Murphy to allow indoor dining beginning Friday – Politico

Good Monday morning! Here’s some news:

Gov. Murphy, who’s been teasing news on indoor dining, will announce today that restaurants and movie theaters will be allowed to open for indoor dining on Friday — right at the start of Labor Day weekend.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created substantial challenges for our state, and our restaurants have been among the most impacted businesses due to the particular challenges associated with indoor dining,” Murphy said in a statement. “But given the progress we continue to see statewide, and with the proper precautions and limitations in place, I am proud to say that our restaurants will soon be able to open their doors to customers for indoor dining with limited capacity.”

The guidelines for indoor dining will be similar to the indoor dining rules Murphy proposed early in the summer but rolled back as cases in other parts of the country spiked: 25 percent capacity. Tables six feet apart. Masks required for anyone not eating. I’m told there will be more guidance on indoor ventilation than last time and that it will mirror the requirement for gyms announced last week.

This issue has been one of Murphy’s most contentious during the pandemic, with most states already allowing at least some indoor dining. Murphy has been more cautious and, to his critics, power hungry (no pun intended).

More from Murphy: “I know many restaurants have had a tough summer, and I thank the many owners and workers who understood the need for caution, and who have creatively found ways to offer outdoor dining to customers. Now, our job is to ensure that this resumption is put in motion responsibly so we can continue restoring one of our state’s key industries while continuing to make progress against this virus.”

Will this settle controversies over indoor dining? Maybe for a couple weeks. But with fall coming, we’ll see if the Murphy administration and the restaurant industry agree on capacity limits.

WHERE’S MURPHY?: In Trenton for his coronavirus press conference at 1 p.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: State Sen. Paul Sarlo, former congressional candidate Will Cunningham

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: 306 newly-diagnosed cases for a total of 191,611. Four more deaths for a total of 14,157 (not counting 1,780 probable deaths)

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This is your last chance to get off the Trump train. Why on Earth … why would you want to chain yourself to this anchor made of manure?” — Stephen Colbert to Chris Christie

AND AFTER NOVEMBER THERE WILL BE A GRASS TAX — New Jersey gas tax to increase 9.3 cents per gallon in October, by POLITICO’s Samantha Maldonado: New Jersey’s gas tax will increase by 9.3 cents per gallon starting Oct. 1, state Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio announced Friday. The tax will jump from its current rate of 30.9 cents per gallon to 40.2 cents per gallon for gasoline and from 34.9 cents to 44.2 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. Combined with the current 10.5-cent Motor Fuels Tax, the total tax rate for gasoline and diesel will be 50.7 cents and 57.7 cents, respectively. A law established under former Gov. Chris Christie in 2016 ties the gas tax to annual consumption levels so that tax revenues on petroleum products generate about $2 billion annually for the state’s Transportation Trust Fund, which funds improvements to the state’s transit systems, bridges, highways and roads. “Highway fuels consumption took a significant hit in FY 2020 because of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Maher Muoio said in a statement.

FLATTERGASTED — Murphy’s revised budget offers schools flat funding. Districts say it’s not enough, by POLITICO’s Carly Sitrin: Gov. Phil Murphy’s plan to hold New Jersey school funding flat means nearly 200 public school districts will see cuts in their state aid this year as they prepare to reopen during a pandemic sure to bring unforeseen costs. Chuck Sampson, superintendent of the Freehold Regional High School District, said his Monmouth County district is set to lose nearly $5.8 million in aid. On top of that, he’s looking at millions of dollars in reopening costs. “Nobody is happy at this point in time,” Sampson said in an interview. “A lot of people are hanging on by their fingernails.” School leaders and education advocates say the money isn’t enough to support teachers and staff as they struggle to pay for their own health and safety equipment for the year. And, they say, the stress on district balance sheets will exacerbate inequities for years to come. They also say they’re receiving little help from the Murphy administration.

MICROPEN…NIES — Sweeney backing bill to tax high-frequency trades as budget negotiations loom, by POLITICO’s Sam Sutton: Senate President Steve Sweeney has signed on to a bill that would levy a quarter-cent tax on billions of high-frequency trades processed in New Jersey, introducing a massive potential revenue raiser to ongoing budget negotiations. The legislation, NJ A4402 (20R), was first introduced by Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex) earlier this summer and, until now, hadn’t received any official backing in the Senate. Sweeney proposed a companion bill for introduction in the upper house on Thursday. Gov. Phil Murphy’s revised budget plan includes a host of revenue raising proposals, including his long-sought millionaire’s tax and new levies on cigarettes, HMO health plans and opioid manufacturers, in the hopes of piecing together a balance sheet that’s been shredded by Covid-19 and the accompanying economic downturn.

