While many pension reform proposals are being pushed in New Jersey, they are not the absolute solution to the overall economic problem of the state.

In a statement released by the Keystone Research Center report done for Pennsylvania, they warned the public of false pension reforms and their possible devastating consequences to a state's fiscal status. They explained, "With the budget season in full effect, some Pennsylvania politicians are evaporating efforts to dismantle the state's stable public pension scheme to transfer incoming state and school employees to 401(k)-style savings funds." In 2013, former Governor Tom Corbett proposed changing new coming state hires to an individual fixed benefit retirement plan from the previous pension plan.

The Keystone Research Center also explained why they believed in closing the current pension plans in favor of an individual plan for taxpayers, public employers, and public employees. They cited higher taxpayer costs, fees associated with 401(k)-type savings accounts, possible turnover of state employees to private sectors, and the failure of similar plans in other states. There are similar concerns about New Jersey's program.

350 New Jersey, an independent-run local organization looking for alternatives to pension reform proposals, released a statement about protecting the state's pension funds and divesting from fossil fuels. They claim that the only responsible step to preserve funds for beneficiaries is to divest fossil resources and redirect them to best assist trustees. 

"Long-term vision is important for the Pension Fund. For existing retirees and their spouses, others who are soon to retire, and those with decades of remaining service and contributions. Fossil fuel dissipation is exactly the best direction to go," they explained.

Therefore, focusing on pension reforms won't save the state of New Jersey from being the worst fiscal state in the US.