Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The ratings, and the governor’s chest-pounding, are delusional. Both assume taxpayers’ pockets are inexhaustible and don’t realistically address the peril ahead.” – Senator O’Scanlon calling the budget a ‘blown opportunity’
TOP STORY: Norcross, the Courts, and the Governor’s Race
Governor Murphy and legislative leaders agreed to include the corporate transit fee proposal in the budget, according to ROI-NJ.
With the budget deadline counting down, its crickets from Democratic lawmakers, according to NJ Spotlight.
The Latino Legislative Caucus applauded the Governor’s clemency initiative.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz will introduce a reproductive rights legislative package.
Senator Pennacchio called for fair reapportionment of congressional seats.
The Assembly Education Committee advanced the ‘Freedom to Read Act’.
ICYMI: Murphy says he doesn’t think about his legacy; Murphy announced promotions; Murphy nominated Hoffman for Supreme Court; NJSBA president condemned judge’s remarks; Senate passed OPRA legislation, boos and jeers greeted vote
Urban warehouses add to NJ cities’ woes, according to Nj Spotlight.
In Jersey City, Councilwoman Watterman launched her candidacy for mayor.
In Clifton, a report criticizes the police department’s treatment of officers in military service, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Fort Lee, a grand jury declined to indict officers involved in a fatal shooting.
In Jackson, the town will shut a school and sell it, according to NJ101.5.
In Morris Township, the committee is in the final planning stages for a new community center, according to NJ Hills.
In Ridgewood, the town will discuss the fate of a controversial billboard, according to TAPinto.
In West Milford, the school district faces a bullying lawsuit, according to NorthJersey.com. The town won a case that would have sent $11M to Newark, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Westwood, multiple fights broke out after the high school graduation, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI In Newark, Onyema won West Ward Dem chairmanship; in Bloomfield, Mundell prevailed; in Perth Amboy, Caba prevailed; in White, warehouse five-year fight over; in Paterson, Mendez declared victory; Velez won; Abdelaziz won; in Montclair, Baskerville won mayoralty; in Orange, Mayor Warren secured re-election; in Irvington, Vauss’ allies swept; guide to municipal elections; in Annandale, ongoing book battle; in New Brunswick, freedom of press case may go to state SC; in Roxbury, BOE decision to rescind transgender protections
AROUND THE WEB:
Why I’m not celebrating the Norcross indictment | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- For those who know George Norcross, his decision to sit in the front row during the press conference announcing his indictment was vintage stuff. He’s a bully, suffering from acute testosterone poisoning, and he was determined to stare down Attorney General Matt Platkin, man to man.
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Gov. Murphy’s budget includes a 12% funding cut for New Jersey’s 18 community colleges. That’s a reduction of $20 million for the best investment our state can make – in young minds, in job training, and in our future workforce – but now our pro-education governor believes that the exact allocation that our state made back in 2002 is still adequate for 2025.
Action needed after N.J.’s correctional ‘gulag’ is exposed | Opinion
Harvey Weissbard
- Kudos to Matt Gray for his investigative report, “Shadow prison,” an insightful, in-depth look at the euphemistically named “Special Treatment Unit” (STU) in New Jersey’s corrections system that was published in May.
Sen. O’Scanlon: Murphy budget is another blown opportunity | Opinion
Declan O’Scanlon
- The budget that we’ll pass next week in the state Legislature won’t be made available in time for anyone to assess what’s really in it, or even reveal how some spending items got there. But it will unquestionably demonstrate one critical thing: The Murphy Administration will go down as a historically tragic missed opportunity. All may seem well in the coal mine, but the poor canaries’ futures aren’t looking good.
NJ Transit, Amtrak spar over cause of the latest heat wave commuting meltdown
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- NJ Transit and Amtrak continued to disagree about the cause of Friday morning’s rail service problems to and from New York, with NJ Transit officials saying a commuter train that Amtrak blamed for breaking down passed inspection in Newark.
Jersey Shore town is being blocked from joining newly-merged school district, lawsuit says
Rob Jennings, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- An impending merger of three school districts in Monmouth County has lead to a dispute involving students in a nearby town not included in the realignment. Voters in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, which both have K-6 schools, approved a referendum in September to disband and join the Henry Hudson Regional School District next month. Both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands were already sending their students in grades 7 to 12 to Henry Hudson Regional High School.
New N.J. bill would phase out leaf blowers in residential areas
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- The climate craziness continues, Save Jerseyans. Summertime isn’t exactly prime leaf blowing season, but Trenton is ready to fine you all the same even with autumn still a distant landscape.
LETTER: ‘I stand by my record of independent thinking,’ Bayonne assemblyman says
Hudson County View
- In a letter to the editor, Assemblyman Will Sampson (D-31) explains how he’s approaching the invitation from Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, to run on his ticket during next year’s Democratic primary.
Lack of regulation for ‘zombie’ campaign accounts
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- Rodney Frelinghuysen has not been in Congress since January 2019. But his campaign is still active — in a sense. Just since 2023, Frelinghuysen’s campaign account has cut checks for 19 candidates running for Congress or elected positions in New Jersey, including a $2,000 donation to fellow Republican Jon Bramnick, who is running for governor.
‘Why not both?’ Trenton’s park revamp could include soccer without removing other sports
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Hank Towns waded into discussions about upgrades to Chambersburg athletic fields with a rework of famous Chicago Cubs baseball star Ernie Banks’ “Let’s Play Two”. “Why can’t we have both — baseball and soccer. And basketball. I can’t believe they’re getting rid of the baseball field,” Towns, former manager of American Legion’s Mitchell Davis Post 182, said. Towns guided Mitchell Davis to the 1987 New Jersey state finals.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for June 24, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in the state of New Jersey. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed about the political, economic, and social landscape of the Garden State.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to invest in infrastructure projects across the state. The Governor has proposed a $1 billion infrastructure plan that aims to improve roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in New Jersey.
In addition to the infrastructure plan, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing also covers updates on the state’s education system. The briefing reports that several school districts in New Jersey have received funding to implement innovative programs aimed at improving student outcomes. This includes initiatives to expand access to technology, enhance teacher training, and provide additional support for students with special needs.
Another important topic covered in today’s briefing is the ongoing debate over healthcare reform in New Jersey. The briefing reports that lawmakers are considering a new bill that would expand access to affordable healthcare for residents across the state. This bill has sparked heated discussions among politicians, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups, highlighting the complex nature of healthcare policy in New Jersey.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for June 24, 2024 offers a comprehensive look at the most pressing issues facing the state of New Jersey. From infrastructure investments to education reform to healthcare policy, this daily briefing provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Garden State. Whether you are a policymaker, business leader, or concerned citizen, this briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed about the latest developments in New Jersey.
