Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 8/7/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “What they released is fantasyland transparency that fails to explain how taxpayer money will be spent, hides main advocates of special funding, and fails to disclose business relationships – all in violation of legislative rules.” – Senator O’Scanlon slamming Democrats on the late release of budget add-ons
TOP STORY: Kim, NJ Democrats, Mobilize in Green Knoll
Applications for gun carry permits soared in the state, according to NJ Monitor.
NJ taxpayers feel a bigger pinch than most states, according to TAPinto.
An environmentalist is suing the state and EPA to protect the Atlantic sturgeon in the Delaware River, according to NJ Monitor.
VP Harris selected MN Governor Walz as her running mate. The pair kicked off their debut as running mates with a rally in Philadelphia yesterday.
A lawsuit seeks to end the state’s storage of baby bloodspots, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rider University cut 31 non-faculty jobs, according to NJ Biz.
Rep. Gottheimer raised concerns about Iranian disinformation efforts in the US, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Pallone joined the criticism of NJ Transit after the latest train debacle, according to NJ Spotlight.
Reps. Kean, Smith, and Van Drew joined the House effort pushing for proof of citizenship to vote, according to NJ Spotlight.
ICYMI: Gottheimer wants action on gun bills; Menendez plans to resign, Governor will appoint placeholder; Biden withdrawing, and endorsed Harris, Dems scrambling to advance potential VP picks; Menendez saga still unfolding, Senator says there ‘seems to be an effort to force me into a statement‘, Murphy in position to appoint, Booker would lead expulsion effort; Menendez found guilty and faces a reckoning; Trump injured in assassination attempt; Norcross pleaded not guilty; Sherrill doesn’t want President Biden to run; Menendez verdict will come soon; Murphy signed budget; courts shaping political developments; Critchley, Marino statement on Norcross
Rep. Kim and NJ Democrats mobilized in Green Knoll.
Monmouth County is home to one of the youngest and one of the oldest elected officials, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Bashaw touts himself as centrist; in CD10, district has some of state’s poorest zip codes; Fulop campaign announced two Assembly candidates; Whitman endorsing VP Harris; PFANJ endorsed candidates; Bramnick seeks to position himself as trusted GOP candidate; Freeman will run in LD8 w/ Fulop; VP contenders have Jersey ties; Ciattarelli, Spadea spoke at the NJHSR brunch; Baraka came out swinging for Harris; Menendez seat raises questions; NJSPBA endorsed Bashaw; Spadea launched ad hitting Ciattarelli; Bashaw slammed Kim; Sette planned, cancelled fundraiser for commissioner candidates; NJ delegates endorse Harris; Sherrill ahead of the game
‘Parental rights’ groups are growing in the state, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state wants to ban gas-powered leafblowers, according to NJ.com.
Key details of budget add-ons were released, according to NJ Spotlight.
Assemblywoman Peterpaul visited the Community Health Center in Asbury Park.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Policymakers publication.
Compliance Corner: Navigating ELEC Investigations and Complaints
A recent political chronology of Garden State politics.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Legal publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Lobbyist publication.
In Bayonne, a $27M bond was passed for street improvements, according to TAPinto.
In Bedminster, the town is seeking to ban rally parking on a local street, according to NJ Hills.
In Bridgewater, the Farmstand property may be redeveloped, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Clifton, candidates are vying to fill the seat of the late Councilwoman Murphy, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Frelinghuysen, a marijuana farm hearing kicked off to a packed crowd, according to NJ Herald.
In Guttenberg, the town is suing to potentially leave North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, according to Hudson County View.
In Harding, the high school is mulling sending students to Chatham, according to NJ Hills.
In Highland Park, ‘safer and more sustainable’ is the aim of a new project, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hoboken, the future of rent control is headed to the ballot, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, Councilman Boggiano will run for re-election with mayoral candidate McGreevey, according to Hudson County View. Mayor Fulop fired an aide, despite friendship, who donated to his sister’s anti-LGBTQ campaign, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Long Hill, the BOE set district goals, according to NJ Hills.
In Madison, HUD visited the Housing Authority, according to NJ Hills.
In Manasquan, the Army Corp of Engineers jumped in to dredge away dangerous inlet shoal, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Middle Township, former Mayor Donohue was honored, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Millville, a new superintendent was named, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, an inspector says his boss bullied him, according to Paterson Press.
In Plainfield, a councilman challenged the candidacy of a BOE candidate, according to TAPinto.
In Raritan, the township created designated parking for disabled veterans, according to TAPinto.
In Ridgewood, interns are bringing parks into the digital age, according to TAPinto.
In Scotch Plains-Fanwood, voters will decide on another school, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Trenton, Hamilton Ave traffic woes should be over soon, according to the Trentonian.
