Christie Urges Lawmakers to Reform Sick Pay

Gov. Chris Christie is reiterating his demand for the New Jersey Legislature to eliminate pay outs for unused sick pay.

Flanked by mayors of several Bergen County towns in Teaneck Thursday, Christie detailed what he said was the per-taxpayer costs of accumulated unused time that public workers can cash in when they retire.

The governor cited the cash-strapped city of Newark as an example, saying it has $46 million in accumulated payouts pending, at a cost of $770 per tax-paying resident.

Christie is urging lawmakers to pass the reform before the conclusion of the lame-duck session.

Christie has rejected counter-proposals to cap the payouts, saying no one should be rewarded for not getting sick. Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who attended Thursday's event, says Christie should try to compromise with lawmakers.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)