Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 12/20/2021 – InsiderNJ

The statewide cumulative COVID-19 count stands at 1,163,823 cases and 25,879 confirmed fatalities (and 181,894 probable cases and 2,835 probable fatalities) as of Sunday (an increase of 6,533 confirmed cases, 988 probable cases, and 6 lab-confirmed fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is 1.21. There are 6,350,702 people fully vaccinated.

A Monmouth University poll finds Americans are ‘worn out‘ by COVID-19.

New COVID-19 restrictions are possible as the state topped 12,000 new cases in two days, with the Governor saying ‘everything’ is on the table, according to NJ Spotlight.

Senator Booker tested positive for COVID-19.

Governor Murphy commemorated the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 vaccinations in the state, marking the moment amid rising cases and urging residents to get their booster shots.

Governor Murphy highlighted the state’s supply chain infrastructure.

Governor Murphy announced $2.7M in second round funding of Preschool Expansion Aid.

The EPA announced that seven Superfund sites are slated for clean-up in New Jersey.

The NJDOL reported the state’s unemployment rate was 6.6% in November, falling .4% from the previous month.

Phil Sellinger assumed the oath of office as US Attorney.

Systemic racism has pervaded the state’s child welfare system for decades, according to NJ.com.

The state charged five new defendants in the investigation of the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.

Officials approved a deal for Passaic County to house inmates at Bergen County Jail, according to the Bergen Record.

Somerset County and the state opened a COVID-19 vaccine mega-site in Bridgewater.

Senators Menendez and Booker announced $54M to support the state’s airports.

Senator Booker introduced legislation addressing sickle cell disease.

Reps. Sherrill and Gottheimer are undertaking the traditional rites of politics, and touring their districts as they head into re-election mode.

Rep. Sherrill introduced the ‘Clarifying Authority Over Nicotine Act’.

NJ PBS announced the promotion of Taylor Jung as multimedia social justice reports

Airbnb announced that New Jersey hosts have earned $825M since 2010.

Easterseals NJ appointed five new board members.

A WalletHub survey ranks NJ the nation’s 10th safest state during COVID-19.

In CD10, the infrastructure-grounded Rep. Payne finds himself in a critical position in terms of both policy and the 2021 redistricting process in the face of a primary challenge next year.

In CD8, Rep. Sires won’t seek re-election next year, according to NJ Globe.

In CD4, Tricia Flanagan will challenge Rep. Smith in the GOP primary, according to SaveJersey.

In CD3, former President Trump endorsed Rep. Van Drew for re-election, according to SaveJersey.

South Asian Community Outreach held its annual holiday gala, featuring a large cast of political attendees and demonstrating close ties between Middlesex and Essex.

Cumberland County GOP Commissioners-elect Sileo and Romero called on the county to refrain from major lame duck decisions.

Ex-Paterson Police Chief Oswald will run for Passaic County Sheriff as a Republican, according to NorthJersey.com.

ICYMI: In CD3, Healey named Velardi manager; in CD5, Pallotta trumpeting endorsements; Murphy huddled with Carville; Kiley considering challenging Pallone; Mastrangelo blasted the ethics probe; Robinson in hot seat again over the pro-life stance of Oliver; in CD5, Flora announced candidacy in GOP primary; in CD11, Casha launched campaign, Rizzo announced candidacy; Akhter reflects on his tenure in county government; Malinowski allies rushed to his aid for redistricting; Weinberg’s Women’s Power List; Ciattarelli says GOP will ‘take back seats‘; Sweeney ‘will be back, probably sooner than you think‘

Another vaccine-rule dustup is expected at the Statehouse today, according to NJ Monitor.

State Police Superintendent Colonel Callahan’s nomination was released by the Senate Judiciary Committee, despite accusations of ‘stonewalling’, according to Politico NJ.

Senate President Sweeney touted economic growth at a South Jersey Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Senator Gill made the case for her Senate Presidency candidacy.

Senator Singer will introduce legislation to reinstate bail and pre-trial detention for some violent criminals.

Senators Testa and Pennacchio held a virtual hearing on COVID-19 natural immunity.

Senator O’Scanlon called on the Murphy Administration to implement ‘test-and-stay’ procedures in schools.

Senator Oroho slammed Governor Murphy’s energy master plan as ‘costly foolishness’. Oroho’s mantra for the incoming year is ‘making the state affordable for all’, according to NJ Hills.

Senator Bucco highlighted his legislation to require state income tax brackets be adjusted yearly for inflation.