In Union City, YouTube journalist Leroy Truth doubled down on attacks against Mayor Stack, according to the Jersey Journal.
In West Orange, a thriving mixed-use community replaced an old office park, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Union City, an ongoing battle; in Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘While Harris hires the best message team in politics, Jim Margolis and David Plouffe, three core issues are causing a Trump-Vance meltdown‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, former Senator Kenny writes ‘‘A Republic — if You can Keep it’‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Christina Christodoulou writes ‘To Preserve Social Unity, Stop Dehumanizing Others‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘An RNC Field Guide from Inside and Outside the Armed Compound‘
Insider NJ columnist Tom Barrett writes ‘Mikie Sherrill is Right‘
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven writes ‘The Wrong Questions Are Providing the Wrong Answers‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Born to run? Tim Walz is a Springsteen guy. Also big on turkey, Diet Mountain Dew.
Amy Kuperinsky, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- When Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz to be her running mate, she chose someone with a documented affection for Bruce Springsteen. The vice president’s selection of the Minnesota governor in her campaign for president means an excavation of Walz’s social media history, habits and passions.
Here’s where NJ ranks among other states in student loan debt
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- Ever notice New Jersey ranks high in all the bad things? Home prices, tax burdens, property taxes, car insurance, etc.? Add this to the woodpile. WalletHub recently ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia (wouldn’t want to leave the swamp out of this) on their share of student loan debt.
Dumping of pets happening ‘at a record pace,’ NJ shelter says
Jill Croce, NJ1015
- A 1-year-old dog named Mello tied to a bench accompanied by a hand-written note — that’s how the Humane Society of Ocean City found the latest dog outside their building on August 1. The Humane Society took to Facebook to share the after-hours note which said, “She needs a new home, we can no longer take care of her. She is trained and lovable.”
Big Lots’ wave of closures will hit NJ
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- Discount home goods chain Big Lots plans to close almost 300 stores across the U.S., including one in New Jersey. The struggling retailer has not yet announced when its Woodbridge location will go dark, but is advertising a closing sale of up to 20% off. In an Aug. 2 filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, the Columbus, Ohio-based chain said it may now close up to 315 stores.
Olivo, longtime director of compliance at ELEC, joins McCarter
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Stephanie Olivo, the longtime director of compliance at the N.J. Election Law Enforcement Commission, has joined McCarter & English, the firm announced this week. Olivo, in her position at ELEC since 2015, was responsible for compliance with a number of laws administered by the agency, including the filing and reporting of contributions by corporations and individuals to candidates and officeholders, as well as required disclosures by companies holding government contracts, and regular reporting by legislative agents.
NJ Dems: Harris VP choice checks the right boxes
David Cruz, NJ Spotlight
- Outside of Minnesota, Tim Walz may be best as the governor who got hugs from kids after signing a school nutrition bill in 2023. Or he is also the guy who started the whole Republicans are “weird” meme. “These are weird people on the other side,” Walz told MSNBC.
Jersey Shore nonprofit teaches kids with autism how to surf
Philadephia Inquirer
- For 10 years, Heart of Surfing has empowered people with autism and other developmental disabilities by teaching them to surf and giving them other recreational opportunities.
Why not Josh Shapiro? Ex-GOP insider explains why Harris picked Walz
Matt Arco, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Vice President Kamala Harris has tapped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate after it appeared the choice came down between him and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
NJ working on ways to alleviate medical debt | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- A neighbor of mine who hasn’t been feeling well lately finally went to the doctor. He came home with a list of tests he has to get in the next few days. He showed it to me expecting two things – my expressed relief that he was finally going to take care of himself and my sympathy for the inconvenience and time off from work he’d have to endure.
Free training for NJ community health workers is tribute to public-health champion
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- Colette Lamothe-Galette is often described as a bright light, a beautiful spirit, a public-health champion and a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend who was passionate about helping people live better lives. Lamothe-Galette, a New Jersey native, died April 4, 2020, an early victim of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.
Murphy celebrates “a full week of declining numbers” then says “status quo of lockdown will remain until new cases and fatalities decrease.” So, which of Murphy’s statements is accurate? He said 2 opposite things in a single paragraph of speaking.
He;s “vacationing” at his villa in Italy, while Covid surges and the state is paralyzed by “remote work”…………translation: NO WORK
That is what happens in practicality when they are “suspending their disbelief” (HR Clinton) in real numbers and going on predictive models to make decisions. And then after doing that, they vote with “feelings.”
lmao imagine supporting lockdowns after the largest mass death event in american history and calling that a feeling driven conclusion? maga chuds never fail to disappoint
keeping up with the news
OK
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keeping up with the news
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Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
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Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
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lETS NOT FORGET that during the pandemic Donald Trump sent the MERCY, a fully equipped, COVID prepared Hospital ship to save lives of victims and healthcare workers . But Murphy in his wisdom would rather send Patients back to nursing homes that were ill-equipped to treat these patients so they could die , rather than utilize a life-saving gift and be like NY governor Cuomo, another anti-Trump
tool.
