain wrong. Your ability to negotiate is a fundamental right and should not be legislated away. Your local political leaders whom you have negotiated with over the years are now getting behind the Governor and his bully pulpit to undo 40+ years of labor agreements. You can help by calling your local Assemblyperson and State Senator and ask them to vote against any legislation that reduces your pension and benefits. If they ask you for more information, let them know they can call the state office @ 609-396-9766 and ask for President Marino or get a number and name of someone they would like us to call and talk to about the issues. We will try and keep all members updated as things develop. The problem is that things are changing daily and although your state executive board is working daily to stay on top of everything, daily updates are just not possible. If you have a question, direct it towards your District Vice President and they will get you the answers. You can always email the State Association with your questions. All members are asked to stay vigilant and in these most difficult times, look out for each other as we perform our duty to ensure that everyone goes home after their tour of duty.
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Dear IAFF Member: We are painfully aware of the limitless media attention focused on your pensions. It seems to be coming from every media venue in every part of the country covering both large and small markets -- most with negative and misleading information framing your hard-earned retirement benefits as excessive or generous gifts from the local government. The effects of the recession on profits from pension fund investments have revealed the failure of many local governments to keep up with their required contributions. Many public officials chose to take pension holidays while riding the wave of investment profits and now they and the media are shifting the blame to you. Consequently, the public, who have limited or no understanding of public pension systems are jumping on this band-wagon and pushing for actions that could be detrimental to you, as well as future fire fighters and paramedics. We are putting many resources in place to help you with this fight locally, and you will hear about additional opportunities for resources at the upcoming 2010 Convention. However, I want to inform you of an existing threat to your pension systems that will likely add fuel to the claims of public officials as they attempt to alter your pensions to reduce their liability. This threat comes from changes to pension accounting standards that will be released in the next few months. These changes will alter the way local and state governments account and report liabilities for pension plans. Pension accounting and financial reporting standards are prepared and released by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) -- much like fire service standards are prepared and released by NFPA. These standards, though voluntary, are recognized by governments, the accounting industry and the capital markets as the official source of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for state and local governments. Compliance with GASB's standards is enforced through the laws of some individual states and through the audit process when auditors render opinions on the fairness of financial statement presentations in conformity with GAAP. The two GASB standards relevant to pension plan accounting are GASB Statement No. 25 Financial Reporting for Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Note Disclosures for Defined Contribution Plans and GASB Statement No. 27 Accounting for Pensions by State and Local Governmental Employers. You may view the proposed changes to these standards at the links below. GASB Posts Aids to Understanding Pension PV The IAFF has monitored these proposed changes as they were being prepared and have secured the required expertise to submit comments during the public comment period. The comment period deadline is September 17, 2010. Once again, you may view the proposed standard changes and read more about GASB at this link. Pension Accounting and Financial Reporting by Employers Plain-Language Supplement (financial statement users; preparers, auditors, and actuaries should respond to the Preliminary Views) I want to personally assure you that we will do everything possible to protect you and the security of your future benefits.
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DOMINICK
MARINO July 16, 2010 Attention Presidents and Delegates: 47 resolutions have been proposed for adoption during the upcoming 2010 IAFF Convention. Links to these resolutions are provided below:
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TAKE ACTION to Oppose Governor's "Toolkit",
Write Your State Legislator Today
35,000 + Stand Up to Rally for New Jersey
5/22/2010
Letter to Star Ledger
Posted in Friday Edition May 7, 2010
Readers Forum
Truer portrait:
In your Sunday, May 2, 2010 editorial, "Pay freezes, round 2" you continue to paint a picture of greed and debauchery on the part of New Jersey fire fighters and police officers, claiming they have lathered themselves for years in a bubble bath of taxpayer generosity. You mistake generosity for appreciation. Hidden in your portrait is the level of training and education that encompass both professions. It also hides the level of stress and the questions of liability that enter the split second decisions that incident commanders and first responders make that impact their own lives, the lives of their crews and the public in general.
Hundreds and maybe thousands of lives are on the line. Any profession that comes close to fitting that bill makes much more money. Police and fire fighters are highly skilled and highly trained professionals working in a world in disarray charged with saving lives and protecting property. The people of New Jersey are in good hands. Don't demonize hard working men and woman with ugly characterizations. They deserve better.
John Sandella
President, Newark Fire Officers Union
IAFF, Local 1860
NIST Report Shows Crew Size Matters
Study compared how long it took crews of three, four and five to handle the same tasks.
FIREHOUSE.COM - April 29, 2010 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - For years, firefighters across the nation have touted the importance of having enough crew members when they start to attack a fire.
Now, they have scientific research to back up their claim that size does matter when it comes to saving people from fires as well as making sure they go home after their shift.
On Wednesday, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released the results of an extensive study that used technology to determine how long it took for crews of two, three, four and five to handle the same 22 tasks.
"Four- and five- person crews were able to complete the 22 essential firefighting and rescue tasks in a residential setting 30 percent faster than the two-person crew and 25 percent faster than the three-person crews," said Jason Averill, NIST fire protection engineer and the project manager.
NIST announced the findings of the study to members of the fire service attending the annual Congressional Fire Services Institute event in Washington, D.C.
Tasks included stopping at the hydrant, positioning the engine, conducting scene size-up, engaging pump, establish 2 in/2 out etc.
The data also showed that the largest crew was able to apply water to the fire 22 percent faster than two-person crews.
The small crew also encountered a much larger fire upon arrival than the five person team.
NIST also used its fire dynamic simulator to determine slow, medium, and fast-growth fires and estimate how the crew sizes would affect the exposure of occupants to toxic gases.
"Two-person crews arriving later (than the larger ones) would also likely find a significant portion of the general public incapacitated by the time of the rescue," Averill said about his findings.
IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger lauded the research, saying it will be used as a tool for fire officers across the country as they educate public officials.
"This is an extremely important document," he said. "Now, we have the technology and research to back up what we've been telling politicians who are cutting budgets..."
He said the research validates NFPA recommendations regarding crew size. Schaitberger said while he understands the tough economic hardships, reducing the number of firefighters, stations or apparatus is not the answer.
In addition to firefighter safety, the public welfare is at risk, he said, when small crews are involved.
NIST received a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to fund the project that involved only career firefighters. Researchers said the results could be similar for combination or volunteer fire departments that have crews in their stations.
USFA Administrator Kelvin Cochran said the document will be utilized by those who need justification for additional personnel, equipment or training. This will give officers something to back up their requests.
"We now have the technology, the science to prove what we've known for a long time -- it's very dangerous for a small crew to attempt an attack," he said.
A 2,000-square-foot, two-story building was specifically constructed for the study on the grounds of Montgomery County, Md. Fire Rescue training center.