The Senate Budget Committee advanced legislation to protect marriage equality in the state.

The LD10 legislators slammed Trenton Democrats over the ‘brain drain’ of college-age residents leaving the state.

The NJDHS announced the extension of the application period for the Excluded New Jerseyans Fund.

The NJ Apartment Association urged the ramp-up of the ‘Rental Eviction Prevention Program’.

The NJ Realtors named their 2021 Realtor of the Year.

Environmental groups urged the passage of the ‘Save The Bees Act’.

ICYMI: Durr shares thoughts on victory; Sarlo named Deputy Majority Leader; Coughlin announced Hahn to succeed retiring Cimino as AMO ED; Sierra Club welcomed new director; Scutari named Pou to leadership; Conaway promoted Zupko to COS; GOP collision course over vax mandate; Dems’ difficulty w/ RFA

In Newark, the now-solidified Team Baraka slate will head into an election year without South Ward Councilman John Sharpe James, supplanted on the ticket by Pat Council, while the absence of At-Large Councilman Osborne on the ticket puzzled insiders and turned heads as Baraka contemplates a gubernatorial candidacy in 2025. Former West Ward Councilman Rice offers advice for candidates seeking his old council seat in next year’s elections. East Ward Council candidate Michael Silva announced his campaign team leadership; in the three-way race, Silva has the backing of retiring incumbent Councilman Amador, while Louis Weber has the backing of Mayor Baraka. Mayor Baraka announced support for the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.

In Bayonne, Council President Ash Nadrowski clashed with colleagues at a council meeting; heading into volatile election year, Ashe Nadrowski launched her campaign for mayor earlier this month, as insiders brace for battle in the city.

In West New York, the town raised the minimum wage for municipal employees to $15/hour.

In Trenton, Mayor Gusciora blasted the council for pulling resolutions authorizing the Roebling redevelopment and cannabis license applications. Mayor Gusciora claimed that Council President McBride will ‘shut down’ the city unless Clerk Conlon’s office is staffed, according to the Trentonian.

In Hoboken, the city will build its fourth resiliency park.

In Chatham, Susan Ross will take a vacant BOE seat, according to NJ Hills.

In Cranbury, voters approved the school referendum, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Essex Fells, the mayor says the latest water test shows contaminants are below the state’s dangerous level, according to NJ Hills.

In Hoboken, the campaign finance union contribution law passed the council in a surprise revote, according to the Jersey Journal.

In Howell, the Planning Board postponed the affordable housing plan again, according to the Asbury Park Press. Police officers voted no confidence in Chief Kudrick, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Jersey City, Councilwoman Watterman is expected to retain the council presidency, according to the Jersey Journal.

In Lakewood, officials want a trash transfer station, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Longport, the town is starting early to find its 2022 ice cream vendor, according to Downbeach.

In Lopatcong, teachers aired grievances for an hour at a BOE meeting, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

In Madison, the BOE accepted an audit with minor recommendations, according to NJ Hills.

In Mahwah, a resident lawsuit over the cell tower installation was settled, according to the Bergen Record. The council tabled an ordinance allowing cannabis sales on Route 17, according to the Bergen Record.

In Middletown, schools are making COVID-19 quarantine voluntary for close contacts, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Millville, Commissioner-elect James Quinn won’t serve on the commission, according to the Daily Journal.

In Morristown, the local Democrats voted to oust Chairman Oliver over his anti-abortion activism, according to Morristown Green.

In Mount Olive, the schools chief said social media threats against the district are ‘unsubstantiated‘, according to NJ Hills.

In Paterson, the council is moving to ban cannabis use in public places, according to TAPinto. Former Mayors Jones and Torres are entering next year’s mayoral race, according to the Paterson Press; Councilman Velez also entered the mayoral race. Councilman Mendez is seeking pre-trial intervention in his voter fraud case, according to the Paterson Press.

In Plainfield, a former police sergeant was found guilty of stealing from the city, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Robbinsville, the senior center was named for longest serving Councilman Calcagno, according to TAPinto.

In Roxbury, the mayor says the town is ‘blessed‘ despite rising COVID-19 cases, according to NJ Hills.

In Teaneck, the master plan was updated to allow for the expansion of Holy Name Hospital, according to the Bergen Record.

In Warren Township, voters approved the school referendum, according to TAPinto.

In Watchung, voters rejected the school referendum, according to TAPinto.

In Wildwood, a beach tags proposal looks less likely for now, according to the Press of Atlantic City.