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Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This lavish spending shows that Governor Murphy is royally out of touch. He spent more on antique rugs and furniture to decorate his State House office than most people spend to buy a house. Your tax dollars at work!” – Senator Corrado
TOP STORY: Mayor Sayegh and the Paterson Rebirth of Hinchcliffe Stadium
The NJDOL reported that the state’s labor participation rate grew and unemployment in March was steady at 3.5% despite job losses.
Rutgers unions are keeping the pressure on as contract finalization talks continue following the brokered framework agreement earlier this week. The unions are mulling resuming their strike as frustration mounts, according to Politico NJ.
Fare hikes, service changes, and more are on the table to avoid a $957M deficit for NJ Transit, according to NJ.com.
A project will remove a longtime headache for a Camden County highway, according to Burlington County Times.
Sussex County’s 2023 budget is $122M, according to NJ Herald.
Senators Booker and Menendez applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s advancement of the nominations of Michael Farbiarz and Robert Kirsch for federal judgeships in the state.
Senator Booker reintroduced the ‘Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act’. Booker introduced the ‘Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act’.
Rep. Kim discusses the biggest issues facing the nation with Steve Adubato (video).
Rep. Pascrell reaffirmed his support for cracking down on Communist Chinese trade cheating in the solar sector.
ICYMI: Van Drew’s leading role in offshore wind debate; Rutgers framework agreement announced; Rutgers’ union members went on strike holding protests; Murphy signed ‘Elections Transparency Act’; Christie’s all-out assault on Trump; North Jersey Dems eyes fixed on battlegrounds; Sherrill, Gottheimer more animated movements; unions warn of nurse shortage
In LD11, the GOP slate slammed Governor Murphy for ‘blatant disregard’ of taxpayers in spending $500k on Statehouse office furnishings.
In LD24, the GOP primary candidates took questions at a candidate’s night event as the primary battle intensifies in the district.
In LD25, Assemblyman Bergen is threatening to sue former Assemblywoman DeCroce over her ‘unfounded accusations’ regarding his business that she may ‘intend’ to make in the bruising primary battle.
Jersey City Mayor Fulop says establishment Democrats made a mistake by jettisoning former Rep. Malinowski in redistricting while making neighboring districts more friendly.
Democrats and Republicans have the most cash in a decade ahead of the legislative elections, according to NJ.com.
Nine months later, the fusion voting case trudges on, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: Fulop announced guv campaign leadership; in CD7, protesters descended outside Kean’s office; Fulop laid out reasons for jumping into guv race early; in LD3, Durr intent on winning re-election; in LD11, Senator Gopal raised $45k at fundraiser; Fulop embarks on a gubernatorial run; in LD26, GOP Senate primary a crazy collision; Morris candidates petitions rejected after challenge; DeCroce, Bergen trade barbs
Senate Republicans released a video blistering Governor Murphy for ‘living like a king’ and spending $500k on Statehouse office furnishings.
ELEC Executive Director Brindle is suing the Governor over the ‘Elections Transparency Act’, according to Burlington County Times.
The NJDHS Commissioner is unconcerned with pandemic aid drying up, according to NJ Monitor.
A consortium of charitable pregnancy groups are suing the state seeking documentation related to a recent consumer alert.
ICYMI: Senate Dems announced Harris as chief counsel; Murphy took action on bills; ‘ETA’ lcontroversy; Ruiz, Sherrill join forces for child care; Assembly passed ‘ETA’ over GOP objections, ELEC commissioners resigned
In Paterson, Mayor Sayegh heralded the rebirth of Hinchliffe Stadium, which will be formally unveiled in May; Sayegh long saw the stadium as a cornerstone of the city’s rebirth, amid recent internal struggles. Referencing the recent takeover by the AG’s Office of the police department, Sayegh said he’s hopeful, adding that ‘as long as there’s a partnership it’s going to be good‘ and that trust in policing is a ‘national challenge’.
In Dover, incumbent Mayor Blackman launched her re-election bid.
In Bridgewater, the 2023 budget was introduced with a slight tax decrease. A warehouse plan was dropped, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Alpha, the borough will expand the Highlands Center to accommodate planned growth and enhance quality of life for residents.
In Middle, a new police chief was appointed.
In Asbury Park, Convention hall could get new life under an overhaul plan, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Atlantic City, CRDA leader Pattwell remains a quiet figure one year after being appointed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Buena, a state report reviewed broker contracts, health insurance, and lunch policy at Buena Regional, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Carteret, drinking water systems are being replaced, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hawthorne, the town is suing companies that polluted its wells, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Hillsborough, the town joined a national campaign to promote smart water use, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, the council voted in favor of the budget, according to Hudson County View. The council approved rent control ordinance amendments, according to Hudson County View.
In Lebanon, the town will serve as a ‘guinea pig’ for the Highlands Council forestry management plan, according to NJ Hills.
In Newton, a third marijuana sales outlet was approved, according to NJ Herald.
In Oakland, the BOE is budgeting for armed police in schools, according to the Bergen Record.
In Montclair, residents voiced fears about the Lackawanna Plaza plan, according to Montclair Loca.
In Parsippany, the town would raise taxes and hire more police in the $88M budget, according to the Daily Record.
