Senate Passes Bill Giving COLAs to Injured Public Safety Workers

The New Jersey state Senate on Monday approved a bill that provides for cost-of-living adjustments to permanent disability benefits paid to public safety workers injured on or after Jan. 1, 1980. The Senate voted 26-12 to approve Senate Bill 1967, by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Labor Committee Chairman Fred Madden. Both are Democrats who reside in Gloucester. The bill mandates annual COLAs, beginning July 1, for claimants who were injured while working in paid or volunteer positions for fire or police departments, or first aid or rescue squads. COLAs will also be added...