MAJOR BENEFITS REFORM BILL PASSES SENATE

Health benefits and pensions reform moved forward in Trenton on Monday. The Senate approved changes to both by a 24-15 vote. Senate President Steve Sweeney was among the necessary Democrats to join Republicans in pushing the bill forward. Assembly Speaker Shelia Oliver testified in favor the measure. Some Democrats think the bill is unfair to the collective bargaining process. The full Assembly will have a vote on the matter on Thursday.