did i read this right?

republicans in new jersey are expediting the passing of bill to aid lesbian couple. i've been out of the loop on this story, and it's early, so maybe i'm missing something.

In addition, state Sen. Andrew Ciesla, R-Ocean, has asked the state Office of Legislative Services to prepare a bill he will sponsor that will eliminate the difference in the pension inheritance rights of members of the police and fire retirement system and other state public employee retirement systems.

If it is enacted, members of the police and fire retirement system will be able to leave their pension benefits to whomever they select, as is now the case with the other public employee pension systems.

Freeholder James F. Lacey of Brick confirmed the agreement reached at yesterday's teleconference that included the political hierarchy of the county.

"I think we're doing the right thing now. I feel comfortable," he said.

He said he still feels the Legislature should have fixed the differences in the pension systems, saying "I don't want to pay to clean up for the state."

But he said Hester, whose physical condition has deteriorated before the eyes of the freeholders as the debate raged, needs action now, he said.

That is the reason the freeholders will discuss what to do Wednesday and vote to let the 49-year-old detective's partner, Andree, inherit her pension.

Hester said without the pension Andree would be unable to keep the home they share in Point Pleasant when she is gone.

"This poor woman may not have time," to wait for the Legislature to act, Lacey said.

There is no assurance that will come quickly, said Ciesla, who took part in yesterday's political discussion.

"I think it will pass," he said, but said it will need support from Democrats.

"We're not in charge," the Republican lawmaker said, referring to the party's minority status in both the Senate and Assembly.

wow.