Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think it is time for some reform that opens up to more voters.” – Rep. Watson Coleman calling for reform of the county line system
TOP STORY: US Senate Race Promises Historic Result Regardless of Winner
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Advance publication.
The New Jersey Senate race promises historic results, regardless of the winner.
The NJDOH urged residents to be vigilant of measles and mumps.
The NJDHS opened applications for college scholarships for blind, deaf-blind, and visually impaired students.
The feds added obstruction charges to Senator Menendez’s corruption case, according to the Bergen Record.
Community colleges are facing potential funding cuts, according to NJ Spotlight.
A damning report finds teachers are hiding sexual abuse and misconduct and schools are ignoring it, according to NJ.com.
Virtual isn’t an option at NJ Transit fare hike hearings, according to the Bergen Record.
NJ residents are seeking long COVID relief as they endure the stigmatized disease, according to the Bergen Record.
Monmouth County is spending $20M to fix a landfill odor, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Pascrell expressed support for a conditional ceasefire in Gaza.
Rep. Sherrill helped introduce the ‘Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act’.
ICYMI: Uribe pleaded guilty in Menendez case; Hayden slammed colleagues after censure; Murphy delivered budget address laying out several priorities; Sherrill made case for Ukraine aid; Murphy addressed Drumthwacket confrontation
First Lady Tammy Murphy’s comfortable win at the highly-anticipated Bergen County Democrats convention conveyed the dominant influence of the county party organization.
Rep. Kim was endorsed by the Mercer County Democratic Progressive Caucus for Senate.
In CD6, John Hsu will challenge Rep. Pallone in the Democratic primary.
Some NJ voters are vowing to ‘abandon Biden’ in the June primary, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: Murphy, Kim supporters rallied in Bergen, Tammy Murphy’s much-needed victory, Kim won in Warren County and Sussex County, eyes are now on Somerset; in CD9, Khairullah poised to primary Pascrell; ‘America First Republicans’ touring state; Bergen GOP announced recommendations, Barba bowed out; Speziale off-the-line candidacy kickoff; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; Currie rails against Speziale; Kim’s lawsuit line lawsuit ironic; Kim overwhelmingly won the BurlCo Dems convention and secured the backing of Hunterdon Dems after chaotic start giving him three-convention winning streak; Baraka guv candidacy implications and reverberations; Glass departed as Murphy manager; in CD2, Alexander wants another crack at Van Drew; in CD7, Kean strategy contextualized; Kean fundraiser; Baraka enters guv race
In Asbury Park, the BOE won’t say if the superintendent is gone for good, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bedminster, teachers protested the lack of a contract, according to NJ Hills.
In Cedar Grove, pool rates will increase, according to TAPinto.
In Long Hill, the former police chief was hired as public safety director, according to NJ Hills.
In Mount Laurel, the council advanced affordable housing plans, according to TAPinto.
In Mount Olive, parents blasted the BOE for a timelag, according to NJ Hills.
In Newark, ground was broken for affordable senior housing, according to ROI-NJ. Ten candidates will vie for four BOE seats, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, a building official’s resignation could cause a permit backlog, according to Paterson Press.
In Red Bank, the police chief was placed on leave, according to TAPinto.
In Somerville, the legal battle is heating up over a gun shop, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Spotswood, the mayor is suing the council as lawsuits keep piling up, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, a petition could kill police job cuts or put them to voters, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Warren, a preschool tuition subsidy was recommended, according to NJ Hills. School buildings will serve as polling locations moving forward, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: In Perth Amboy, Gonzalez protested Dem screening, GOP announced candidates, Caba announced re-elec bid; in Paterson, Cotton in gear for re-election; in Parsippany, Musella held fundraiser; in Perth Amboy, Vas announced candidacy, Gonzalez announced candidacy
AROUND THE WEB:
Kim vs. Murphy is not the only primary race that’s heating up
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3rd) this weekend picked up his fifth straight county party endorsement in the Democratic primary to replace Sen. Bob Menendez, winning the Sussex and Warren County conventions. In the same primary, first lady Tammy Murphy landed her second win with the Union County Democratic Organization line. That vote came from the party’s screening committee, not a regular convention.
