Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I am well aware I have 371 days — to be exact — until I leave office and a new Governor takes the baton. To some, that may be welcome news. But to all of us who have the privilege of calling the Garden State home, I say this: I will dedicate every minute we have left to working for you.” – Governor Murphy in his State of the State address
TOP STORY: The Elephant in Murphy’s 2025 Room
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
Governor Murphy delivered the State of the State address yesterday (watch here and read full remarks here), leading off with a mention about the incoming Trump Administration – the ‘elephant not in the room‘ – and pledged to work with the incoming President ‘where our priorities align’, but would ‘fight back even harder’ in ‘defending our Jersey values – if and when they are tested’. With 12 months left to go in his Administration, the Governor touted his Administration’s achievements and rolled out priorities for the remainder of his tenure, including: removing cellphones from classrooms, parole reform, expanding paid parental leave, affordable housing, overhauling dangerous intersections, enacting mobile driver’s licenses, enabling same-day voter registration and lowering the voting age for BOE elections, and codifying clean energy goals.
Governor Murphy will become the longest-serving Democratic Governor in the US, according to NJ Globe.
The NJ Transit Police Department is accepting applications.
Developer Fred Daibes’ sentencing was delayed, according to NorthJersey.com.
Essex County Executive DiVincenzo introduced the budget proposal.
Passaic County wants to turn its oldest home into a military museum, according to NorthJersey.com.
Senator Booker introduced legislation to extend the TikTok ban deadline.
Rep. Pou was appointed to the House Transportation and Homeland Security Committees.
Rep. Conaway announced his committee assignments.
Rep. Sherrill reintroduced the ‘HEADWAY Act’.
ICYMI: NJDOL reported NJ leads Northeast population growth; state announced a historic low in gun violence
Reacting to the Governor’s State of the State address, Senate President Scutari says he will ‘keep an open mind‘ on the Governor’s proposals, and looks forward to increasing affordability and quality of life. Speaker Coughlin touted progress on affordability, saying property tax relief is the ‘highest priority’. Senate Minority Leader Bucco was skeptical about the affordable housing initiative, saying ‘without planning’ it will be a ‘disaster’.
GOP leaders say the Governor should focus more on affordability, according to NJ Monitor.
The NJ Chamber of Commerce said while the Governor has ‘created the fairest economy in the nation’, businesses need to be the main focus, otherwise initiatives will have ‘difficulty being funded’. The NJBIA said that while the address was ‘quite optimistic on many fronts’, the business outlook ‘isn’t quite as rosy‘ and urged Murphy to bring his ‘fairer’ concept to businesses. NJ Policy Perspective applauded the parole reform proposal. The NJLCV applauded the Governor’s 100% clean electricity commitment. The Sierra Club applauded the clean electricity commitment. Former Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel slammed the Governor’s call for regulation rollbacks as declaring war on the environment. NJ Working Families said the progress made is ‘now on the line’ and needs ‘bold action‘ to protect it The Fair Share Housing Center applauded the affordable housing proposal. The Housing and Community Development Network applauded the affordable housing and zoning reform proposal. Jersey 1st and AFP panned the Governor’s address as ‘another year of growing the Garden State’s unaffordability’. The NJ Policy Institute called on the Governor to expand interdistrict school choice. 100 organizations urged additional protections for immigrants. Planned Parenthood urged swift action to safeguard reproductive rights. NJ Citizen Action called for a ‘strong finish’ to the Governor’s term. The CWA thanked the Governor for ‘family-friendly’ policies. The NJEA commended the Governor’s commitment to education and pension funding.
Senate President Scutari appointed Addison Hinrichs as the new Senate Secretary.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz was awarded an honorary degree from Montclair State.
ICYMI: Legislature devised interim solution to legal ads
In Dover, former Mayor Cicchetti was honored with a street dedication.
In Parsippany, Assemblyman Bergen and all LD26 GOP mayors endorsed Mayor Barberio, who’s facing a primary from Councilman Musella.
In Barrington, a resource fair is planned for Mews residents seeking new homes, according to Burlington County Times.
In Bernards, the GOP presented three candidates to fill a vacancy, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, plans were unveiled for a 25-story Beacon Building, according to NJ Biz.
In Hillsborough, a warehouse was denied, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Lakewood, the BOE plans to sue the state, according to the Asbury Park Press. A newly elected BOE member won’t serve, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Madison, parents shared concerns about half-days in the upcoming school year, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean, the township is looking to fill empty stores on Orchard Plaza, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Paramus, the timeline is coming into focus for the big GSP overhaul, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Paterson, heavy hitters filed briefs over the police takeover, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Trenton, Councilwoman Edwards discussed walk-on approval of a controversial director, according to the Trentonian.
