Pay at N.J. state authorities tops state government's

TRENTON - A new state audit indicates that employees of New Jersey's numerous state authorities enjoy better compensation than do other state government workers.

The audit, released yesterday by the state Inspector General's Office, shows that eight authority executives make more than the governor's $175,000 salary. Nearly 750 authority employees make more than $100,000 a year.

The report says authority workers continue to have more paid holidays and more generous vacation and sick leave than other state workers, and are allowed to cash in unused time.

The review focused on more than 40 independent authorities and commissions, ranging from the Turnpike Authority to the Pinelands Commission. Collectively, they have more than 20,000 employees. - AP