Rooms contain cameras as well as instruments to measure toxic gases and temperatures The data is recorded on computers and other monitoring equipment located in a separate section of the building.
Each assignment included a truck and three engines.
"Our study is the fist to quantify fire service lifesaving and firefighting operations for a low-hazard residential structure including the effects of changes in crew size, arrival time and stagger on rescue and suppression effectiveness," Averill explained to the crowd.
Dennis Compton, chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, called it a landmark study. "This can really help everyone," he said.
"It will benefit local decision makers tremendously as they work to determine and provide the resources necessary to adequately protect their communities from fire and other life safety emergencies," Compton said.
Watch some footage from the experiments. Credit: International Association of Fire Fighters
Governor Christie is gearing up for a new fight. The state's largest police and firefighters unions are going to court over changes in the pension and health insurance rules, which the Governor says will save taxpayers billions of dollars long-term. Joann Pileggi has details.
PENSION & LEGISLATIVE UPDATE....
(**Note: all documents are in .pdf format - Acrobat Reader required)
How did our elected officials vote with regard to the following bills?
S4/A2459 - Makes various changes concerning payments to public employees for unused sick leave, sick leave injury in State service, and PERS and TPAF disability retirement. Click here.
S3/A2460 - Makes various changes to SHBP and SEHBP concerning eligibility, cost sharing, plan choice, benefit change application, coverage waiver, multiple coverage; requires contributions toward health care benefits by public employees and certain retirees. Click here.
S2/A2461 - Makes various pension system changes concerning eligibility, retirement allowance formula, compensation definition, position eligible for service credit, non-forfeitable rights, prosecutors part, PFRS special retirement, employer contributions. Click here.
Click here for the Senate explanation of the three bills signed into law.
See legislation notices below for a summary of the recently enacted laws:
Chapter 3, P.L. 2010 (Formerly Senate Bill No. 4)
Chapter 2, P.L. 2010 (Formerly Senate Bill No. 3 (1R))
Chapter 1, P.L. 2010 (Formerly Senate Bill No. 2 (1R))
PFANJ President Dominick Marino offers the FACTS about the New Jersey Pension controversy.
IAFF Affiliate Leaders: We find ourselves in an unfortunate situation this week. On Friday night we were notified via email, as all deposit holders were, that the FDIC has taken over the operations of Waterfield Bank in order to protect the insured depositors. This situation occurred due to Waterfield Bank’s inability to meet the regulatory capitalization requirements. It is clear that we would prefer that this had not occurred and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for our members and affiliates. On Saturday, we provided all depositors with an email address with an initial communication assuring them that their deposits were secure and would be available for immediate use when the FDIC-managed bank opened on March 8. A second email communication was sent last night with additional information on how to close accounts and transfer deposits to another institution. It was reconfirmed on Monday morning that all deposits for all of our account holders (including the IAFF and IAFF-FC) are covered and are immediately available to be transferred to another bank of their choice. Online access is also available and account holders can log on and request that their accounts be closed and a check sent to them through the secure “bank-mail” system. Alternatively, they can use the online wire transfer request form to move their deposits. We have personally confirmed that these processes are working. This situation is certainly a disappointment and will cause some inconvenience. However, I am proud that of the way we have handled our members' and affiliates' accounts, protecting them so not one single penny of their funds were at risk and are now available to them for transfer. The service and the operations for the IAFF-FC Banking Center were provided and owned by Waterfield Financial. When Waterfield Bank was unable to raise the increased capital requirements imposed by the regulators for all financial institutions, the FDIC took over both Waterfield Bank and Waterfield Financial. There are no other organizations that owned the software and service model to enable the IAFF-FC Banking Center concept to move to another banking institution. Therefore, as of April 5, the IAFF-Banking Center will cease to be offered as a program. The viability of the IAFF-FC remains very strong in all other program areas, including our deferred compensation program, our mortgage program, our auto and home insurance programs, and our insurance protection programs. All are fully operational and the program providers are financially stable. The IAFF-FC business model is sound and our financial situation is strong, with no debt and substantial cash reserves. If you need further information or have additional questions, contact Carrie Tucker at (202) 737-1125 or email ctucker@iaff-fc.com.
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POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS TO GOVERNOR CHRISTIE: KEEP YOUR WORD; HANDS OFF BINDING ARBITRATION (Trenton, NJ, February 26, 2010) -- The Fraternal Order of Police - New Jersey State Lodge and the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey - AFL-CIO today called on Governor Christie to stay true to his word and leave unchanged the state's binding arbitration system for municipal police officers and firefighters. Contact:
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Legislative Update......
Two of our priority bills were introduced on Monday, 2/22/2010:
S-1608 (Van Drew) Allows municipality to approve transfer from PERS to PFRS by certain firefighters. (Need to introduce in Assembly)
S-1624 (Girgenti/Sweeney) The Canzanella Bill (Same as A-1250 in Assembly)
DOMINICK
MARINO 2/22/10 To all members: Here is the latest update with respect to the legislative bills that will affect you and your families. Today the Senate voted 36 – 0 to pass the four current legislative bills SCR1, S2, S3 and S4. We have met with the Speaker of the Assembly and various other members. The Assembly is not moving on a fast track with these bills. They will be having hearings on them and will not proceed until all parties involved are heard. We applaud Speaker Oliver and the members of the Assembly for taking that stand. We also need to clarify S3. According to Speaker Oliver, the 1.5% health benefits affect members this way: If you retire prior to the bill going into effect, you are not affected. If you retire after the bill goes into effect and you have a collective bargaining agreement in place, you are not affected. If the bill becomes law, then every currently employed member would be responsible for 1.5% payment for health benefits per year. But once you retire, you would not be responsible for the 1.5% unless you are in the State Health Benefits Program. If the bill becomes law, any future members, after the signing of the bill, would be responsible for 1.5% payment for health benefits per year and also would be responsible for 1.5% in retirement. As we said, things are changing daily. We urge you to check the website daily. As things develop, we will advise via the website, emails and state meetings.