NOTHING EVER HAPPENED BUSINESS AS USUAL EVERYTHING’S COOL — “Norcross’ firm, Conner Strong, takes step toward $86M incentive,” by ROI-NJ’s Tom Bergeron: “While Gov. Phil Murphy and members of the EDA Task Force he created were involved in a war of words with George Norcross and others over perceived abuses of the state’s tax incentive programs this summer, something else was quietly taking place: Conner Strong & Buckelew, the South Jersey insurance brokerage firm Norcross heads, took a step closer to an $86 million Grow New Jersey tax incentive by signing the agreement with the Economic Development Authority that sets the terms of the incentive. The agreement, which is a procedural step in the incentive process, was signed by both sides May 5. It is based on the incentive that was originally approved by the EDA in March 2017 in connection with the $245 million headquarters Conner Strong & Buckelew built on the Camden waterfront with co-tenants NFI and the Michaels Organization. Officials with Conner Strong & Buckelew, who have until March 2021 to provide the documentation that will used by the EDA in the incentive certification process, told ROI-NJ that the firm intends to do so by the end of September. The EDA generally takes 4-6 weeks to review such documentation.”

MURPHY’S WATERSHED MOMENT — “Murphy misfires, trying to be like Booker,” by The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran: “Now, Gov. Phil Murphy wants to jump aboard by establishing a miniature version of this for New Jersey. He would invest $1,000 next year for each newborn, with an income cap of $131,000 for a family of four. The money would be deposited in a government-run account, with the same restrictions on how it can be spent at age 18. It’s the only big shiny new initiative in Murphy’s budget, worth $40 million for a half year. The twist is this: At the state level, this is an awful idea. It would actually take money out of the economy during this crisis, releasing it in 18 years. It has design flaws that make it less progressive than Booker’s plan. And because New Jersey is beyond broke right now, scaling back even efforts to protect kids from known lead hazards in their water lines, there is no chance the Legislature will approve it. This one is a public relations stunt, folks, leaked first to the New York Times for maximum national exposure. In Trenton, it is headed to the same graveyard as Murphy’s plan for a state-owned bank.”

—“Murphy proposal wildly out-of-step with austerity message”

THE UNDOCUMENTED — “NJ group protests Murphy’s budget, demands COVID-19 financial relief for immigrants,” by The Record’s Jessie Gomez: “After no mention of immigrant relief funds in Murphy’s budget unveiling on Tuesday, Make the Road New Jersey held a rally on Saturday to demand the state provide stimulus payments to taxpayers left behind from all COVID-19 federal aid. They are all pushing for action on S2480, legislation that would provide one-time payments to undocumented and eligible taxpayers. ‘Families urge action to create a COVID relief fund for excluded workers and families, including $600 weekly payments for excluded workers who are jobless and stimulus payments to families excluded from federal aid,’ read a statement from Make the Road New Jersey.”

—“No aid for undocumented in Murphy’s proposed budget”

PONY DOWN — “Murphy proposes gutting $20M racing subsidy as New Jersey deals with covid-caused budget deficit,” by Casino.org’s Steve Bittenbender: “Murphy’s plan removes the $20 million set aside for the initiative that has helped Monmouth Park, the Meadowlands, and Freehold Raceway bolster purses and increase races. Last year was the first year for the program created by a state law to support the New Jersey racing industry. It’s meant to run for five years, but given the fiscal uncertainty, there’s no guarantee the subsidy will be restored — either for the 2022 fiscal year or possibly this year if the state receives federal funding in a COVID-19 relief bill Congress has been debating.”

—“NJ approves three bills to support November vote-by-mail General Election”

—“Homestead and Senior Freeze property tax programs restored in Murphy budget. But there’s a hitch”

—“Murphy budget tries to keep lead water promise. But lead paint program faces steep cut”

—“MVC says backlogs are easing and lines are shorter, but no word on extended deadlines”

—“The Hypothetical: A one-act play by Jon Bramnick”

—“Rally to reopen indoor dining set for Wednesday in Trenton”

—“Murphy details $250M child care assistance program he proposed in revised budget”

—“N.J. school districts can now apply for all-remote reopenings as state finally releases guidelines”

—“Environmentalist lauds N.J. bill restricting phosphorus in cleaning products”

—“A second coronavirus wave is likely coming to N.J. this fall. The question: How big?”

