Lots of unhappy people as Dems move redistricting, weed legalization – Politico

Yesterday was one of those days in Trenton.

The Senate and Assembly joint budget committees — haha, “joint” — moved the recreational marijuana legalization bill and some related bills after almost six hours. The votes to pass the recreational bill in the full Legislature aren’t there, and Murphy won’t say if he would sign the bill as is, but it’s a big first step.

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Then, after a five-hour hearing and a two-hour break — when the once-packed committee room was nearly empty — the Senate budget committee took up and passed a redistricting amendment that would virtually ensure Democratic dominance for decades to come.

The latter is probably more historic than the former, since marijuana legalization seems more or less inevitable. The redistricting amendment, however, is not.

Note that even though Democratic legislative leadership is pushing this, a vast array of groups — from Republicans to academics to even liberal organization like the Working Families Alliance, which three years ago pushed for a redistricting amendment — are against it. And even the way Democrats advanced it through committee was controversial, as you can read in my story here.

WHERE’S MURPHY? Speaking at a Shared Service Symposium at 12:30 p.m. — location not disclosed on his public schedule — followed by a 2 p.m. education announcement in Paterson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — State Sen. Dick Codey, Assemblyman John DiMaio, Former U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan, Hudson Media’s Phil Meisner, Blue Jersey’s BIll Orr

QUOTE OF THE DAY: See this opinion piece for various choice quotations on on Gov. Christie’s portrait, which we will not print here.

DUDE, WHERE’S MY LAW? — Democrats prepare to whip votes on cannabis legalization bill, by POLITICO’s Sam Sutton: Lawmakers still face a challenging path toward marijuana legalization. State Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, remains skeptical. He abstained from voting out of deference to Senate President Steve Sweeney and state Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), the bill’s sponsors. “This is the first step, and I’m sure there are going to be changes and more debate,” Sarlo said during the committee hearing. “I walked in here as a no vote … I’m walking out of here still leaning as a no vote.” Top lawmakers also need to reach an agreement with Gov. Phil Murphy on how the cannabis industry would be taxed and regulated. On Sunday, Sweeney told POLITICO he was optimistic about the bill’s chances once it hits the floor. Even so, he’s also asked for Murphy’s help in swaying five Democratic state senators, two of whom — Ron Rice (D-Essex) and former Gov. Richard Codey (D-Essex) — are definite “no” votes.” Read more here

—“NJ marijuana legalization activists left wanting more after legal weed vote” Read more here

—‘Legal weed is one step closer to coming to New Jersey. Here’s what’s next” Read more here

MINIMUM WAGE — Murphy on minimum wage: ‘I’ve run out of patience’, by POLITICO’s Katherine Landergan: Gov. Phil Murphy is frustrated by the lack of movement on a bill that would gradually boost the minimum wage to $15 an hour, saying his team sent a draft to legislative leaders months ago that was never given serious consideration. “I’ve run out of patience,” Murphy said in a sit down interview with POLITICO in his office. “And quite frankly, the other side that is opposed to this has run out of arguments.” But the Democratic governor also said he is encouraged that Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin is calling for swift movement on the issue and is working to craft a bill in the coming weeks. Murphy says he wants this legislation to land on his desk before the holidays. Read more here

AND FOR FRIENDS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, A $275,000 MINIMUM SALARY — “Why a $15 minimum wage for health care systems employees helps N.J. communities,” by George E. Norcross III for The Star-Ledger: “The increase of the minimum wage will immediately benefit about 10 percent of Cooper’s 7,500 employees. Because as much as one-third of the people receiving the raise are Camden city residents, the multiplying effects on this investment in our staff will be felt throughout the city. But Cooper should not be alone in making this decision. Especially in our cities, medical centers are among the largest employers, and an increase in wages will have a huge impact on our own communities. And there’s certainly no reason the state’s suburban and rural hospitals should not follow suit as well.” Read more here