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February 21, 2010 VIA FAX and EMAIL Dear Senator: The New Jersey State Senate is scheduled tomorrow to consider four bills that will significantly alter and reduce pensions and benefits for New Jersey’s firefighters and police officers. On behalf of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey AFL-CIO, the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge and the more than 20,000 members we represent, we respectfully ask that you vote against SCR1, S2, S3 and S4. As we advised the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee on Friday, it is impossible to remedy the state’s financial problems overnight. While the financial picture requires lawmakers to move diligently, it is equally important to move cautiously and act with the benefit of input from the workers who will feel the impact of the proposed pension and benefit changes. We kindly ask that you consider slowing the rush to pass these bills and meet with us to discuss alternative ideas to address the state’s financial situation. The mere fact these changes are being considered by the State Senate has already alarmed workers and may cause unintended harm to the pension system. We know many veteran firefighters and police officers that had no intention to retire immediately. Since Friday’s amendment to S3, these workers have begun preparing to retire now to avoid the impact S3 will have on their retirement benefits. An exodus of senior police officers and firefighters will leave departments bereft of valuable experience and knowledge. This will certainly impact the effectiveness of fire and police departments, many of which are already understaffed and have shown no indication of hiring new firefighters or police officers. The sudden retirement of senior police officers and firefighters drawing on the pension fund and the lack of new hires contributing to the pension fund will create a perfect storm that will place the state pension system in further crisis. Regrettably, these bills also violate the spirit of collective bargaining, which involves two sides to a dispute negotiating toward a resolution. Contract agreements that are now in place, which cover more than strictly wages and benefits, are the result of as much as 40 years of collective bargaining. Enactment of these bills will unilaterally vacate the goodwill and progress developed over years of collective bargaining and very likely damage the relationship between labor and management. New Jersey’s firefighters and police officers are prepared and eager to work constructively with Governor Christie and the State Legislature to reach a solution that advances our state, protect our taxpayers, and preserves public safety. The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey and Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge cannot overstate our members’ opposition to SCR1, S2, S3 and S4. We respectfully urge that you vote in opposition to these bills. Respectfully submitted,
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Brothers and Sisters, With a health care reform deal announced loudly in the media between "labor," the administration and Congress on changes to the excise tax provision, I want to provide you a new update today that outlines some of the key elements of that deal and what we know about the potential impact they will have on each and every one of you. From Day One, we forcefully argued that the excise tax was bad policy and bad politics and that it had no place in any health care reform bill. Not once did we waver from that argument. Our message was heard and we believe had a significant impact on what ultimately came out of the negotiations between representatives of the labor movement, the administration and Congress. We believe we can say with confidence that our constant and consistent message resulted in significant changes to the excise tax provision of the reform bill that the House and Senate now must finish debate on and send to the president. I don't want to overstate this, but suffice it to say that our hard opposition to the excise tax convinced negotiators to agree to new provisions that, while they fall short of our goal of eliminating the excise tax, these changes do effectively eliminate the burden of additional taxes that would have fallen on our members had the tax remained unaltered. Based on the initial information we have received from the AFL-CIO on the changes to the excise tax provision, we know that:
While there's significantly more to the deal than just these initial bullets, and we are going to do a full and complete analysis over the coming days, we have not been able to identify a single IAFF member's health care plan that would or will be subject to the excise tax based on these new provisions scheduled to take effect in 2018. We know there's a lot more to go in the political process before this bill is finally approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, but we are pleased that our efforts to protect our members from a severe economic penalty appear to have made a significant impact on what we are told will be in the final legislation. We will update all of you as more details of the bill emerge.
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Brothers and Sisters, We are fully aware of the media reports this afternoon that there has been a deal reached between "labor," the White House and Congressional leaders on the excise tax in the health care reform legislation being debated. On a conference call with the AFL-CIO Executive Council just minutes ago, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka provided a report that outlined that purported "deal." Let me state right here that this IAFF was not afforded an opportunity to be a part of the labor committee that participated in negotiations with the White House and Congressional leaders over the changes that are being reportedly made to the excise tax provision in the bill. On Monday, January 11, in a conference call with the Executive Committee of the AFL-CIO, conducted prior to the first meetings between the labor committee and the White House, I made it very clear to the union leaders who were selected by Trumka to go into those private discussions that our union was fully and completely opposed to any excise tax because it would either force a tax on the premiums of our members or force their health benefits to be cut. I was the only member of the AFL-CIO Executive Committee to take that position and our position was widely covered in the media over the past week. In addition, as late as 1:30 p.m. this afternoon (January 14), I was one of four labor presidents invited to speak before the House Leadership and Democratic Caucus. At that event, I was the only speaker who, in very clear and emphatic terms, strongly reiterated that this IAFF remains completely opposed to an excise tax. I reaffirmed that this is bad policy and bad politics. While the reports of the "deal" appear to show that the thresholds have increased and that state and local governments may have received a multi-year exemption, which should serve to ease the burden on our members, I still find it unacceptable that a form of the excise tax remains in the bill. Internally, we will be analyzing the affects of any changes to the excise tax provision once they are formally released. Rest assured that this union will continue to fight the excise tax so that it doesn't affect any of our members and we will continue to update you as this process moves forward.
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IRS Age 50 Update:
III. Further Extension of Effective Date of NRA Regulations for Governmental Plans
The Service and Treasury intend to amend the NRA regulations to change the effective date for governmental plans to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Governmental plan sponsors may rely on this notice with respect to the extension until such time as the NRA regulations are so amended. This extension will provide additional time for the Service and Treasury to consider comments received with respect to the effect of the NRA regulations on governmental plans.
Click here for the complete report.
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SAFER Extends Lifeline to U.S. Fire Departments
In Washington, we made it a priority to have federal funding dedicated to fire departments to keep our members safe and on the job. Working with the Obama administration and congressional leaders, we were successful in proposing and passing legislation to waive existing requirements to allow Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants to be used to rehire laid-off fire fighters and prevent future staffing reductions. These changes are especially significant during this economic crisis that has caused widespread layoffs of IAFF members across the country. I strongly urge affiliates to work with their fire departments to apply for SAFER money. As we all know, adequate staffing is critical to effective response and fire fighter and public safety. The new SAFER guidelines will apply to the $210 million that Congress approved for SAFER for Fiscal Year 2009, and we are already working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop the rules to address the current wave of staffing cuts. The IAFF wrote and lobbied for the new provision -- which was included in HR 2346, the Supplemental Appropriation bill – and will ensure that the rules relax and eliminate much of the bureaucracy so that troubled departments can get grants quickly to bring back laid-off fire fighters and fill staffing positions that have remained vacant. Additionally, we are focused on eliminating many of the issues that prevented departments from applying for SAFER grants under the old rules so that funds obtained to fix problems and grant money used to expand departments will be less encumbered, as well. To that end, we will discuss issues such as potentially eliminating the match requirement and the money jurisdictions were required to come up with for maintenance of the grant in the old rules, as well as possibly raising the cap, among a number of other issues. We have prepared Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that help explain what the changes mean for your fire department and provide a potential timeline for the new rules to be in place so your department can begin applying for the grants. –Harold Schaitberger, IAFF General President |
June 12, 2009 On behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police - New Jersey State Lodge and the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, we urge you to protect the state's property tax deduction and oppose the $1 billion cut to the state's scheduled public employees' pension fund payment. Eliminating the property tax deduction on next year's income tax filings for anyone earning more than $150,000 annually would hurt our members. Many of our members, in order to provide for their families, work two jobs or have spouses who work to stay financially above water. New Jersey, as well as other states, is still reeling from the recent economic downturn, which is causing workers to lose their jobs, placing a financial strain on families and reducing home values. Altering the property tax deduction will only worsen the burden on struggling New Jerseyans. We hope you will support preserving the property tax deduction as is and oppose cuts to the state's pension payment obligation. Sincerely,
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DOMINICK
MARINO Statement is Support of Assembly Bill 3578 On behalf of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chair and Members of the Committee for the opportunity to offer commentary and our full support of Assembly Bill 3578. The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, AFL-CIO, is the chartered New Jersey state organization of the 292,000 member International Association of Fire Fighters, representing approximately 4,000 active career professional firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and related emergency service employees serving throughout the State of New Jersey. Assembly Bill 3578 provides for the more appropriate treatment, respect and according authority for those members of the State’s career professional fire service who serve as Chief of Department in Civil Service or Non-Civil Service jurisdiction. Fire Chiefs, by virtue of their rank and responsibilities, serve as a municipality’s senior fire, emergency medical services and technical rescue expert, and in that regard, bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety and welfare of a community’s citizens and real property. In a post 9/11 world, fire chiefs have assumed an even greater role and responsibility as it relates to post terrorism response. Fire Chiefs require, as well as deserve, the protections and authority proposed by this initiative, of which is similar in nature and content to protections afforded to their law enforcement counterpart police chiefs. The rank and file firefighters and fire officers who are led by these executive and command professionals support Assembly Bill 3578, and accordingly urge our legislators to do so as well.
