(1/4) As there's been some talk of applying federal aid to bailout NJ's budget, it's time to re-up our look at how NJ's public sector benefits compare to those around the US and with the private sector. Hint: We're paying a lot more than we should. https://www.gardenstateinitiative.org/updates/public-employee-benefits-nj

(2/4) A review of govt BLS data demonstrates that public sector benefits are twice as costly when compared to their private sector peers. And New Jersey sticks out as the cost of benefits for NJ’s public sector employers is 50% higher than the public sector in other states.

(3/4) In the US, avg public sector benefits are $19.14/hour, $8.81 more than private sector, or nearly twice as high. New Jersey government employers pay 50% more for benefits ($17.50 an hour) than the national average for public sector employers ($11.47 an hour)

(4/4) Any conversation of federal aid for New Jersey's budget shortfall should be accompanied by reforms that control these costs and place our state on a firm financial footing post-pandemic.