Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 12/18/2020 – InsiderNJ

Follow Insider NJ’s COVID-19 Information Update Center and Insider NJ’s County COVID-19 Data Center.

The statewide COVID-19 count stands at 419,330 cases and 16,172 fatalities (and 1,908 probable fatalities) as of Thursday; the viral transmission rate is 1.05.

The NJDOL reported that unemployment benefit payments exceeded $20B since the beginning of the pandemic, to a total of 1.86M claims. The NJDOL reported that the state’s unemployment rate increased to 10.2% in November, while overall employment also increased.

Camden County’s DOH is seeking medical professionals for COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The county is providing an extra $5M in CARES Act funding for small businesses.

Essex County Executive DiVincenzo announced a plan to open five COVID-19 vaccine distribution sites throughout the county.

Hudson County Executive DeGise is quarantining following his Chief of Staff testing positive for COVID-19.

Ocean County Freeholder Little will retire next year, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Senator Booker introduced the ‘College Athletes Bill of Rights’.

Rep. Smith held a hearing with the State Department and humanitarian groups on the alleged acts and killings in Nigeria by Islamic radicals.

The Port Authority approved a $7.3B budget, with a $1.7B loss expected, according to Politico NJ.

The Rutgers Board of Governors approved public comment restrictions, according to Politico NJ.

The Visitors Center at Grover Cleveland’s Birthplace will be completed by the spring, according to NJ Hills.

Did You Know? Nuclear Power Ensures The Reliability Of The Energy Grid (Sponsored Content from PSE&G)

ICYMI: Murphy issued storm state of emergency ; NJPRF gets $20M donation; first New Jerseyan received the COVID-19 vaccine; Sherrill called for resignation of VA Secretary Wilkie; Murphy has no plans to close indoor dining; Murphy browbeat McConnell; Carpenito resigning Jan. 5th; Bergen Jail protest clash (iLine), Cureton announced arrest of woman for rioting; Murphy on GOP field: ‘there will be a time for politics‘; MVC shifting to appt-only; ABC, AG announced charges against 10 bars, restaurants; Pascrell wants GOP House members not seated; NJDOL: UE payments near $20B; woman murdered on Torricelli estate (iLine post); Murphy presented COVID models; NJHRA discuss importance of restaurants

The Senate and Assembly passed legislation yesterday allowing for the corporate restructuring of Horizon, an issue that dominated Trenton over the past two weeks as the bill took center stage in Trenton. During the floor debate, sponsor Senator Pou and Senator Singer tangled over the bill, as Senators voted largely across party lines, with GOP Senator Bateman abstaining and Democratic Senators Turner and Gill voted against it. Horizon Chairman Conlin and CEO St. Hilaire applauded the bill’s package and thanked the sponsoring legislators. Move Health Care Forward Executive Director Dennis Bone said the bill’s passage is an ‘important step forward‘ and will ‘create enormous potential’ for Horizon and the state’s economy. NJ Citizen Action urged Governor Murphy to conditionally veto the bill.

The Senate and Assembly passed marijuana legalization legislation yesterday, by a vote of 23-17, with GOP Senator Bateman abstaining and Democrat Senators Sarlo and Rice voting against it. Sponsor Senator Scutari and Rice jousted during the floor debate, during which Scutari directed to Rice ‘where have you been for all these years?’ before Senate President Sweeney intervened. Senator O’Scanlon criticized the legislation, saying it ‘fails to learn from other state’s mistakes’. Senator Testa said the Legislature ‘should be ashamed‘ and that the ‘greedy taxation will be funneled to – and wasted by – the usual money pits’.

Assemblyman Holley lauded the bill’s passage as the ‘most progressive’ in the nation.

The Senate passed a bill package to protect the rights of sexual assault and harassment survivors.

The Senate passed legislation extending PFRS retirement eligibility regardless of age.

The Senate Budget Committee and Assembly Appropriations Committee will vote on a fast-tracked $11.5B tax incentive program bill today, according to NJ Biz, following an agreement announced by Governor Murphy and lawmakers earlier this week. The Governor’s Office released a list of supporting statements for the legislation ahead of the hearings.

Governor Murphy applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Janine Bauer and Dr. Balpreet Grewal-Virk to the Gateway Board.

Assemblywoman Quijano urged the US Senate to pass a federal ‘Daniel’s Law’.

AENJ urged Governor Murphy to ‘go back to the drawing board’ on the state’s energy master plan.

ICYMI: Murphy took action on bills; AFI advanced Horizon bill; NJCA decried amendments, while Applesed lamented ‘. The Senate Commerce Committee likewise no significant alterations’; Senate Commerce advanced the bill, Bucco and Cardinale expressed concern, GOP members offer amendment; Scutari warns of ‘constitutional crisis‘ if marijuana legislation isn’t passed; GOP Senators express concerns w/ Horizon bill; Horizon bill one step closer to reality, lawmakers review amendments as bill takes center stage, Danielsen objected to process; source says Walter to succeed retiring Richman at NJHFMA (iLine); stumbling blocks with marijuana legalization; Rutgers professors filed pay equity lawsuit; Ruiz, Doherty clashed over diversity legislation; Pou, Sarlo, Sweeney announced introduction of Horizon reorganization bill; orgs released statements of support; Steinhagen says it ‘implicates major issues‘; McKeon makes point about adaptation, Conlin says will create a ‘better Horizon‘

In Perth Amboy, mayoral challenger and likely runoff victor Helmin Caba says his anticipated win is a ‘victory for everyone who lives and works’ in the city.

In Hoboken, the council passed a resolution urging Hudson County’s state representatives to advocate for additional local revenue from cannabis sales.

In Jersey City, the council moved to allow the controversial Morris Canal Manor project to move forward, according to the Jersey Journal.

In Atlantic City, new short-term rental regulations are now on the books, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

In Bridgewater, Mayor Moench released a statement on the Center For Excellence’s notice of appeal, saying its ‘disappointing’ and an attempt to ‘end run around the process’.

In Bordentown, the US Senate passed legislation to rename the Post Office after Clara Barton.

In Paterson, a fallen police officer’s badge number will be reassigned to his sister, who is joining the force.

In Tewksbury, a property maintenance ordinance narrowly passed, according to NJ Hills.

In Branchburg, the mayor says the municipal pool investment is ‘risky‘, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Bloomingdale, the schools agreed to share Butler’s superintendent, according to NorthJersey.com.

In Englewood Cliffs, a man bribed an official for defense contracts, according to the Bergen Record.

In Denville, the council cleared a hurdle for affordable housing units, according to NJ Hills.