NJ Voters Approve Ban On State Benefit Raids
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey voters have approved a ballot measure to bar lawmakers from raiding state workers' benefit funds.
The constitutional amendment was the only statewide ballot question in Tuesday's election.
There was no organized opposition to the measure, which would end a common practice in New Jersey.
Between 1992 and 2007, governors and legislators from both parties have diverted $5.4 billion from the Unemployment Compensation Fund, State Disability Benefits Fund and others. Much of the money has gone to reimburse hospitals for charity care.
But the practice has left benefit funds depleted.
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