Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We have not had a second-term governor with popular approval for quite some time. He’s not looking for election. He’s not looking for his wife’s election. He’s not looking for his next job. He’s in this position in which voters are probably happy with, which is: ‘What can I get done?” – Rider University’s Micah Rasmussen on Governor Murphy’s State of the State
TOP STORY: Bhalla Enters Assembly Race
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
Governor Murphy is looking to partner with incoming President Trump in his final year, according to Politico NJ.
President-elect Trump’s Transportation Secretary nominee has a record of voting against funding for the Gateway Tunnel project, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJDOH and Rowan University partnered to enhance mental health services at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital.
Some school districts are already banning cellphones in classrooms, according to NJ.com.
A North Jersey rabbi will deliver a blessing at President-elect Trump’s inauguration, according to NorthJersey.com.
A new public health institute in the state is taking shape, according to NJ Spotlight.
Burlington County appointed a law firm to review the 2024 election.
The proposed Essex County $874M budget includes a 1.99% tax hike, according to NJ Hills.
An Ocean County sheriff’s officer spoke out about a sex assault suit that brought a $177M award, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Van Drew promised to fight ‘tooth and nail’ against offshore wind, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rutgers University announced the inductees into its Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
ICYMI: Murphy delivered SOS address, mentioned ‘elephant not in the room‘, laid out priorities including removing cellphones from classrooms; NJDOL reported NJ leads Northeast population growth; state announced a historic low in gun violence
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Rep. Gottheimer was endorsed for Governor by mayors in Rep. Sherrill’s district, according to NJ Globe.
Former Senate President Sweeney launched his first digital ad for his gubernatorial candidacy, according to NJ Globe.
In LD4, Melinda Kane is joining the Assembly, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In LD32, Hoboken Mayor Bhalla launched his Assembly candidacy, saying ‘Trenton needs more mayors who get things done’. Assembly candidate Katie Brennan raised $85k for her campaign.
In LD35, a new Senator and Assemblymember will be chosen at a convention today, according to NJ Globe.
MAD Global expanded their Ohio operation.
ICYMI: Sumter, Wimberly collision course; Insider NJ sits down w/ Spiller; Sweeney announced campaign manager; Fulop released primary education video; look ahead at guv race; NJGOP announced Gonzalez as ED; Bramnick made reorg rounds
Senate President Scutari wants to look at consolidating watchdog agencies, according to NJ Globe.
Assemblywoman Munoz released a proposal for paid parental leave.
‘Fake farmers’ in the state could soon lose a tax break, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: Legislature devised interim solution to legal ads
In Jersey City, mayoral candidate Councilman Solomon raised over $800k.
In Bound Brook, the town will lose library services until further notice, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Camden, a proposed building would become the tallest tower in the city, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Newark, a unreleased report found students at a school endured anti-black racism, according to NJ Monitor.
In Ocean City, police are preparing for four years of disruption, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Old Bridge, a development may bring 2,400 residents into town, according to MyCentralJersey.
In South Amboy, a new apartment building may come to town, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, the council clamped down on how long people can speak at meetings, according to the Asbury Park Press.
ICYMI: In Parsippany, Bergen endorsed Barberio, in primary w/ Mussella; in Hoboken, Jabbour announced for mayor as Bhalla won’t seek re-election; in Jersey City, Akaezuwa announced council candidacy
AROUND THE WEB:
Here comes Trump 2.0 and with it, no matter what, some weirdness
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- Remember the scene in “Frozen,” when it’s Coronation Day? (What? I have two daughters. I’ve seen “Frozen” 47 times.) Anyway, it’s a thrilling song. Anna is thrilled because her sister Elsa is about to be crowned Queen (or something, I don’t know, I’m usually looking at my phone and not the movie).
With 76ers’ arena out, a modest proposal for Camden | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- Now that the dust has settled, and the Philadelphia 76ers will not be taking up New Jersey’s generous offer to build their new arena in Camden, here’s a more modest proposal than New Jersey’s standard deal, “How much tax-free public money do you want? We’ll pay it.” Let’s build an arena in Camden, anyway.
Recapping (and analyzing) Murphy’s State of the State address
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Gov. Phil Murphy has done enough State of the State addresses to know the deal: highlight your successes – and give a sneak peek of what may be coming in the more extensive budget address. Tuesday in Trenton, he didn’t disappoint.