In Princeton, there’s a controversy over the ‘Welcome to Princeton’ sign, according to NJ101.5.
In Sparta, the planning board voted to live stream meetings, according to TApinto.
In South River, the town is attracting prospective marijuana cultivators, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Trenton, police officers are resigning ahead of an investigation into alleged fake overtime, according to the Trentonian.
In West Caldwell, the draft budget was presented, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: In Dover, judge approved Dodd petition after earlier denial, ‘Dover Forward’ slate withdrew; in WNY, Cirillo says voters bewildered by Sires in mayoral collision; in Morristown, workers rallied against automation; in Manville, suspended police chief charged; in Howell, former police chief charged; in Newark, Kelly slapped with ELEC complaint
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ, other states push White House to tackle housing discrimination
Ashley Balcerzak, NorthJersey.com
- The attorneys general of New Jersey and 16 other states and Washington, D.C., submitted a letter supporting the strengthening of fair housing rules to the U.S. Department of Housing and and Urban Development on Thursday.
R.I.P. : Steve ‘Hogie’ Hogan, beloved Morristown figure, has died.
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- Greater Morristown has lost a great friend. Steve “Hogie” Hogan — musician, tattoo artist, and source of inspiration to an ever-expanding constellation of best friends — died Wednesday night in hospice care after a two-year bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 42.
Newark and beyond win alongside NJ Devils
Madeline Ference, John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- When American Whiskey opened its doors in downtown Newark a few years ago, the bar’s owners grappled with an ongoing pandemic and an underperforming New Jersey Devils team that wasn’t exactly great for business.
Trenton Schools host focus group to support youth
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- A Focus Group on Anti-Social Behavior in Trenton Public Schools and Community yesterday allowed city youth an opportunity to speak their minds. Students in grades sixth through eighth took full advantage of the chance to talk about experiences during a two-hour event inside Ellis Auditorium at the Trenton Board of Education Building on North Clinton Ave.
Could NJ host World Cups two years in a row? Here’s why it’s now possible
Melanie Anzidei, NorthJersey.com
- Two World Cups in New Jersey — in a row? It’s possible. U.S. Soccer announced Tuesday night its intent to submit a joint bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the Mexican Football Federation, in a surprising move that could bring the largest sporting event in the world to U.S. soil two years in a row.
Scutari’s get out of jail free card | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- Talk about divine justice: Senate President Nick Scutari, prime sponsor of the horrific new law that defanged the state’s chief election watchdog, is now in hot water himself over suspect campaign payments going back many years.
Phil Murphy buys some rugs, the GOP goes bananas
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- Nothing pleases me more than watching Republicans slam Democrats, especially when the Democrats would be slamming Republicans for the very same issue. Case in point: Gov. Phil Murphy recently spent nearly $500,000 on antique furnishings for his offices at the newly-renovated New Jersey Statehouse. This included over $200,000 for a trio of rugs, almost $67,000 for curtains, nearly $25,000 on sofas, and over $40,000 on a pair of desks and chairs. (The numbers are courtesy of NJ Advance Media.)
N.J. to spend up to $5M for outside managers to help run state veterans’ home where hundreds died
Susan K. Livio, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration has awarded contracts to two healthcare consulting firms to temporarily provide consulting and management services at the three state-run nursing homes serving veterans in New Jersey, for as much as $5 million, the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced Wednesday.
5 reasons why the future is female in construction
Samantha DeAlmeida Roman, ABC-NJ
- It is no secret that the field of construction traditionally has been dominated by men. Yet, more women are now choosing construction careers and changing the face of the industry. In fact, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the percentage of women working in construction trades is the highest it’s been in two decades.
N.J. legal weed launched a year ago, but few new shops are opening. Here’s why.
Susan K. Livio, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- As the sun rose a year ago Friday, dozens of people eagerly lined up to be among the first to buy weed legally from one of a dozen state-licensed dispensaries across New Jersey. By the close of business that day, 12,000 customers had spent $1.9 million. A promising new industry was born.
Attorney sues to move trial delayed by NJ’s judge shortage
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey remains in the middle of a judicial vacancy crisis, with top court officials warning lawmakers the crisis is threatening the court’s ability to function. Tyler Hall is an attorney who has been waiting several years for a wrongful death case to be tried in court. Because of the shortage of judges in the state, Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner halted indefinitely all civil trials in six counties due to the lack of judges.
One year after legalization, marijuana’s social-justice promise falls short
Taylor Jung, NJ Spotlight
- Tiyahnn Bryant and Precious Osagie-Erese started their recreational marijuana company, Roll Up Life, six years ago and they appeared to do everything right to secure a license. Their application to sell in East Orange was the top-scoring in the city. They spent over $100,000 on community events, holding expungement clinics to help people with marijuana offenses clean their records.
NJ sets standards for gambling ads, creates role of responsible gaming coordinator
Daniel Munoz, NorthJersey.com
- As casino and gambling revenue continues to climb in New Jersey, state officials announced steps to limit the kinds of advertising that would be allowed in the state industry. The move calls for the creation of “a new position dedicated to responsible gambling” and for the state to set new advertising standards for operators, said New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin’s office.
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