
Let’s End Taxpayer Funded Health Benefits for Part-Time Elected Officials Once and for All
Investigative reporting by NJ Advance Media has revealed that at least a dozen municipalities have provided questionable health coverage to elected officials, costing New Jersey taxpayers tens of millions of dollars each year. This is shocking abuse by those who are supposed to be stewards of the public’s money, not takers of it.
As elected officials, our primary responsibility is to advocate for our neighbors and implement policies that benefit the public—not to further our own interests. It’s disturbing to witness a violation of the public trust when municipal officials plead guilty to healthcare fraud for illegally accepting benefits. Across New Jersey, countless elected officials are skirting the 2010 law that prohibits them from taking health benefits they shouldn't receive and that has to stop.
Despite this law, local and county officials continue to disregard the rules limiting eligibility for coverage through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). The law clearly stipulates that only those who work at least 35 hours a week can qualify for taxpayer-funded health insurance. Yet, a troubling loophole exists for private insurance plans, allowing elected officials to exploit the system at the expense of hardworking taxpayers. Additionally, no real teeth exist in the present law because the Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit (PFAU), which was established by executive order in 2013 to prevent and investigate cases of fraud, has not been codified into law.
This is precisely why my bill, A3559, is crucial and deserves consideration. It mandates that county commissioners, mayors, and council members must work a minimum of 35 hours weekly to qualify for taxpayer funded medical coverage. Moreover, it eliminates the possibility of these officials receiving payments for waiving health care benefits and enshrines in law the Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit to oversee compliance.
During my time as a local municipal official, we took action by eliminating these benefits entirely, going above and beyond the “grandfather clause” in the law that protected certain individuals after it was enacted. At a time when families are struggling to afford food, pay utility bills, and meet their mortgage or rent obligations, New Jersey taxpayers deserve far better from their elected officials. It's especially outrageous that those taking advantage of these perks often own businesses, hold lucrative government positions, or earn six-figure salaries. We need to pass A3559 and put an end to this.
We must hold our elected officials accountable and ensure they serve the public good, not their own personal or financial interests. It’s time to close the loophole, enforce the law, and restore integrity to our government. The people of New Jersey deserve nothing less.
Cody D. Miller
Assemblyman, 4th Legislative District
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