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NJ Civil Service Commission Update......
The February 2009 Fire Fighter announcement has been postponed until February 2010. The Fire Fighter lists that were issued in November 2007 will be extended for one year or until the next cycle of lists issue, whichever comes first. This will allow for greater use of existing lists which have been underutilized due to budget cutbacks in many municipalities.
2007 Firefighter Examination Test Results, please click here.
DOMINICK
MARINO Date: April 29, 2009 To: PFANJ Membership Subject: PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: SWINE FLU UPDATE
What is swine flu?
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? This is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance should be considered
interim and will be updated frequently. OSHA
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DOMINICK
MARINO Date: April 22, 2009 To: PFANJ Membership Subject: Civil Service Emergency Furlough Rule As you may or may not know, the state in their infamous wisdom had implemented an emergency furlough rule with respect to Civil Service. In essence this emergency rule gives municipalities the ability to “lay” a fire fighter off for a period of time. Since the emergency rule was put forth, we have been in contact with the governor’s office because firefighting was not specifically spelled out in the rule under public safety, but police officer was. The reason for this was that there was some language that gave a limited ability to be exempt from furloughs due to public safety. We were successful in getting fire fighting spelled out, but not successful in getting a “concrete” exemption. We were able to get language written that made it more complex for a municipality to furlough a fire fighter. When a law suit was filed against the state, we were not initially on the suit because we were working with the Governor’s office and the Civil Service Commission to address our needs. We have since become part of the law suit, through labor attorney, Bruce Leder. Here is a synopsis of what has and is happening at this point; On April 17, 2009 the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New Jersey rendered its decision regarding the challenge to the promulgation of regulations by the Civil Service Commission on an emergency basis. The Court found that there was imminent peril to promulgate emergency rules based upon the economic crisis confronting the State and the Nation. The Court went on though to find that the substantive validity of the regulations is undecided. The Court was concerned with furloughs based upon a staggered implementation. The Court also restrained public employers from the layoff of part of the work force on Monday, another part on Tuesday. The Court did permit layoff of all employees even if on a temporary (daily) basis. The Court then decided that the issue with regard to staggered layoffs should be considered by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) in a scope of negotiations proceeding. We believe that PERC has no jurisdiction to determine that the Civil Service rules regarding staggered layoffs are a violation of the statutes on layoffs. The bottom line is that we feel PERC will find that staggered layoff as established by the emergency promulgation at the Civil Service Commission preempts negotiations. It is our belief that PERC will send it back to the Appellate Division. We will continue to be involved in this fight! When more is known, we will advise!
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Dear Affiliate Leader, We are aware of the National League of Cities release of a piece of propaganda by a management consulting firm, TriData, that claims there is no relationship between fire fighting and certain cancers. The NLC has worked against every single piece of presumptive legislation that protects fire fighters and their families. The NLC’s paper is clearly bought and paid-for. We are preparing a detailed response that you will be able to use with legislators in the event the NLC’s propaganda is introduced as an attempt at a legitimate argument against presumptive cancer coverage.
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New Secure Online Resource: Critical Information for IAFF Leadership You are on the frontlines facing the economic crisis -- faced with cuts to your fire department budget, being asked to give up pay raises, pay more for health benefits and make other sacrifices, and threatened with company and stations closures, brownouts and layoffs.
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February 2, 2009 VIA FAX and EMAIL Dear Honorable Member of the General Assembly: Legislation to allow local employers to reduce their pension contribution obligation to the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) and the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) is scheduled for a vote February 5. On behalf of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey AFL-CIO and the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge, we respectfully ask that you vote against A3688. PFRS was once funded at 95% of its projected pension obligations, but that was back in 1993. From 1999 till 2008 the state and municipalities failed to continue funding the pension system to keep pace with pension obligations. This has caused PFRS’ current fund value to fall to only 62% of expected pension obligations. This year the state and municipalities are required to resume contributing 100% of their pension contributions into the pension system, but A3688 would permit the continuation of dangerous under-funding of worker pensions. A3688 disguises insufficient funding of pensions as a deferment. This so-called deferment will instead require a future pension fund contribution from the state and municipalities greater than the sum of the payments if they were made fully and on time. Between 1999 and 2008 – when municipalities and the state were allowed to contribute only small amounts or nothing into worker pension funds – firefighters and police officers continued to contribute 8.5% of their annual salary to PFRS. Without regard to the fact that firefighters and police officers continued to contribute their share to the pension system while the state and municipalities did not, some, including some legislators, have unfairly and inaccurately criticized firefighters and police officers regarding the issue of funding pensions. The fact is the state legislature set a harmful precedent when it allowed the state and municipalities to steeply curb or halt their pension contributions between 1999 and 2008. A-3688 would continue this destructive skirting of pension contributions and burden our future municipalities even larger pension liabilities. The enactment in 2003 of legislation permitting the suspension of pension contributions deprived PFRS the
funds to maintain a sound actuarial reserve. The consequence of this was an alarming and significant drop in the plan’s earnings. In response, a lawsuit filed by the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, I.A.F.F.-AFL-CIO, and the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge seeks to find the 2003 law unconstitutional, end any conflict of interest involving the State Treasurer determining the type and variety We understand the stress on property taxes. Our members and their families pay property taxes, too – a fact sometimes overlooked. But the reluctance to pay current obligations now creates a new and more ominous obligation – a future debt much larger than the current obligation. The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey and Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State cannot overstate our member’s opposition to A3688 and any legislation that adjusts local employer contributions to PFRS. For our members, we kindly ask that you vote against A3688. Respectfully submitted,
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DOMINICK
MARINO To: All PFANJ Members From: Dominick Marino, President Date: December 7, 2008 Subject: DOP Testing Update We need to advise that the Fire Officer 1 test that was due out by the end of the year or January 2009 – might be delayed. As was reported back in September, the Fire Officer 1, 1st Level Supervisor’s test was under investigation. There was a complaint filed that there might have been a breach of the test security. It was reported to us that the DOP initiated an investigation along with the State Police and the Department of Justice. In September we were told the investigation was for the most part completed and that there was no evidence of a breach or that any scoring was out of sorts. Some developments that have occurred over the last few weeks that you should be aware of. There is still an investigation being done by the Criminal Justice investigators. They have been in a few towns asking questions. Until this investigation is complete and depending on the outcome of the investigation, no list will be issued. So with the above said, the DOP will extend the old lists (which I believe expire on December 21st) until the new lists are certified. As things develop and we are notified, we will send out the information.