In Westfield, there are theft allegations at the Rec Department, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: In Hoboken, Jabbour announced for mayor as Bhalla won’t seek re-election; in Jersey City, Akaezuwa announced council candidacy
AROUND THE WEB:
The joys of watching a corrupt racist leave public life | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- It’s bad manners to dance and slap high-fives to celebrate an old man’s shame and misfortune. As a boy raised in the teaching of the Catholic Church, I was taught that we should try to love one another, and to forgive human frailty.
Offshore Wind Under Fire: Will NJ’s Projects Survive the Political Storm?
Jim Lonergan, TAPinto.net
- At last week’s Sea Girt reorganization meeting, a topic that dominated much of 2024 but went quiet in the final months of the year is resurfacing. With newly elected President Trump preparing to take office, many anticipate he will target federal subsidies for offshore wind projects—a critical funding mechanism for the industry. For an in-depth analysis of the funding and economics of offshore wind, click HERE to read an earlier analysis we did.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Resiliency
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- After years of studying human nature and decades of trying to fully understand the human condition, I have come to a fantastic truth – human beings are extraordinarily resilient. The deeper question is does everyone have this astonishing ability to bounce back and are some people better suited than others to discover, develop and deploy this survivor skill set?
NJ man banned for life from Eagles games for obnoxious behavior
Big Joe Henry, NJ1015
- The thrill of the playoffs, the thrill of getting a ticket to see your favorite team play live on the road is an exciting experience. Not so much for this Green Bay Packer fan who was decked out in green and gold. She was there to cheer her team on and did not expect to run into a jerk from East Brunswick who is an Eagles fan.
Rowan appoints John Veilleux as its first chief marketing officer
Linda Lindner, ROI-NJ
- Rowan University has appointed John Veilleux as chief marketing officer to lead its new division of marketing & communication. In his new role, Veilleux will lead marketing and communication professionals across the University. An award-winning strategic marketing and communication executive, Veilleux has devised and implemented communication brand-building campaigns for higher education institutions.
LISTEN: Matt Rooney interviews RNC Chairman Michael Whatley
Save Jersey
- The second Trump Administration begins in just under one week. SaveJersey.com’s Matt Rooney spoke to RNC Chairman Michael Whatley on Friday about President-elect Trump’s return to power and last week’s New York “hush money” trial sentencing. Chairman Whatley also weighed in on Election 2025 in New Jersey and Virginia.
76ers abandon planned move, will ‘transform’ current home
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- The Philadelphia 76ers have abandoned a controversial plan to move location and build a new arena in the Center City district near Chinatown. The proposed arena seemed a done deal after the controversial $1.3 billion project was greenlit by Philadelphia City Council last month.
Fallon Roth, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is determining whether President-elect Donald Trump is qualified to hold an interest in the liquor licenses at his New Jersey golf courses after he received a zero-punishment sentencing in his New York hush-money trial last Friday.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: January 15, 2025
As we start the new year, Insider NJ is here to bring you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines on January 15, 2025:
1. Governor Smith Announces New Education Initiatives
Governor Smith held a press conference today to announce a series of new education initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in New Jersey. The initiatives include increased funding for schools, new teacher training programs, and expanded access to early childhood education. Governor Smith emphasized the importance of investing in education to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
2. State Legislature Passes Climate Change Legislation
The New Jersey State Legislature passed a series of bills today aimed at addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. The legislation includes measures to promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Lawmakers hailed the bills as a major step forward in the fight against climate change.
3. New Jersey Unemployment Rate Hits Record Low
The latest unemployment figures were released today, showing that New Jersey’s unemployment rate has dropped to a record low of 3.5%. The decrease in unemployment was attributed to strong job growth in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Economists predict that the state’s economy will continue to grow in the coming months.
4. Local School District Receives National Recognition
A local school district in New Jersey received national recognition today for its innovative approach to education. The district was awarded the prestigious National Excellence in Education Award for its commitment to student success and academic achievement. School officials credited the award to the hard work and dedication of teachers, students, and parents.
5. New Jersey Launches Mental Health Awareness Campaign
In response to the growing mental health crisis, New Jersey has launched a new awareness campaign aimed at destigmatizing mental illness and promoting access to mental health services. The campaign includes public service announcements, community events, and educational resources for individuals and families struggling with mental health issues. Officials hope that the campaign will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage more people to seek help.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these and other important stories happening in New Jersey. Thank you for reading!
