NJ Loses Another Round in Pension Case

New Jersey state government has lost another round in a lawsuit over whether the state can increase judges’ health insurance and pension contributions.

Judge Linda Feinberg ruled Wednesday that the state cannot increase judges’ contributions while the case proceeds. Last week, Feinberg sided with Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale. He argued that the increases would violate a state constitutional provision against decreasing judges’ salaries.

The state sought to collect the higher pensions while Gov. Chris Christie’s administration appeals the ruling. Christie has called for a constitutional amendment that would make the case moot.