Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 2/24/2022 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We’re pretty much getting back to where we want to be, which is normal.” – Governor Murphy
TOP STORY: Malinowski Takes the Fight to Kean, Jr.
The statewide cumulative COVID-19 count stands at 1,867,368 cases and 29,840 confirmed fatalities (and 293,822 probable cases and 2,960 probable fatalities) as of Wednesday (an increase of 1,058 confirmed cases, 252 probable cases, 69 lab-confirmed fatalities, and 12 hospital-reported fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is .69. There are 963 total hospitalizations, with 154 in intensive care units. There are 6,705,330 people fully vaccinated.
Governor Murphy will end his regular COVID-19 briefings early next month as the viral metrics continue to improve.
Records show the state spent more than $90M on the COVID hotline, according to NJ.com.
Governor Murphy added four people his Administration’s economic development team, according to ROI-NJ.
The Atlantic County Jail achieved 100% compliance for a fourth year in a row.
Cape May County introduced the 2022 budget.
Camden County will honor eleven residents with the Freedom Medal.
Mercer County Executive Hughes presented the 2022 budget with no tax levy increase.
Sussex County outlined its approach to handling the Andover nursing home scandal.
Union County is looking outside its borders to shelter the homeless, according to TAPinto.
Senator Menendez blistered the Russian attack on Ukraine, saying ‘my heart is heavy’ for the Ukrainian people and ‘has brought into sharp focus the need to expel the Kremlin leadership from the international community’.
Rep. Pascrell and Assemblyman Schaer teamed up to back security for religious non-profits.
Rep. Payne slammed Senator Rick Scott’s tax proposal.
The Turnpike Authority approved a $250k payout in a privacy lawsuit against a former trooper, according to NJ Monitor.
The controversial Holy Name Hospital expansion took another step forward, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI: Commission approved the new legislative map, Carchman applauded bipartisan vote: ‘different parties, but the same fight‘, Jones, Barlas say map is ‘historic‘, Jones noted ‘difficult choices’ (Codey and Gill, Stack and Sacco); commission reached deal framework
In CD1, GOP candidate Claire Gustafson says that Russia-Ukraine tensions demonstrate why the US must be energy independent.
In CD2, former Democratic candidate Amy Kennedy endorsed Tim Alexander.
In CD3, GOP primary candidate Ian Smith chided Rep. Kim’s NJEA endorsement, calling the union a ‘hyper-partisan organization beholden to Governor Murphy’.
In CD4, GOP primary candidate Mike Crispi demanded Rep. Smith denounce the treatment by Canada of trucker convoys, calling it ‘horrific’.
In CD7, Rep. Malinowski held a ‘Tom’s In Town’ event in Bridgewater, speaking with about 75 people in the backroom of a bar.
In CD8, former Christie staffer Brian Varela entered the Democratic primary.
In CD11, GOP primary candidate Paul DeGroot blamed the Russia-Ukraine conflict on ‘progressive bungling’ and the perception that Biden is seen as ‘weak’ by Russian President Putin.
The HCDO endorsed Hudson Sheriff Schillari for re-election.
Insider NJ Poll: Who Would Win a 2022 Rematch Between Malinowski and Kean?
ICYMI: In LD23, Peterson lamented Hunterdon cut-up; in LD27, Codey, Gill appear intent on running, McKeon could make a play; in LD32, Mukherji announced Sen. candidacy; in reconfigured LD33, HCDO express outrage, as rumblings of coming eruption quiet down; Kean, Malinowski dead heat; in CD11, GOP primary candidates discussed affordability, taxes, and SALT, Dunn won’t run; in CD7, IUOE endorsed Kean, Malinowski touts poll; in CD1, Norcross kicked-off re-election, Murphy appearing with him, Gustafson delighted in their embrace; in CD3, primary candidate Smith sent cease-and-desist to Healey over false statements, Healey secured Monmouth backing
In Newark, Mayor Baraka announced $2M in emergency aid to combat food insecurity and food deserts in the city.
In Atlantic City, a report by Spectrum finds that the proposed casino smoking ban could cost 2,500 jobs. A Cannabis Review Board will be created, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Brick, the town brought back the small business aid program, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bridgewater, the council tabled a resolution to purchase a replacement pump, according to TAPinto.
In Caldwell, the borough attorney passed away, according to TAPinto.
In Cedar Grove, the rescue squad is once again the main provider, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Chatham Township, the ability to require facemasks in public spaces is no longer permitted, according to NJ Hills.
In Edison, plans for a massive warehouse were scrapped, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Fairfield, the town is mulling submitting a stormwater management bill to the state, according to TAPinto.
In Florham Park, a hotel tax appeal was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Fanwood, the council debated a dog park ordinance, according to TAPinto.
In Franklin, a marijuana grower was approved for expansion, according to NJ Herald.
In Galloway, Police Chief Higbee will retire, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Harrison Township, the first K-9 unit was welcomed following a $50k grant, according to the Courier Post.
In Hasbrouck Heights, the borough attorney passed away, according to TAPinto.
In Hazlet, officials will address ticks and other concerns at Natco Park, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Howell, warehouse developers win and lose all around Route 33, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, the council grilled a MUA official over a ‘nightmare’ solid waste fee situation, according to Hudson County View.
In Morristown, the council opposed airport funding, a dog park, and outdoor parade drinking, according to Morristown Green.