—“Murphy dines outdoors at Nicholas Barrel and Roost while indoor dining is packed”

DID HE ASK MARK SOKOLICH FOR SUPPORT? — “GOP donors boost ex-Christie aide’s NH congressional run,” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “Matt Mowers, who was part of former Gov. Chris Christie’s in-house team of political operatives — and who testified in the Bridgegate trial, is pursuing a House seat in New Hampshire with generous help from New Jersey Republicans. Mowers, who is facing Matt Mayberry, the former New Hampshire Republican vice chairman, in a Sept. 8 primary, garnered $229,051 from Garden State donors — almost 40% of all the money he’s collected for the primary, according to Federal Election Commission records. Many of the donations, not surprisingly, have come from Republicans within Christie’s orbit, including family members, longtime political allies and donors. Christie headlined a virtual fundraiser for Mowers in May.”

—Stile’s column piqued my curiosity. As he notes, Christie’s allies are funding much of Mowers’ campaign. Mowers served in the Christie administration and on his gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. Christie indisputably brought Mowers to the dance. But there’s no mention of his time with Chrisite in Mowers’ online bio. And when I Googled references to Christie on Mowers’ campaign’s website, I found a total of three — all clips from New Hampshire news source WMUR. Reading Mowers’ campaign bio, you would think he went straight from becoming an Eagle Scout to executive director of the New Hampshire GOP. I know Christie’s not the most popular figure in GOP circles right now, but this still strikes me as remarkable.

MORE TIME TO PLAN HIS FOURTH UNSUCCESSFUL PRIMARY CAMPAIGN — “Hirsh Singh recount bid might be close to an end,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “This week could mark the end of the road for Hirsh Singh, who has been searching for a recount after losing last month’s Republican U.S. Senate primary. Rik Mehta defeated Singh by 8,727 votes for the chance to take on Democratic incumbent Cory Booker. Singh filed for a recount on July 24 and two in-no-hurry judges will finally get around to hearing his request this week. WIth no attorney, SIngh is representing himself. Recount requests for Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties will be heard on Monday, with hearings for the last three counties — Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren — scheduled for Thursday. Superior Court Judge Stuart Minkowitz rescinded an order on Friday for a recount of votes in Morris County after Singh never paid the $9,900 cost of a hand recount of about 46,000 votes cast in the primary.”

MAYOR WARIO — “Englewood Cliffs mayor rescinds police overtime bill sent to BLM protest organizer,” by The Record’s Katie Sobko: “A day after making national headlines for sending a police overtime bill to the 18-year-old organizer of a local Black Lives Matter protest, Mayor Mario Kranjac says that he reached out to the organizer to rescind the bill. Kranjac said Saturday that he sent information to the organizer, Emily Gil, that said that he had been told ‘that all private events requiring police overtime should be paid for by the organizers.’ ‘It was never intended as a fine, but rather as a fee,’ Kranjac said. ‘I have researched the issue further with my own counsel and I am hereby rescinding the bill, subject to our Council’s ratification of my action.’ After holding the protest in July, Gil received a letter from Kranjac that said that she owed the borough $2,499.26 for police overtime. Gil confirmed that Kranjac had reached out but ‘also made excuses as to why he billed me in the first place.’ ‘He said that it was routine and that he was given advice to give me a fee,’ she said. ‘Which makes no sense because it wasn’t an official fee — again, it was a letter. He also didn’t apologize to me which is infuriating.’”

—“This NJ teen organized a BLM protest. Then she got hit with a $2,500 bill for police overtime”

—“Legislators speak out about ‘outrageous’ police overtime bill sent to NJ teen”

WILL INZELBUCH DONATE HIS PAY TO BUY PPE? — “Inside the heated battle between parents, teachers and officials over one N.J. district’s reopening,” by NJ Advance Media’s Payton Guoion: “Nearly 1,000 kids, parents and teachers spread out on the basketball courts in the Lakewood High School gymnasium this week, as more than a dozen health professionals administered tests for the coronavirus or the antibodies that fight it. Last week, construction crews drilled holes for footers to secure eight modular units behind Lakewood Middle School. Eight more are coming in October. And a report from Michael Inzelbuch, the school district’s outspoken attorney, said nearly all clear plastic dividers that aim to keep students safe had been installed in township’s seven public schools. Everything must come together before kids return to school Sept. 4 in Lakewood, one of more than 60 public districts in New Jersey currently planning to welcome students in class full-time, at least to start the year. In a town where just about everything is controversial, the decision to reopen schools is no different.”

