Addiego Votes with the GOP on S-2676

Facing reelection next year in a battleground district, state Senator Dawn Addiego (D-8) this afternoon voted with Republicans on S-2676, which requires certain entities authorized to issue health benefits plans to pay annual assessments based on the entity’s net written premiums.

The bill requires entities to pay an annual assessment of 2.75% of the entity’s net written premiums. Entities include various organizations that are authorized to issue health and dental benefits plans in this State.

Democrats voted the bill out of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, with Republicans and Addiego opposing and Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo (D-36) abstaining.

By Insider NJ | July 28, 2020, 7:43 am

Read Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 7/28/2020

By Insider NJ | July 27, 2020, 8:47 pm

LaPlaca and Brolo Reelected in Lumberton

Attorney Gina LaPlaca, who ran unsuccessfully for the Assembly last year in LD8, tonight won another term as chair of the Lumberton Democrats.

Randy Brolo, organizer for LIUNA eastern region, won another term as vice-chair.

By Insider NJ | July 27, 2020, 12:49 pm

Assembly Appropriations Committee Moves Juneteenth Bill

The Assembly Appropriations Committee this afternoon moved A-4315 to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved people of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and of their freedom. The announcement from General Granger led to celebration and jubilation, which has continued each year in various forms throughout the United States for over 150 years.

The bill designates the third Friday in June in each year as Juneteenth Day and establishes it as a State holiday.

“I’m concerned that making it a state holiday costs the state upwards of $3 million or more,” said Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-26), who abstained.

Everyone else voted “yes” to move it out of committee.

By Insider NJ | July 27, 2020, 7:46 am

Read Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 7/27/2020

By Jay Lassiter | July 27, 2020, 7:25 am

Olivia Glenn assumes #3 Post at NJ Dept of Environmental Protection

Olivia Glenn, previously NJ’s director of Parks and Forestry at NJ’s Department of Environmental Protection got a big promotion. As of this week, she’s the Deputy Commissioner at NJDEP whose portfolio includes the implementation of Gov Phil Murphy’s environmental equity and justice agenda.

The timing of Ms Glenn’s ascent and the DEP’s adoption of a dual-deputy model is no accident. It’s about priorities. This Thursday, the NJ General Assembly will vote on environmental legislation which, in the words of Gov Murphy “would require consideration of the potential for disproportionate cumulative health impacts on the local community when certain types of new facilities, or expanded facilities, are proposed in an overburdened neighborhood. It would also give members of the community greater notice and opportunities to be heard.”

In a statement to InsiderNJ, NJ DEP commissioner Catherine McCabe welcomes Ms Glenn’s ascent.

“At this most critical and exciting time, when New Jersey is on the cusp of passing the strongest environmental justice law in the country, we are excited to welcome and support Olivia as she provides leadership for the Department as we continue the work of ensuring that environmental justice and equity principles and practices are ingrained in all DEP programs. And, while DEP furthers its programmatic Economic Justice priorities, we are also looking within to ensure that DEP is seizing every opportunity to increase diversity in recruitment, hiring and promotion. Drawing from her background in government, advocacy, and education, Olivia will provide executive leadership and direction for the Offices of Environmental Justice, Diversity & Inclusion, Equal Opportunity & Public Contract Assistance, and Environmental Education.”

“With years of experience supporting New Jersey’s communities, Olivia will also chair the Steering Committee of DEP’s Community Collaborative Initiative, helping CCI to continue enriching our partner cities through DEP’s partnership with the NJ Economic Development Authority.”