NJ Judge Rules State May Withold Cost-Of-Living Adjustments For Retired Who Collect State Pensions

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey judge has ruled that the state may withhold cost-of-living adjustments for retired public employees who collect state pensions.

The decision by Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd upholds part of the state's new pension rules, which deny the adjustments until the retirement systems reach targeted funding levels.

New Jersey Education Association Spokesman Steve Wollmer says it could take decades to reach those targets, noting the state frequently fails to meet its commitment to the funds. He says it's unfair to deny retirees payments they have bargained and planned for, and that's why unions like his challenged the law.

New Jersey has 800,000 police, firefighters, teachers and others who take part in public pension funds.

Wollmer says a decision on whether to appeal Hurd's ruling has not been made.

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