Christie: No Compromise on Ending Sick-Day Payouts

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he won't compromise on a proposal to end sick-leave payouts for retiring public workers.

Christie vetoed legislation last year capping the amount of unused sick time public employees could cash out at $15,000. Democrats then offered to cut the amount in half, to $7,500, but Christie rejected it.

The Republican governor says unused sick days should have no cash value at retirement.

He said on Townsquare Media's "Ask the Governor" program that it would compromise his principles to agree to any amount more than zero.

Towns and school districts are being strapped by six-figure payouts from retirees that Christie derisively refers to as "boat checks."

Sen. Paul Sarlo says a limited payout would be an incentive for workers not to use up sick time.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)