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Gun owners don’t have to talk about guns because they know that they have to come out and vote to protect their constitutional right to bear arms. The Supreme court decision has affirmed that right and somehow our “leaders” haven’t learned how to read.
NJ is one of the most corrupt and racist places to live. There’s “0” accountability for the criminal acts, corruption, and unfair treatment of the people of this state. It starts with our governor who cares less for truth and honesty. Continue to ruin the lives of the citizens of this state.
How about those unintended consequences.
New Jersey mandating that all cars being sold by 2035 be electric is telling us what we can or cannot buy with our own money. There will always be gasoline powered vehicles because of the power produced by internal combustion compared to the power produced by batteries; which is to say the more power the bigger the battery to the point of rediculousness. My thought is that if the state wants fewer gas powered vehicles on the road it should create a mass transit electric powered system that would emphasize convenience for commuters and everyday shoppers. Of course that would mean vehicles weighing tons more because of the size of batteries and that creates a whole other question of where to dispose of them (also for elelectric car batteries), since they are composed of highly toxic materials that can’t be burnt or buried. These are unintended consequences no- one is willing to grapple with until its too late. I think by 2035 th he electric car fantasy will go the same way the offshore wind farm has gone.
Stephen Brickman
206 Stonehenge Dr
Phillipsburg,NJ 08865
Stephen.Brickman@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
The military serving in the Middle East represents every state in the Union. Those are our sons and daughters, Moms and Dads and yet we are very little to protect them, or REALLY retaliate when they’re attacked. Governor Murphy is the Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and past chair of the National Governors Association and yet you never hear him mention about any requests either organization makes to Biden to be more aggressive about protecting our kids in harms way. It’s as though it doesn’t seem to matter to them. No wonder we look so weak to the rest of the world.
Teaneck property taxes pays for the school budget. Teaneck High School students walk out. Is a Hamas military shuffle march property tax bill included?
I’m a conservative and I do believe life begins at conception but the problem is that each mother is responsible for that life and it is in the realm of her mental and physical health that she will either bring it to term or abort it. This should not be a political decision and should not be be dictated by thousand of strangers. The Supreme Court turned it over to the states but it still remains personal for the mother and her family.
I don’t think it should be an “agenda item” for any political party. A state medical society may want to impose a time frame within which an abortion can occur but even that may be subject to the mother’s doctor’s discretion.
I say just quit discussing it and leave it up to the mother a father.
Voting should be based on understanding what’s actually happening and knowing who would make life safer and more livable. The only way to do that is to get both sides of the information remembering there are always two sides to a story. Mainstream media in my area includes the Star Ledger and the Easton Express. If you look at the bylines of the opinions you will find writers from the Washington Post and Bloomberg, both notoriously on the left. Even the political cartoons are a dead giveaway. CNN and CNBC are also left leaning. So what are the options for getting opinions and news from the right? Fortunately cable news has Fox, which is near center, and Newsmax, and NewsNation which are full right. Watching these even just occasionally will show a much broader picture and give the reader more information with which to make an informed voting decision. And remember you DONT have to vote party if you feel there’s a wiser choice.
The governor signed off on having Narcan available in all schools grades 9 through 12. But what about the idea
of having Narcan available in ALL SCHOOLS in New Jersey?
How’s his for an idea? Uncover the identities of the un-elected advisors to Pres. Biden, and publish their names. That way there is actually someone to blame when we lose valuable lives from unanswered attacks by terrorist organizations. We know Biden isn’t making these decisions on his own. My guess is that these advisors will quit the team rather than take the heat for poor decisions, revealing a big weakness in this administration. It might lead to improvements to the decision-making process.
Note to Concealed Carry permit holders: make sure you subscribe to one of the insurance companies that specialize in CCP, ie: US LAW SHIELD. If you ever have to fire your weapon , that has to be the first phone call you make. The second is 911, the third is your family. With so many new permit holders there will probably be an increase in discharges until word gets out that it’s actually unsafe for criminals to be in New Jersey and crime will take a nosedive.
Now unless you have a conviction in your background you can get that CCP and really defend yourself and your family. And more women are applying which is great for family defense. The stats that record gun violence will have to be re-organized into guns used for crime and guns used to prevent crime. A lot of get-always here because sometimes just brandishing a firearm is enough to stop a crime. But it should be reported anyway..