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In Memoriam
Mychal Gregory Vicidomini
2003 - 2009
On January 15, 2009, the world lost a very special little boy. Mychal Vicidomini was a loving and compassionate five year-old that was taken from his family without warning. A victim of sudden brain trauma, he went peacefully in his sleep and left heartbroken family and friends behind. Mychal passed away just one week shy of his sixth birthday.
So many people have been touched by Mychal’s love. His family cannot express in words the gratitude they feel towards all of those who have extended a helping hand in every way imaginable. In response to the many questions they have received regarding donations, Mychal’s parents have requested that such gifts be put towards finishing the playground at Lincoln School. Mychal spent many happy school days playing there, and their only wish is to see his brother AJ, along with other children, enjoy a completed playground they deserve. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider helping them fulfill this wish.
Click on the above link for more details.
Training Requirements for PFRS Eligibility and Enrollment
Click here for details.
DOMINICK
MARINO October 15, 2008 PFANJ Member: The Governor’s speech today to the joint legislative branches outlined how he wants everyone in government to work together and quickly to get a New Jersey stimulus package put forward. Although we are waiting for the complete document as to the entire package, we are very concerned with how he plans to fund this package. I participated in a telephone conference call prior to the Governor’s address today with the NJ State Treasurer, NJFOP, PBA, FMBA and other major unions. A quick synopsis of that call was to give us somewhat of an advanced notice as to the Governor’s speech. What concerns us is that the financial funding is going to come through our Pension Systems! What we were told is that the thought process was that the Pension Systems would “invest” in guaranteed and fully insured loans to any State or Federally-charted bank in New Jersey on a short term, somewhere under five years. The only way a bank would be able to receive this financial backing would be to then turn it around and have it available for small businesses in New Jersey to borrow to meet their needs to stay in business. The interest that will be earned on the loan and amount of the loan would have to be paid back within the time allotted. A quick look at this type of investment seems to sound “ok” because it is guaranteed and insured and it will make money after the loan is satisfied, as opposed to investing in the stock market that has taken numerous hits over the last month. Because of the struggling economy and the stock market taking big hits, right now our Pension system is at 69% funding! This is a major concern for us. For anyone to think that taking “OUR” money from “OUR” pension system and using it to help someone other than “the members of the system” better have thought the process through. This is meant to advise
everyone what is being pushed on the state level and to let you know that we will
be sitting with the Governor and his people in the near future to see exactly
what his “stimulus” package means to OUR PENSION
SYSTEM, before we sign on as supporters of the plan. Fraternally,
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MEMBERS
WANTED The Ocean County Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band was established in 1993 and is comprised largely of Police and Firefighters. Since our inception it has been our purpose to represent and honor fallen Heroes by playing at Funerals, Blue Masses, Police Memorials, Fire Memorials and other charitable events throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We are a parade band not a competition band. We are a non-profit organization. Approximately half of our performances are for charities and fund raising events.We are currently accepting applicants for our 2008 season for both Pipers and Drummers. No experience is necessary and training is provided. The only requirement is a willingness to learn and commitment to participate. Weekly practice is held Tuesday nights at the Beachwood Community Center at 7:00 PM. Come
and represent your agency like our members from: For
further information contact Bernie Snyder at (609) 693-6833 or (609) 276-1775. |
PENSION LOANS
INFORMATION, ESTIMATES, AND APPLICATION
PLEASE NOTE Interest Rates and Fees Loan Applications received during calendar year 2009 Loan Applications received through December 31, 2008
ALL LOANS MUST BE REPAID WITHIN 5 YEARS! If you have an outstanding pension loan balance and plan take another loan, you must repay the combined balance of the original loan AND all subsequent loans within five years of the issuance date of the FIRST LOAN. Find out more about multiple loans. For complete information about pension loans, please see Fact Sheet #81, Pension Loans. |
In response to a request from the fire service, NIOSH is announcing the posting of a new web page titled, Fire Service SCBA Cylinder Part Numbers, (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/firescbacylinder.html).
The page is a quick reference showing cylinder assemblies which are authorized components of NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). This posting lists the SCBA models commonly used in the fire service and the corresponding approved cylinder and valve assemblies based on the information in the NIOSH data base and provided by the manufacturer. Currently two manufacturers are listed, Draeger Safety and Biomarine. Other manufacturers will be added as their information is submitted to NIOSH for posting to this web page.
In general, this list contains the configurations thought to be most common, it may not be comprehensive. The definitive source for information on the components which make up an approved SCBA remains the approval label included in its user instructions. You should refer to this label if there is any question.
Any questions or comments, please contact us at 412-386-4000 or 1-800-232-4636.
To contact NIOSH by e-mail, cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
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State Health Benefits Program Changes
Click Here - Active Member Plan Comparison
Click Here - Retired Member Plan Comparison
Click Here - Chapter 330 Rates
Click Here: Announcement of New State Health Benefits Medical Plans
NJ.COM - December 4, 2007 - TRENTON - State Sen. Stephen Sweeney introduced legislation Monday to give emergency workers a better chance of receiving workers compensation for chronic illnesses suffered as a result of responding to disasters.
"9/11 is really what brought this to the forefront," said Sweeney, D-3 of West Deptford. "Everyone said it was safe to be there in New York, now you're finding out people are getting very sick from it."
The
measure would place the burden on employers to prove that a responder's illness
did not stem from a response effort, rather than requiring employees to prove
that it did to receive workers compensation.
The bill would also require workers compensation to cover testing and other healthcare costs leading to the diagnosis of an illness, even if it is later discovered that the employee has a clean bill of health.
