Should New Jersey require quarterly pension payments?

We've been telling you about the debate in Trenton over whether or not the state should be required to make quarterly payments into the pension system for public workers. But in the end, that decision would be up to you, the voter.

So a new survey from Fairleigh Dickinson University's Public Mind, released Thursday, takes a snapshot of the public's current view on the Democratic proposal.

It turns out, not many voters even know the idea exists. More than half - 58 percent - said they've heard little or nothing about the proposed quarterly payments into the troubled pension system.

Still, despite limited awareness, the proposal has plenty of support. Nearly 60 percent said they'd be in favor of the constitutional amendment, which would go to voters on the November ballot if Democratic lawmakers find enough support at the State House.

Public support dwindles, though, when voters are asked if they'd still endorse the idea if it meant state budget cuts or increased taxes.

"When you start asking people about trade-offs....then people start reconsidering," said poll director Krista Jenkins.

Among those who initially favored the change, 27 percent said they'd reconsider support if it meant a decrease in government spending. Nearly half said they'd oppose the plan if more taxes were part of the equation.