Christie’s ex-coach backs retirement bill

LIVINGSTON (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's former high school baseball coach is urging the governor to sign into law a bill that would allow retired teachers to keep coaching without risking their pensions.

The measure that received final passage on Thursday would cover coaching stipends of $10,000 or less.

Under current law, retired teachers must end their relationships with a school district for 180 days before they can coach or risk losing pension benefits.

Tony Hope was Christie's baseball coach at Livingston High School where Christie was a catcher and first baseman on a championship team 34 years ago.

Hope tells The Home News Tribune Christie is aware of the value of long-term coaches and he's sure Christie will agree there's no legitimate reason for the rule.

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