"The last thing a first responder needs when they're in the initial stages of an emergency (is to think) Is my family going to be taken care of if suddenly I lose my health?'" said Keith B. Kemery, ex-president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. "We need this legislation in place so that our protectors are protected."
The measure is called the "Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century First Responders Protection Act," named after a deputy chief in the Hackensack Fire Department who died of a heart attack in June. Prior to his death, Canzanella lobbied for such a measure after witnessing emergency personnel falling ill after Sept. 11.
The bill would cover paid or volunteer emergency, correctional, fire, police and medical personnel responding to fires, chemical explosions, spills or other disasters.
"This happens every single day, whether it's a rail car, whether its just running into a burning building where there's chemicals..." Sweeney said. "But these brave men and women, they don't hesitate, they're there looking out for us, we have to look out for them."
DOP Update...
Unlike previous incidents or times, when the DOP would provide us with the promotional lists in advance, they released the lists at the same time with no advance notification. The results can be viewed by clicking onto the link provided. You will need to enter your city's symbol (see below) to view the eligible lists.
Click here: NJ DOP - ELIGIBILITY LIST
For
more information go to:
http://info.csc.state.nj.us/EligibleLists/
Setting
the Record Straight...
By Thomas P. Canzanella
NJFMBA
Wages Shameful Misdirection Campaign to
Secure Yes Vote on Affiliation.
For details and an explanation click
here.
PFANJ - NJFOP Provide
Testimony Before Senate
&
Assembly Budget Committees
Click
Here for details
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
Recently
enacted New York State Worker's Compensation law provides a legal avenue of protection
for New Jersey firefighters and related emergency services and Support Specialty
Personnel (construction trades workers) who operated at NYC Ground Zero and or
at Fresh Kills Landfill during the hours, days and weeks following 9/11. We urge
anyone who operated to file for protections under this law in advance of injury
or illness that may develop as a result of those occupational exposures to airborne
or skin contact contaminants. In many cases it may be years before such injury
might develop.
Click below for the download that provides an explanation
on how to file. Make sure you retain a copy of all related paperwork for your
own file.
Should you have any questions whatsoever, or require legal
representation in this or any regard for occupationally related injury or illness,
or even suspect such, the union recommends you contact our Preferred Provider
for Worker's Compensation and product liability Stark & Stark's Arthur Kravitz
at 609/896-9060, or Bob Capuano at 856/874-4443 immediately.
BE sure
you advise them of your PFANJ membership.
Click here: http://www.wcb.state.ny.us/content/main/forms/WTC-12.pdf
STATE PENSION THREAT LEVELS
LAST
UPDATED: February 13, 2007
This
report is produced by the AFL-CIO Office of Investment
THREE ALARMS
New Jersey - Fresh from a scuffle with the New Jersey Legislature over who should take on the task of re-examining pensions and health care benefits for state employees, Gov. Jon S. Corzine he was prepared to embark on “serious restructuring” efforts because soaring costs would make it impossible for the state to keep pace over the next decade. Echoing the sentiment of a number of financial experts, Mr. Corzine warned that the process used by the state to estimate its pension shortfalls at about $18 billion were way off, and that the number was “much larger.”“It’s impossible for us to stay on the course that we are on today, and deliver what people are asking for,” he said.
On November 30th thousands of unionized state workers took to the streets at locations around the state to protest plans to trim their retirement and health benefits. They were protesting 41 recommendations from the Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Employee Benefits Reform, one of four special committees that studied ways to trim government spending and property taxes. The proposals include raising the retirement age from 60 to 62, adding co-payments for health coverage and rolling back pension benefits by about 9% for new employees.
The panel's recommendations come as the payments state and local governments make into the public retirement system are soaring, and the funds have a deficit conservatively estimated at $18 billion. Committee members also said the cost of insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of retired teachers and public employees are likely to double within three years, and that a 9 percent retirement benefit hike approved in 2001 is proving unaffordable. On July 28th, Governor Corzine called for a two-tiered system of benefits, in which new employees would have a higher retirement age and a 401(k)-like retirement system.
After strong lobbying by state public employee unions, the FY 2007 budget included a $1.1 billion pension contribution, more than the last 10 years combined. In 1994 Republican Gov. Christie Whitman raided pensions to pay for a $1.2 billion tax cut for the wealthy. Whitman increased employees' contribution to the plan to 5 percent, and through a series of legal maneuvers, she and subsequent governors allowed the state to ride the stock market to cover its pension obligations, deferring payments into the plan. The state pension’s director testified last fall that they had shortchanged the pension funds by $5.5 billion.
PFANJ - NJFOP Join
Forces Opposing Pension and Collective
Bargaining Changes
Click
here
CARRYING THE LOAD
Star
Ledger - Letters to the Editor
Posted - August 16, 2006
After reading your Aug. 6 article "Huge pension payments testing towns," I think New Jersey's police and fire fighters deserve not to be signaled out as villains when, in fact police and fire fighters have carried the Police and Fireman's Retirement System (PFRS) on their backs since 1997, paying 8.5% of their salaries while employers saved millions. By the way, just how much did cities and towns save over the past 9 years while police and fire fighters carried the load?
You omit the fact that most police and fire fighters in New Jersey are not eligible for Social Security. Police and fire fighters and the cities and towns in which they work don't pay into the system, another enormous savings to cities and towns. Are their issues regarding New Jersey's pension funds? You bet. But leave the police and fire fighters out of it.
John
B. Sandella
Verona.
The writer is president of Newark Fire Officers
Union Local 1860
NEWS BRIEFS....
Professional
Firefighter's - Loud and Clear on our Pensions...
"There
is a notion out there being perpetrated by some that current discussions in Trenton
and in the media about pension reforms and changes do not include professional
firefighters and police officers... Our employers have withheld over $4 billion
in pension contributions, and reduced our funding from near 100% to just 80% as
of the most recent pension actuarial report. They don't want to pay back what
they owe the system and they are so used to not paying, they begrudge the substandard
contributions they make now, while you literally carry the system on your back.
Worse yet they are in the papers every chance they get trying to convince taxpayers
that our pensions are the root cause of high property taxes versus the folly of
their underfunding scheme... Kind makes ya' wonder why you weren't there doesn't
it?
Click here for photos from this event.
Attention Potential
IAFF EMS Members!
Click
here for a downloadable and printable IAFF document
"Showing
and Demonstration of Interest"
for those individuals wishing to learn
more about
and affiliate with the International Association of Fire Fighters...
Kindly fill out the form and then mail it the
State Association Office
ASAP!
TOWNS TARGET COP, FIREFIGHTER PENSIONS COSTS
TRENTON TIMES - February 21, 2006 - Deeming it the most costly benefits plan confronting local governments, a group representing New Jersey's municipalities wants publicly funded pensions for police and firefighters reformed, and soon.
