Dem calls on gov to end big sick-leave payouts

TRENTON — The sponsor of a bill to end five- and six-figure sick-leave payouts for retiring public employees in New Jersey is calling on Gov. Chris Christie to sign compromise legislation. Sen. Paul Sarlo of Bergen County told The Associated Press the governor is holding up the bill over a relatively small difference that would end unlimited payouts for all future employees. On Monday, Christie said he's unlikely to compromise. The sticking point is over whether to eliminate the sick time's cash value, as Christie wants. Sarlo wants retiring employees to cash out a nominal amount to discourage employees from using up their sick-leave every year. Christie vetoed legislation a year ago that would have capped the payouts at $15,000. Democrats then offered to reduce the cap to $7,500.