KNAPP TIME — “Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp announces retirement,” by The Daily Record’s William Westhoven: “Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, currently under fire by religious and nonprofit organization leaders calling for his ouster, announced his retirement Friday, effective Nov. 1. Knapp has been in office since then-Gov. Chris Christie appointed him acting Morris County prosecutor on Dec 14, 2012. Eighteen months later, Knapp and five other prosecutors were confirmed by the New Jersey Senate on June 27, 2014. ‘I plan to relax and spend more time with my family, especially my grandson, in the coming months and to pursue other professional endeavors,’ Knapp wrote in a release announcing his retirement. His last day on the job will be Oct. 13. Knapp said the timing of his announcement had nothing to do with a letter sent by New Jersey Together, a coalition of more than 50 religious and nonprofit leaders asking Gov. Phil Murphy to remove him and replace him with someone who is ‘equipped to address racial incarceration disparities.’”

RESTAURANT CUSTOMER FILES TORTE CLAIM TO RESERVE DESSERT — “Hospital landlord files tort claim against Hudson County governments alleging ‘concerted effort to discredit’ him,” by The Jersey Journal’s Teri West: “Avery Eisenreich, the landlord for multiple Hudson County hospitals, may be preparing to sue Bayonne, Hoboken and the county, alleging they have strategically sought to discredit him by lying to the public about his intentions for the hospitals. Genova Burns LLC, the law firm representing Eisenreich, filed a notice of tort claim against the municipal and county governments in July — a procedural step required to sue a public entity. Eisenreich currently owns 70% of the land under Hoboken University Medical Center and 25% stake of the Christ Hospital land and hospital operations. He previously owned Bayonne Medical Center property but sold it to Hudson Regional Hospital and is in the process of selling his stake in the Hoboken hospital property. Officials in Hudson County have routinely said that Eisenreich, who also owns the Alaris Health nursing home chain, has held up sales of the hospitals.”

JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR JACK KELLY? — “Ocean County Airport in Berkeley to undergo $2.8M expansion,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Erik Laren: “The Board of Freeholders will spend $2.8 million to expand a portion of Ocean County Airport at Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley with a new hangar and taxilanes. Anthony M. Agliata, the county’s planning director, has recommended that the board accept a qualified bid from Gary Kubiak and Son Electric Co. of Robbinsville at its next regular meeting on Wednesday.”

—“Murphy administration allows defiant gym to open, if they follow new rules”

—“Small [Dunellen] VFW post seeks community support after break-in adds to its coronavirus woes”

—“Mercer County renters struggling to make payments amid coronavirus pandemic”

—“Still hospitalized after many surgeries, GoFundMe started for Bayonne Councilman Gullace”

R.I.P. — “Brick soldier killed in Black Hawk helicopter crash off California coast,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Erik Laren: “A soldier from Brick has been identified as one of two members of the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) who died Thursday in a training accident on San Clemente Island in California. Staff Sgt. Vincent P. Marketta, 33, a 2005 graduate of Brick Township High School, was killed along with Sgt. Tyler M. Shelton, 22, of San Bernardino, California. Both soldiers perished when the Black Hawk helicopter they were aboard crashed, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.”

DON’T BELIEVE IT UNTIL YOU SEE THE UNITED VAN LINES STUDY — “New Yorkers are fleeing to the suburbs: ‘The demand is insane’,” by The New York Times’ Matthew Haag: “Across New Jersey, more than 29,700 homes were sold in June and July, an increase of 33 percent over the same period in 2019, according to the Otteau Group, a real estate data and appraisal firm. Jeffrey G. Otteau, who is the president of the company, said the buying spree was particularly notable because it was happening when fewer homes were on the market. From the start of the year through July, the inventory in New Jersey dropped 40 percent compared with same period last year — a sign that many homeowners in the state were staying put during an uncertain economy. ‘The demand has to come from somewhere, and we think most of that is coming from New York City,’ Mr. Otteau said.”

CRASH PANDEMICOOT — “After a coronavirus-fueled crash, commuter traffic is coming back,” by NJ Advance Media’s Larry Higgs: “As employers slowly reopen offices and employees, who were working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, trickle back to workplaces, traffic is starting to bounce back. Not only have drivers noticed more cars on their regular commutes than in previous months, but data from federal, regional and state agencies show traffic has steadily increased since the most dramatic declines seen in April.”

—“Cops bust huge house party near Rutgers as students return to campus (VIDEO)”

—“This NJ man quit his job to travel cross country and drink whiskey. Now he’s Instagram famous”