That politically risky advice from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities quickly generated opposition yesterday.
"Without being disrespectful to the League, it's almost laughable," said Thomas P. Canzanella, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey.
The league -- a state authorized organization that represents all 566 municipalities -- said the state's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) needs to be changed to help municipalities control costs.
Its report comes as state and local governments face pension and health insurance costs that threaten to consume 20 percent of the state budget by 2010, possibly boosting state and local taxes and restricting spending on other needs. The state owes about $1.5 billion in pension payments next fiscal year.
But the league's report, which responds to public employee pension reform recommendations suggested last year by a special state task force, focuses much concern on pensions given specifically to retired police and firefighters.
William Dressel, the league's executive director, said the system is often a "poster-child example of the Legislature running amok and giving away benefits way beyond what is considered normal compensation."
The state task force, appointed by then Gov. Richard J. Codey, didn't recommend major changes to police and firefighter benefits, with its chairman noting police and firefighters have different and more dangerous jobs than most public workers.
The task force, for instance, excluded police and firefighters from a proposal to increase the public employee retirement age from 55 to 60.
"We take a strong exception to the whole notion of not dealing with all the state-administered pension systems equally," Dressel said.
The state also manages pension systems for civilian government workers, judges and teachers. PFRS funds pensions for state, county and municipal law enforcement and firefighters.
"We should be treated differently, Canzanella said, "not only because of the jobs we do and the inherent dangers of the jobs, but we have the highest contribution rates among the public employees in New Jersey and one of the highest contribution rates in the nation."
PFRS
is funded by contributions from governments and individual officers and firefighters,
though the state and county and local governments made only limited contributions
from 1997 to 2003, adding to the public employee pension woes.
Police
and firefighters continued to make contributions and recently filed suit against
the state for failing to meet its obligations. That suit is pending.
"I don't know how you make the determination that our pension system is too unwieldy after (they) carved so much out of it with underfunding," Canzanella said. "We didn't underfund it. They did."
Edward R. Brannigan, president of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, said he also had concerns.
"The League of Municipalities has got some nerve," he said. "They haven't paid into our pension fund for so long, and now it's time to pay the piper and they say it's our fault.
"These are not entitlements," he added. "These are negotiated benefits."
The league stated benefits for a PFRS member cost three times that of a local government worker. The PFRS has about 45,000 members and $16.35 billion in assets while the system for government workers has about 315,000 members and $23 billion in assets.
The overall state pension system faces a $12.1 billion deficit, with local governments responsible for $3.5 billion. Of that $3.5 billion, the league said 60 percent is for PFRS.
The league blamed much of the problem on state mandates approved by the Legislature for police and firefighters despite league opposition.
For instance, the league cited bills passed during the recent lame-duck legislative session that, among other measures, required full-time county fire marshals and assistant fire marshals to enroll in PFRS.
The league cited what it declared a "significant" pension ratio for PFRS members, under which police and firefighters who retire after 20 years receive 50 percent of their pay, after 25 years get 65 percent pay and after 30 years get 70 percent pay, regardless of age.
"It just doesn't seem fair and equitable to look at all the other systems and not police and fire," Dressel said.
He acknowledged the danger involved in police and firefighting work but said public works employees, social workers, road crews and trash collectors also face dangers.
"We could look at it that way, too," Dressel said.
While the league called for "corrective action," it didn't specify proposed police and firefighter pension reforms beyond ending legislative mandates and eliminating a special mortgage program for PFRS members.
Dressel said the group gave its report to Gov. Jon Corzine's senior staff and to legislative leaders.
"We sincerely hope that state-level policymakers will carefully consider our recommendations," Dressel said. "We have looked at New Jersey's long- and short-term pension and benefit problems, and our recommendations build on what has worked in the private sector and in other states."
Canzanella said no immediate action is needed beyond state and local governments meeting their contribution obligations.
"How about everyone pay into the system like they're supposed to, and then we'll come back in a couple of years and see what type of shape it's in?" he said.
The Group "Firefighters Charitable
Foundation" Appearing to be
Based out of Rhode Island, while it may be
a Legitimate Organization in Nature-has Absolutely NO
Connection whatsoever with the Professional Firefighters
Association of New Jersey or the IAFF.
They are Apparently Soliciting
in this Area.
Background and Summary of Complaint
Pension Protection Action
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey,
IAFF, AFL-CIO
New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police
Tuesday, October
4, 2005
 |
| President Canzanella with
NJ Fraternal Order |
The Police and Firemen’s Retirement System of New Jersey (PFRS) held a surplus of approximately $938,000,000 in FY2000 drawing down to a deficit of approximately $3,574,000,000 for FY2004. This $4.5 billion dollar deterioration is largely the result of legislation (S-2586 of 2003) that permitted municipal employers of law enforcement officers and firefighters to defer and discount employer required contributions to the PFRS, in association with the State of New Jersey’s own failure to make required contributions. During this same time frame, police officers and firefighters continued to make their own statutorily required contributions totaling 8.5% of their base annual salaries, one, if not the highest public safety employee pension contribution rate in the Nation.
The State of New Jersey and its municipalities were first relieved of their obligations make employer required contributions in 1997, when legislation was enacted that revised the method of accounting and valuing plan assets. Under this new and more creative method of accounting, the value of PFRS assets was purposely and substantially increased, resulting in intended excess or more accurately, inflated assets. Accordingly, the State and its municipalities used those enhanced assets as a manner in which to relieve themselves of their obligation to match employee contributions for the purpose of tax relief. Despite the “free ride” afforded to both the State and municipalities, police officers and firefighters remained obligated, and so did they continue, to contribute 8.5% of their base annual salaries for which they have neither sought nor been granted any similar relief.
In 2003, with those self-created inflated assets running dry, despite facing a growing PFRS deficit, and in order to provide continued budgetary relief to municipalities who had by their own admission made no provisions whatsoever to resume employer contributions, the State Treasurer proposed, and the Legislature adopted, an initiative (S-2586) permitting municipalities to pay only a discounted fraction of their required pension contributions. Adding insult to injury, despite the fact that the foregoing legislation in no way extended the State a like ability to skip or discount badly needed pension contributions, they did so nonetheless, paying only a fraction of their required obligation. Again, and to this day as we go forward, police officers and their firefighter counterparts remain obligated to contribute 8.5% of their base annual salaries serving as the sole and sustaining guaranteed plan income.
As a result of the aforementioned legislation, and in association with the States non-legislated failure to required contributions, the PFRS funding ratio, which indicates the financial soundness of the plan, has fallen from 105.65 % for FY2000, to 100.85% for FY2001, to 95.82% for FY2002, to 88.45% for FY2003 and to 83.95% for FY2004.