N.J. teachers are ready, able, and properly certified | Opinion
Kwamé Floyd
- New Jersey just took a giant step to strengthen our teacher workforce and knock down barriers to recruiting and retaining necessary talent. A new law that waives the Basic Skills Praxis exam for some aspiring teachers has been welcomed with disparaging headlines and social media posts intended to create controversy. A closer look, however, reveals a thoughtful effort to address teacher shortages and the redundancies of outdated certification practices while maintaining high standards for educator readiness.
Legislative Leaders, Advocacy Groups Respond to State of the State Address
Alex Connell, TAPinto Morristown
- With Governor Phil Murphy’s annual State of the State Address over, legislative leaders gathered and shared statements outlining their views on the speech, and the agenda that was laid out for the final year of the current administration. Republican Senator Leader Anthony Bucco addressed the media shortly after, accusing Murphy of painting “a rosy picture about the state and how it’s stronger and fairer,” while questioning who it was stronger and fairer for.
Trump-allied think tank taps Donohue, Rooney to lead N.J. chapter
David Wildstein
- America First Policy Institute, a national think tank formed to promote Donald Trump’s policy agenda, has formed a New Jersey state chapter with Cape May County GOP Chairman Michael Donohue as chairman and Save Jersey editor Matt Rooney as executive director.
The Inside Edge with David Wildstein: 35th District
David Wildstein
- A look inside politics in New Jersey.
State Workers in New Jersey May Get 12 Weeks Fully Paid Family Leave
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- Gov. Phil Murphy has counted on the support of public employee unions to advance his progressive agenda for the last seven years. During his State of the State address on Tuesday, Murphy offered a parting gift to state workers in form of 12-weeks of fully paid family leave.
Retired Admiral elected chair of The Seeing Eye in Morris Township
The Seeing Eye
- The Seeing Eye Board of Trustees elected Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, MBA, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.), of Horsham, Pa., to serve as Chair during its December 2024 meeting. Mittelman, who joined the Board in 2017, succeeds Cynthia Bryant, who had served on the Board since 2011. “I am deeply honored to serve as the Chair of The Seeing Eye Board of Trustees, an organization whose mission empowers individuals to lead independent, fulfilling lives,” Mittelman said.
How every town in NJ voted in the 2024 presidential election
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- Surprising new data from the state Division of Elections reveals exactly how Vice President Kamala Harris won New Jersey’s 14 electoral votes in November’s presidential race. Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, said Democrats did better in certain parts of the state with more affluent communities and educated, suburban communities that have recently become cores for the party.
Did Phil Murphy just (accidentally) solve the Left’s biggest concern with voter ID laws?
Matt Rooney
- If the Garden State just moved a little bit closer to having its own voter ID law, Save Jerseyans Governor Phil Murphy may be this all-important election integrity cause’s unlikely champion. A little context: fifteen U.S. states have some form of voter ID requirement. New Jersey isn’t one of them. For the longest time, the Left has complained that voter ID laws – which require voters to produce a legal ID card in order to cast a ballot – are discriminatory in large part because identification cards are allegedly hard to obtain.
County by county: Where your paycheck goes the furthest in NJ
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- The money you’re earning can be stretched a little further in some parts of the Garden State. Your purchasing power varies from county to county, according to a study from SmartAsset, a financial technology company. SmartAsset compared the per-capita income of each county with the cost of living for each county, to determine where folks may get more bang for their buck.
Trenton’s New Beginnings money pit gets more funding from City Council
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- A New Beginnings Housing Program intended to offer homeownership to eligible candidates via renovation of abandoned properties needs reconsideration or termination. Created in 2022 then launched with righteous fanfare in August 2023, a remodeling of the house for Vanessa Solivan in the 600 block of North Clinton Ave. parallels a popular movie The Money Pit.
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Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing for January 16, 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily newsletter is a must-read for anyone interested in staying informed about the state’s political landscape.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is Governor Smith’s announcement of a new initiative to improve infrastructure in the state. The governor outlined plans to invest in upgrading roads, bridges, and public transportation systems to ensure the safety and efficiency of New Jersey’s transportation network. This initiative is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, today’s briefing also covered updates on legislative priorities, including discussions on healthcare reform and education funding. Lawmakers are working on proposals to expand access to affordable healthcare and improve the quality of education for students across the state.
The briefing also highlighted recent developments in national politics, with a focus on the upcoming presidential election. Insider NJ’s political analysts provided insights into the potential candidates and key issues that are likely to shape the race for the White House in 2028.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing for January 16, 2025 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics. Whether you’re a seasoned political insider or just a concerned citizen looking to stay informed, this daily newsletter is a valuable resource for keeping up-to-date on the issues that matter most to residents of the Garden State.