MY WIFE SAYS THIS TO ME WHEN I PLAY RED DEAD REDEMPTION — Sweeney on minimum wage: ‘I’m frustrated, because we are not talking,’ by POLITICO’s Katherine Landergan: Senate President Steve Sweeney says he is working on a Senate version of the minimum wage bill and is also frustrated that there has been little movement on minimum wage negotiations, pinning the blame on Gov. Phil Murphy. “I would really appreciate that the governor would reach out to me and the speaker and talk,” Sweeney said in an interview Monday. “We haven’t spoken since Oct. 2.” Sweeney said he is working on a Senate version of the bill, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said Monday that he is in the “final stages” of his chamber’s proposal. Read more here

THIS IS TOTALLY NOT A POWER GRAB — Over plenty of objections, Democrats move redistricting amendment, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: “Democrats have taken the first step in advancing a measure that would likely cement their majorities in the state Legislature for decades to come. Over the objections of Republicans, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, academics and a host of organizations — including several with a liberal bent — the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee voted 7-5 along party lines on Thursday to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would overhaul New Jersey’s redistricting process. “This is not about political agendas,” committee chairman Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) said. Almost everyone who testified about the bill thought otherwise.” Read more here

TYNER CAN TAKE SOLACE KNOWING THERE’S ALWAYS A SPOT IN THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION FOR HIM — “State AG looking into complaint prosecutor hid evidence, committed mortgage fraud, sources say,” by NJ Advance Media’s Rebecca Everett: “The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is looking into a complaint accusing Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner of hiding evidence, committing mortgage fraud and more, sources tell NJ Advance Media. The office of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has declined to say whether it is taking action in response to an Oct. 4 formal complaint sent to the office. The complaint was leaked. However, two people with knowledge of the matter confirmed that the office of the state’s highest law enforcement official has been looking into the allegations. They agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity. Last month, three women who have worked in the prosecutor’s office sent a letter to the Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey seeking an investigation of Tyner for alleged ethical violations ranging from nepotism to ignoring gender discrimination complaints.” Read more here

AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS OF FISCAL DISCIPLINE — “New Jersey, worst of all the states for spending more money than it raises,” by NJ Spotlight’s John Reitmeyer: “New Jersey’s longstanding tradition of spending more than the state collects in revenue each year is exposed as a national outlier in a new analysis of the budgeting practices that all 50 states have used over the last 15 years. The comprehensive review by the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts places New Jersey dead last among the states when it comes to maintaining fiscal balance, which is raising enough revenue on an annual basis to cover expenses for the same given year.” Read more here

OUTBREAK — “Adenovirus outbreak: Children return to Wanaque facility where 11 have died, by The North Jersey Record’s Monsy Alvarado and Scott Fallon: State health officials have begun allowing medically fragile children to return to the long-term care facility in Wanaque where they were sickened in an adenovirus outbreak that has been blamed for 11 deaths since early October. Three children had been returned, with their families’ permission, to the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation as of Friday afternoon after recovering at area hospitals, said Dawn Thomas, a state Health Department spokeswoman. But a lawyer representing the families of six victims, two of whom have died, said his clients whose children survived the outbreak do not want them to return to Wanaque” Read more here

MORRIS THREATENS TO TURN BLUE AS MAGA CROWD INSISTS GOP BE EVEN MORE PRO-TRUMP — “Morris County women running for GOP-held 25th Legislative District seats,” by The Daily Record: “Morris County Democrats, having just taken two Congressional seats from the GOP, are now taking aim at the state Legislature. With Congresswoman-elect Mikie Sherrill standing by their side at the Brookside Community Center in Mendham Township on Monday, Dr. Lisa Bhimani and Darcy Draeger announced their race for the 25th District. `We’re hoping that the four of us can work as a team. With Mikie and Tom in Congress, and Darcy and I in the state Legislature, we can bring our vision of what our state and country are going to look like together,‘ Bhimani said, referring to Sherrill and Democratic Congressman-elect Tom Malinowski.” Read more here