Enactment of the 2003 legislation, in association with the State’s failure to make their own proper contributions absent legal legislative authority, deprives the PFRS of the funds necessary to maintain it on a sound actuarial reserve basis. An undeniable consequence of this failed scheme is the alarmingly significant reduction in plan earnings from investments and interest that would have been derived from skipped and substandard contributions. The foregoing serving to jeopardize the financial soundness of the plan and its ability to make good on earned benefits as they come due in the future. In that regard, the complete and total lack of prudent fiscal judgment demonstrated by the strategy articulated in S-2586, relying upon the exclusive use of employee contributions to either sustain or accordingly grow the plan, that resulted in the type of significant funding losses sustained over the last several years represents an abdication of fiduciary responsibilities in its purest form.
The complaint seeks to declare the 2003 legislation (S-2586) unconstitutional, to end any conflict of interest that would allow the State Treasurer to determine type and variety of contributions aside from statutory law, and to direct defendants to make regular full payments to the PFRS for FY2004, FY2005, and beyond, in accordance with fiscally responsible actuarial calculations.
The plaintiffs, Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, I.A.F.F.-AFL-CIO, and the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police, along with representative active and retired members and widows of members of these two unions who have been affected by this failure to adequately fund the plan, are represented by the law firm of Greenberg, Dauber, Epstein & Tucker of Newark. The PFANJ/IAFF and NJFOP represent the majority of career professional firefighters and law enforcement officers throughout the State of New Jersey and this Nation.
Named
as defendants in this action are the State of New Jersey,
John McCormac- Treasurer,
the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly.
The aforementioned action was filed this day in State Superior Court.
For
additional information and commentary please contact:
Thomas P. Canzanella, President PFANJ
609/396-9766 or 201/310-2051
Edward R. Brannigan, President NJFOP 609/599-1222
Effective
January 1, 2007, a 7% Sales Service Tax Must be
Added to all Bally's Memberships
The
Most Dangerous and Debilitating Job in the Nation
Sometimes Wears Us Down
*Take
Good Care of Yourself*
*Take Good Care of Your Brother and Sister Firefighters*
*Take Good Care of Your Family and Friends*
*For Situation Related Stress,
Substance Dependency, Family Counseling*
***New Jersey Fire & EMS Lifeline***
24
hour Firefighter to Firefighter, Medic to Medic
Peer Counseling / Crisis
Intervention Unit
Completely Confidential * For Members and Their Families
ENDORSED
BY THE
PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY / IAFF, AFL-CIO
The
organization "Association for Disabled Firefighters, Inc." is in
NO WAY, shape or form connected to the Professional Firefighters
Association of New Jersey, AFL-CIO, or the International Association of Fire Fighters,
AFL-CIO, CLC.
We do not
know whom they are or what they do.
ATTENTION
ALL MEMBERS!
Keep your PFRS beneficiary status up to date at all times
Click
here for access to various PFRS forms and related information
The Police and Fireman's Pension Handbook
Has Been Updated
Click
Here for an Online Updated Copy
Take Action Now!
Contact Your State Representative
Contact Your Federal Representative
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Breaking News! | ||
Sweeney May be Hearing Us? Click here for more details. Federal Grant Helps North Plainfield Boost Firefighting Force. Click here for more details. Sen. Lautenberg Named Interim Chairman of Homeland Security Subcommittee. Click here for details. Unions File Law Suit vs. State. Click here for more details. NJFOP and PFANJ Issue Joint Statement on Proposed Changes to Public Employee Benefits. Click here for more details. OM Recommends Respiratory Protection Guidelines for H1N1. Click here for more details. An Economy in Crisis. Click here for more details. Fire Dangers May Be Hidden Beneath Your Feet At Home. Click here for more details. MSA User Safety Alert - Air Mask Audi-Larm Coupling Nut Tightness. Click here for more details. Important Safety Notice Concerning SCOTT HUD Quick Disconnect Hoses. Click here for more details. FF's Fit For Duty. Click here for more details. NIOSH Respirator Approvals To Be Revoked. Click here for more details. IAFF Letter to IAFC on Secondary Employment. Click here for more details. NIOSH Issues User Notice for Certain Air Purifying Respirators. Click here for more details. NFPA Sets New National Standard for CO Screening. Click here for more details. IAFF Launches New Online Resource that HELPS IAFF Members. Click here for more details. Important Information for all Members and Retirees Covered by State Health Benefits Program. Click here for more details. IRS Publishes Instructions on HELPS Benefit. Click here for more details. Newark Fire Officers Union Local 1860 President Responds to Recent Star Ledger Article. Click here for more information. NBC Nightly News - Firefighter Safety Device Faulty. Click here for more details. Flaws Found in Firefighters’ Last Line of Defense. Click here for more details. Firefighters Face New Hazard. Click here for more details. New Jersey Department of Labor Issues Safety Alert Regarding MSA SCBA Equipped with AirFrame™ Carrier & Harness Assembly. Click here for more details. PFANJ President Responds to Latest Star Ledger Pension Editorial. Click here for more information. PFANJ President Responds to Bergen County Record "Runaway Pay" Series. Click here for more information. NJ AFL-CIO Issues Support Letter for State Workers. Click here for more details. PFANJ President Sends Rebuttal Letter to Local Mayor Regarding Recent Newspaper Article. Click here for more information. PFANJ President Raises Concerns Regarding Homeland Security Funding Cuts During Press Conference . Click here for more information. PFANJ and New Jersey FOP File Pension Protection Action in New Jersey State Superior Court. Click here for more information. Politicians Must Stop Abusing Pension System. Click here for more information. PFANJ President Addresses State of New Jersey Benefits Review Commission. Click here for more information. Bally Sports Clubs Offer Special Corporate Rates for PFANJ Members and their Immediate Family. Click here for more details. PFANJ Launches New Bravest Emergency Relief Fund. Click here for more details. IAFF Financial Corporation now offers Life, Home, and Auto Insurance. Click Here for details. Hershey Park Discount Coupons available through the PFANJ Office. Click here for more details. Dutch Wonderland Discount Coupons available through the PFANJ Office. Click here for more details. Universal Studios Fan Club cards available through the PFANJ Office. Click here for more details. |
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From The I.A.F.F. Motorcycle
Group
Professional Pension
Benefit & Retirement Consultation
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"Gift
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Free Cardiac Screening for Firefighters
We are extremely fortunate that Donna
Buscio and her family
have seen fit to share this program with all PFANJ
members!
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here for details!
Union Plus Benefits for IAFF Members
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Copyright © 2010, Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
These are truly challenging economic times. Faced with cuts to fire department budgets, our members are being asked to give up pay raises, pay more for health benefits and confront company and stations closures, brownouts and layoffs. 
