In New Jersey yesterday, big changes loomed for union employees as bills proposing major shifts in policy came much closer to becoming law in the state.

In the senate, benefits reform bills that were only introduced a few weeks ago have now become serious contenders, with 21 co-sponsors in the state senate, which seems to make their passage a foregone conclusion.

With the expected passage of these bills, union workers will be required to participate in the payment of their health care plans, at a minimum of 1.5 percent of their salary.

Sick days will now be capped, so an employee cannot cash in on more than $15,000.

Part time workers will no longer enjoy pension benefits.

With the state squeezing all municipalities in a vise, local towns will be relieved to get the help of such bills, but, at the same time, local unions such as the PBA are not happy.

Currently, the pension program in New Jersey is underfunded by more than $34 billion and Christie vowed to attack the problem when elected as governor.

Sources in Montclair and the Caldwells said local police will surely be upset over these changes.

And, after the governor offers his budget on March 16 – and his expected reduced state aid to school districts on March 18 –there will most likely be major changes to the current free health care packages offered to state teachers as well.

Stay tuned.