—“Bramnick could face primary challenge, Trump advisor says,” Read more here

—“In Morris, Sherrill-Inspired Democrats Turn Their Attention to LD25” Read more here

CAMPAIGN FINANCE — “In an era of dark money and unlimited campaign spending, New Jersey is behind the times,” by The Record’s Dustin Racioppi: “With the midterms over, New Jersey lawmakers will soon turn their attention to the 2019 legislative races. If recent history is an indicator, outside money will flood into the state as Democrats try to bolster their majority in the Statehouse. And none of it has to be accounted for. This so-called `dark money‘ is hidden from the public because New Jersey’s rules governing campaign finance have not been updated in years. That’s despite a push from the Election Law Enforcement Commission to strengthen the state’s financial disclosure laws — a push that has been met with inaction by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. The result is a confusing patchwork of regulations that leave the state susceptible to massive amounts of dark money.” Read more here

—“GOP chairman: Dems are conspiring for one-party rule in N.J. You should stop them” Read more here

—”Bills aimed at curbing sexual abuse in schools progress in state assembly” Read more here

— “N.J. racetrack that led sports betting suit still wants big leagues to pay up Read more here

—Golden: “Less than politically nimble: Trailing a storm, Murphy administration staggers toward December” Read more here

STUDENTS TO MEET INSTEAD WITH TRUMP JR., KUSHNER AND A FOREIGN LAWYER AT UNDISCLOSED LOCATION — “White House turns away foreign students on tour with class,” by The New York Post’s Susan Edelman: “The bad weather and treacherous road conditions added hours to the drive and left no time for anything but their visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Even lunch on the White House lawn was canceled. But the snafus didn’t stop there. Months in advance, the school had to send the White House visitors office a list of all students and adults expected to take the tour. After the group made it through an initial checkpoint, Secret Service agents stopped three Henry Hudson students who didn’t have their passports or other identification required for non-US citizens. ‘They are here on visas, but they didn’t bring any of that stuff,’ a dad said … The White House ‘boarding pass,’ similar to an airline boarding pass, is sent to visitors in advance, officials said. Among other rules, it states that ‘all foreign nationals … regardless of age’ must present a passport, alien registration card or US State Department-issued ID.” Read more here

—“The Women’s March is coming back to N.J. in 2019. Here are the details” Read more here

—Ocasio-Cortez seeks Energy and Commerce seat despite clash with Pallone Read more here

—“As Booker slams ND voter ID law in Standing Rock appearance, state official predicts record Native American turnout” Read more here

UNITED TO COINCIDENTALLY ANNOUNCE NEW ROUTE TO FULOP’S VACATION HOME — Legal settlement: millions for Jersey City, new home for PATH substation,” by The Jersey Journal’s Terrence T. McDonald: “Jersey City would collect millions in tax payments from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under a proposed settlement of the city’s four-year-old lawsuit against the bi-state agency. The Port Authority would also pay the city $17.8 million for a Downtown Jersey City property that is expected to be the new home of a PATH substation, if the settlement wins council approval next month. The city would also get a nearby Port Authority-owned property that is part of a block expected to be redeveloped. … The city had been seeking $440 million from the Port Authority, alleging the bi-state agency owed that much in taxes on the properties it owns citywide. An attorney who represented the city on the case told council members last week … documents unearthed during the court proceedings showed the city agreed decades ago to allow the Port Authority not to pay taxes on its city properties.” Read more here

THAT FIVE-YEAR SENTENCE JUST FLEW BY — “Former Paterson Mayor Joey Torres scheduled for release Dec. 13,” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “Former Mayor Joey Torres is scheduled for release on Dec. 12, after serving less than 13 months in prison for using three city employees on taxpayer overtime to renovate his daughter’s beer warehouse, officials said. A New Jersey parole board on Oct. 31 approved Torres’ release date, state officials said. Torres signed his parole certificate on the day after Thanksgiving, the record shows.” Read more here