The liability limits for taxi cabs are extreme starting July 1. It was a plan in place through the insurance banking committee and it was abruptly changed with an amendment. The guys are barely making a living today and you’ve increased their insurance. What’s fair is fair and this is not it was an incremental increase, which was fair, and was removed by the governor please refer back to the original plan
Iowa gets it right. What better school security is there than trained, armed teachers with concealed carry permits. You wonder what parents and local government officials when they oppose this idea. Apparently they would rather wait for some demented individual, either a student or maybe an ex student pulls out a handgun of his backpack , or a long gun out of a duffel and starts firing do they can call it in and wait for help to show up. This move would save many lives and I would heartily endorse this idea nationwide. Of course I’m just an average gun owner who believes that our kids are our most valuable asset and need real protection.
The problem with the Line is that there is no vetting process. Whoever pays the most and/or is specifically unqualified and therefore relegated to the status of puppet is who the county bosses support and threaten the committee members to support. My opponent said on-air that he will do whatever they tell him. What kind of leadership is that. I have 8-10 organizations endorsing me to his zero. I have served many statewide for almost 4 years while he has never helped anyone but himself. No-brainer who is qualified, and they know it. That’s why they are getting nasty and vile while I continue to take the high road.
With the mainstream media touting the current president and suddenly discovers he’s been lying to us all about how supportive he is of Israel when it is reported he is receiving BIG donations from Soros and Rockefellers , both proven anti-American donors, to become pro Palestinian and Pro Hamas and Anti Israel by holding up ammunition shipments to Israel. And solidly answering the question of why he never goes directly against Iran. Is the MSM party to this also. How can the general public now know who and what to trust. They warn us how terrible a trump administration will be as if they have totally forgotten how good we had it under Trump. All I can say is put on your big boy pants and tell us how it really is.
Studies show that recreational cannabis is responsible a 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. These studies show that cannabis impairs driving ability and driving while high is common among regular users. Since cannabis is still an illegal drug, insurance companies are within their rights to deny coverage in for an accident ruled a DUI due to cannabis. However a state that approved its recreational use should be held accountable for any and all the consequences of that DUI. States are more interested in the money they make but they should accept the responsibility for having approved the use of recreational cannabis.
Could you please fix your “bay blood spots “ typo. It sounds like a horror movie. Although “baby blood spots” isn’t much better. Maybe there’s a clearer and less distressing turn of phrase for all of our sensitive readers, lol. Please and thank you.
Reclassifying marihuana from CI to any other category will involve Pharmacy because by law only a Pharmacist with a DEA license can purchase or sell any drug with a CII to CV
Classification. (CI is exempt because it’s heroine or any other drug with no medical purpose). This is a National problem because it is all under the DEA. And since marihuana is a hallucinogen among other things it requires control. The whole weed issue has put the cart before the horse and really requires reining in to have it conform
to the legal requirements. (Sorry Mr. Weedman). And recreational use will get the biggest hit because it will require a prescription
for medicinal use, but that cuts out the recreational aspect. Maybe in the future Pharmacists may be able to prescribe it but not yet. And how many physicians and Nurse Practitioners will want to be involved in the weed industry, I wonder? Lots of questions and few answers so far.
Changing the regulations to allow Optometrists to perform surgery is foolhardy and dangerous. Their training is doing vision tests and prescribing the correct glasses to improve vision. Only an MD in ophthalmology should be the one to do eye surgery.
That’s like asking the fellow filling your gas tank to fix a ball joint suspension.
This is not the answer to a shortage of ophthalmologists
Can’t seem to access the Steinberg column on Sam Alito, Sr. on your website. Suggestions?
Stop complaining about taxes ,our schools , our crime, ,after all folks we keep voting in the same Democrat party politicians each time .
For instance who would think that every Democrat who represents us in congress would vote for men playing in woman sports ,but they did , ask yourself are you the kind of a person who would kill ( sorry to use that word kill but hard not to since the law is that is a human being and if the mother is murdered it’s a double homicide ) a baby up to the moment of birth sorry to tell you that is the law in New Jersey.
So stop complaining your part of the problem.
NOTE TO SENIORS
I was 85 when I got my Carry permit. If you want to protect yourself and your family you are never too old to carry. As log as you can pass the test at the range, which is pretty simple, and you have a handgun you can handle (which is why I purchased a Walther CCP M2 PLUS which is easy to rack) and you have no police record or mental health problems, you can qualify. Of course you need to get a Federal weapons ID card, if you don’t already have one. We are targets because we are older and look easy. Well surprise , surprise. The more folks that are carrying the less crime because the bad guys wont know if you are armed and might not try something. By the way
it doesn’t matter- male or female!!