New Jersey Assembly Bill A4817

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/20/22
• Refer: 10/20/22

Caption

Supplemental appropriation of $3,959,128 to DOC and Juvenile Justice Commission for eight percent sergeants' salary increase.

Impact

The adoption of A4817 would directly impact the fiscal 2023 budget by reallocating funds to these state services. If passed, the legislation would alter the salary structure for sergeants, ensuring equity within the pay scale for personnel responsible for institutional control and supervision. This increase is intended to alleviate concerns about wage disparities that could undermine morale and operational effectiveness within the correctional facilities and juvenile justice system. The legislation underscores New Jersey's commitment to adequately compensate personnel responsible for public safety and justice, reflecting the state’s recognition of the crucial role these staff members play.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4817 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $3,959,128 to the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) aimed at addressing salary issues related to sergeants within these departments. Specifically, the bill seeks to provide an eight percent salary increase for DOC and JJC sergeants, a move characterized as essential to remedying salary compression that has arisen due to previous legislation. This supplemental funding is crucial to ensure that sergeants' salaries are adjusted in accordance with the increased starting salaries established for correctional officers as part of P.L.2021, c.406, which was enacted to enhance recruitment and retention of correctional staff bringing disparities to light.

Contention

Discussions around A4817 could potentially highlight issues of budget allocation priorities, especially considering the ongoing debates about funding across various sectors in state government. Opponents may raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of increasing salary budgets amidst other pressing state expenditures. Advocates for the bill, however, argue that failing to address the salary disparities could lead to increased turnover and reduced effectiveness in public safety roles. This raises the critical question of balancing justified raises against the backdrop of overall state financial health and competing demands for resources.