THIS TOOK SOME BIG BALLS FROM ACDC — ”Democrats want Atlantic City mayor, councilman out of office without pay,” by NJ Advance Media’s Chris Franklin: “Inside the Local 54 building on Atlantic Avenue, members of the Atlantic City Democratic Committee voted 27-3 on a resolution asking Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam and City Councilman-at-large Jeffree Fauntleroy II to leave their positions without pay while an investigation continues surrounding an alleged assault at the Haven Night Club at the Golden Nugget Hotel. The resolution will be sent to the governor and lieutenant governor … Two criminal summons accused Gilliam of simple assault, and two criminal summons accused Fauntleroy of simple assault and harassment. The ACDC says it does not condone alleged actions by the two men. ‘The ACDC hereby denounces the use of violent attacks of our citizens while in a public capacity,’ the committee added. ‘Their actions were inappropriate conduct of a public official.’” Read more here

THEY ALL AGREED THAT FREEHOLDER VAINIERI HAS BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH — “ACLU, Hudson freeholders end legal dispute over ICE vote,” by The Jersey Journal’s Terrence T. McDonald: “The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey has agreed to end its lawsuit against Hudson County’s freeholder board over the board’s alleged violations of the state Open Public Meetings Act. The two parties agreed last week to end the legal dispute, which started Aug. 27 in Hudson County Superior Court. Each side will pay its own legal fees. The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of a group of local religious leaders in August, claiming the freeholders violated OPMA when they voted in July to renew the county’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The board took that vote after telling members of the public the ICE vote would occur at a later meeting.” Read more here

—“Asbury Park rethinking waterfront plans after public outcry” Read more here

—“Lakewood’s Orthodox population keeps growing. We talk to a rabbi about why, and what it means” Read more here

—“L.A. Parker: Trenton Mayor Gusciora sticks with losing hand of Russell as police director” Read more here

—“[Ho-Ho-Kus] Voters who defeated tax hike are being asked to donate money instead” Read more here

—“What you should know about Jersey City’s new business tax” Read more here

—“Rockaway Township police computers down after possible cyber attack” Read more here

NJ 101.5 TREATS THIS AS THE HUGE ISSUE IT CLEARLY IS — “N.J. college rejects on-campus Chick-fil-A over company’s LGTBQ stance,” by NJ Advance Media’s Adam Clark: “A New Jersey college gave its students the chance to pick which new restaurant they wanted on campus— so long as it wasn’t Chick-fil-A. After students at Rider University voted for the fast casual restaurant as their top choice in the spring, the private college sent another survey this fall and excluded the fast casual restaurant ‘based on the company’s record widely perceived to be in opposition to the LGBTQ+ community,’ according to the university. ‘Ultimately, we decided to lean in the direction of creating a welcoming environment where differences can be appreciated and where each individual can expect to experience dignity and respect,’ administrators wrote in a letter explaining the decision.” Read more here

THIS COMMUTER DOESN’T HAVE TO RELY ON NJ TRANSIT — “We now know where NYC’s beloved mandarin duck has been going when he’s not In Central Park,” by Gothamist’s Jen Carlson: “The city’s beloved Mandarin Duck, which we were first to report on when it turned up in Central Park in early October, has been taking extended trips lately, disappearing from his normal spots in the park and leaving his fans panicked that he’ll never return. ‘Rare Mandarin Duck Missing From Central Park!’ headlines have screamed. But this duck is never truly missing, it just hasn’t been where we’ve come to expect it to be. Still, where does the duck go, exactly? He isn’t talking, but some video footage has surfaced showing that our new little New Yorker has been taking off to… New Jersey.” Read more here

CORRECTION: Yesterday I wrote that state Sen. Nick Scutari chaired the budget committee. Of course, Paul Sarlo chairs the budget committee and Scutari chairs the judiciary committee. Not that you care, but I made the mistake because the committees meet in the same room, so they sit in the same seat during meetings. However, Scutari did sub in to sit on the budget committee yesterday.