What’s Tammy Murphy’s flex? Bergen County’s Democratic machine delivered a win | Stile
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- It took one of Gov. Phil Murphy’s top $280,000-a-year patronage hires to save his wife’s bid for the U.S. Senate Monday night. Paul Juliano steered the wobbly Tammy Murphy campaign away from political abyss with a show of force at the Bergen County Democratic Convention, with 738 votes, or 64% of the vote, to 419 votes, or 36% for her chief rival Rep. Andy Kim, D-Burlington, who has waged a surprising, buck-the-machine campaign.
There are right and wrong ways to lobby for the legislation you want | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- Probably fewer than one in 10 New Jerseyans have ever travelled to Trenton or Washington to sit down and ask a legislator to do something. Those who do that kind of thing for a living acknowledge they’re lobbyists. Others call themselves advocates. The second group is usually a bit more passionate about what they want.
NJ Lawmakers Strike Deal To Boost Gas Tax For Infrastructure
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- Gov. Phil Murphy plans to fund New Jersey Transit with a billion-dollar tax hike on New Jersey businesses. Now, Murphy is moving to fund road and bridge repair by dipping deeper into motorists’ wallets. Legislation will be introduced on Thursday that would hit drivers with another gas tax hike. Sponsored by Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman Clinton Calabrese, D-Bergen, the legislation would revise the way the state funds the Transportation Trust Fund.
Liberty State Park plan faces billionaire-backed pushback
David Cruz, NJ Spotlight
- Intense debate over the future of Liberty State Park erupted again this weekend at a meeting of the park’s Design Task Force, the entity created to advise the state on efforts to revitalize New Jersey’s most popular state park. The 23 members of the task force include a variety of perspectives, from administration officials and conservation advocates to representatives of groups pushing for more “active-recreation” development in the park. The latter includes the People’s Park Foundation, a group backed by billionaire Paul Fireman, who has long-pushed for new development within the park’s protected boundaries.
Study examines whether Paterson’s Guaranteed Income program was a short-term fix
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- The mayor’s experiment with giving 110 city residents $400 per month for a year produced “mixed results,” according to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. The extra money from the Guaranteed Income, or GI, program — which came in the form of gift cards with no spending restrictions — improved the low-income recipients’ lives, the study said.
Fighting for funding: Why community colleges feel they are $20M short
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Tony Iacono, the forward-thinking president of the County College of Morris, knows what businesses in his county need from his school: Highly skilled students who are properly trained for the workforce of today — and tomorrow. “The CEOs in the health care sector are constantly asking me: Can you produce more students, and can you produce them faster?” he said. “It’s the same with manufacturing companies and technology companies.
New Jersey is the second least-polite state in America, according to study. Here’s No. 1.
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- Please? No thank you! With New Jersey ranking as the second-least polite state in America in a new poll, you’re probably left with a few questions. Chief among them − who the frig stole our crown!?
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Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 6, 2024 provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey and beyond. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed and up-to-date on current events and political happenings.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor John Smith 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 transportation networks for residents and businesses alike. This initiative is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the briefing also covers updates on legislative actions, including proposed bills on healthcare reform and education funding. These legislative developments are crucial for shaping the future of New Jersey and addressing the needs of its residents.
The briefing also includes updates on local events and community initiatives, such as upcoming town hall meetings and volunteer opportunities. These events provide residents with opportunities to engage with their local government and make a positive impact in their communities.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 6, 2024 offers a comprehensive look at the latest news and developments in New Jersey. Whether you are a resident, business owner, or policymaker, this briefing is a valuable resource for staying informed and engaged in the issues that matter most to you.
