N.J. judge says no to health insurance hike

The state sought to collect the higher pension contributions while Christie's administration appealed the ruling, which challenges one of the governor's landmark accomplishments.

Christie, who often criticizes New Jersey's judges for trying to make laws rather than merely interpret them, has accused Feinberg of acting in her own self-interest.

He has called for a constitutional amendment that would make the case moot, though that is unlikely to gain traction in a Legislature controlled by Democrats.

Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, did not immediately reply to an email Wednesday requesting comment.

The higher health and pension contributions, which apply to all state and local government employees, went into effect this month and have been taken out of one paycheck so far.

New Jersey judicial salaries start at $165,000. Judges pay 3 percent of their salaries toward their pensions - an amount Christie's overhaul would raise to 12 percent by 2017.

The higher biweekly pension contributions would cost most judges about $80.

Their health care expenses depend on the size of their families and the plan they select.