Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Health Insurance Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin Lakes board urges state action on rising public employee health insurance costs
Summary
By resolution the board called on the governor and Legislature to enact structural reforms to the School Employees Health Benefits Program, citing double‑digit premium increases and a 31.9% increase effective January 2026; certified copies were to be sent to state leaders and local legislators.
The Franklin Lakes Board of Education adopted two related resolutions (Nos. 2308 and 2309) calling on the New Jersey Legislature and the governor to take action to address rapidly escalating health insurance costs for public employers and employees.
The resolutions state that school districts face unsustainable year‑over‑year premium increases that divert funds from instruction and student services. The minutes cite a mid‑year SEHBP analysis noting projected double‑digit active premium rate increases for 2027, and they state that a 31.9% premium increase took effect in January 2026 and that premiums have risen nearly 74% over the preceding five years. The resolutions call for comprehensive legislative reforms including SEHBP restructuring, enhanced premium‑sharing, prescription‑drug reform, value‑based plan design and improved data access.
The board directed the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to transmit certified copies of the resolutions to Governor Mikie Sherrill, the president of the New Jersey Senate, the speaker of the General Assembly and members of District 40 (Sen. Kristin M. Corrado, Assemblyman Al Barlas and Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips). The minutes place these items in the consent/resolution block recorded as approved by roll call where specified.
Board members discussed other business and then recessed into a private work session; the minutes record no further public debate on the health insurance resolutions.