In Nutley, homeowners started a petition to save a home from being torn down, according to TAPinto.
In Palisades Park, legal claims are a ‘tell-tale sign‘ of trouble for the police, according to the Bergen Record.
In Paterson, the mobile COVID-19 vaccination program was eliminated, according to Paterson Press. The mayoral field is uncertain with two weeks left before the filing deadline, according to Paterson Press. The council approved $5.7M in park improvements, according to TAPinto. The council axed $15M from the mayor’s federal aid spending plan, according to Paterson Press.
In Pleasantville, the council voted against suspending a strip club’s license, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Red Bank, Democratic Councilwoman Horgan and Democratic municipal committee secretary Okeson filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Democratic Councilwoman Miranda, alleging that Chair Zipprich ‘circumvented the nominating process’, according to TAPinto.
In Somerville, rooftop dining was proposed, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Trenton, Clerk Conlon, under investigation, could have his RMC revoked, according to the Trentonian.
In Washington Township, budget struggles continue, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: In Newark, Baraka aims to inject new energy with slate; in Randolph, Smith expressed outrage over removal of Rosh Hashana second day from school holiday calendar; in Piscataway, redistricting causes intra-party strife; in Newark, Campos nabbed law enforcement support; in Bayonne, Ashe-Nadrowski announced campaign team
AROUND THE WEB:
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- The newly adopted New Jersey legislative district map will give voters new representatives in many parts of the state and could wind up sending more Republicans to the State House. And it is also proof that Republicans and Democrats can compromise on a major political undertaking when the circumstances are right. But good-government advocates say it’s still not a perfect process.
State Police prep ‘heavy wreckers’ to tow convoy truckers if they stop on N.J. highways
Kevin Shea, For NJ.com
- The head of the New Jersey State Police said Wednesday that if trucks convoying on Garden State highways next weekend purposely stop, they could be towed from interstate roads. Truckers protesting COVID-19 vaccine mandates, inspired by the recent truck protest gridlock in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, are planning to travel through New Jersey on March 5 and 6, on their way to Washington, D.C,. for a national trucker rally.
Plan advancing for NJ to establish school desegregation office
Michael Symons, NJ1015
- Legislation advancing in the state Senate would create a Division of School Desegregation in the state Department of Education, responsible for identifying instances of racial and socioeconomic segregation and ways to ensure diverse enrollment in New Jersey public schools. The division would compile statistics on the racial, ethnic and economic composition of each public school and do a comparative analysis of the educational outcomes of students in highly segregated schools and the more racially and economically integrated schools.
Passaic County sheriff’s officers were justified in fatally shooting Paterson man
Jonathan Greene, Paterson Times
- Three officers of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office were justified in fatally shooting a Paterson man in a 2020 incident, authorities said. Christopher Clark, 36, of Paterson, died after three officers fired their service weapons at him on 16th Avenue near Park Avenue on May 23, 2020.
After redeveloper deal axed, MCCDC protests across from Jersey City Redevelopment Agency
Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View
- After the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency axed a redeveloper deal with the the Morris Canal Community Development Corporation (MCCDC) last week, the group organized a protest across from the JCRA office this afternoon.
George Norcross v. Vernon Hill: Onetime allies fight over Philly’s Republic Bank
Joseph N. DiStefano and Catherine Dunn, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Vernon Hill and George Norcross, once allies, are digging in for what could be a protracted fight for control of Philadelphia-based Republic Bank. Supporters of each side say the two veterans of many business battles are bracing for a long struggle, with rival lawyers, investment bankers, and other advisers prepared to dig in for months, or longer, if necessary.
Fears grow that Black businesses will be left out of recreational marijuana market
Dana DiFilippo and Sophie Nieto-Munoz, NJ Monitor
- Jersey City plant shop owner Shayla Cabrera has eyed the cannabis industry for years, dreaming of growing and selling her own cannabis crop in a market where sales are expected to top one billion dollars the first year. As a Black woman, Cabrera has an edge in the highly competitive race to snag the limited number of cultivator licenses. New Jersey has pledged to prioritize applicants from marginalized populations, as it looks to atone for a war on drugs that ravaged communities of color.
Who’s sad, glad for legislative redistricting? It depends on who you ask
New Jersey Hills
- Local mayors have mixed feelings that the state’s re-drawn legislative district map is relocating their towns.
ROI Influencers: Power List 2022 — Top 50
ROI NJ Staff
- Gov. Phil Murphy is the most influential person in New Jersey. And, let’s be honest, everyone knows that. So, while the ROI Influencers: Power List’s Top 50 is aimed at recognizing those most influential in the business world, you cannot separate business and politics in the state.
Expand tax credits to cut poverty, NJ urged
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey should join the ranks of states that offer lower-income parents a special tax break to help offset costs associated with raising children, an advocacy group says. New Jersey Policy Perspective, a Trenton-based think tank, argues in a new report that such a tax policy would be an effective way to combat stubbornly high rates of poverty and income inequality in a high-cost state like New Jersey.
The good news on NJ gas prices? Unfortunately, there isn’t any in the weeks ahead
Matt Fagan, NorthJersey.com
- The bad news is that gasoline in New Jersey is up 21 cents per gallon from a month ago and 85 cents from a year ago, to an average of $3.61 per gallon. The good news? There’s apparently none on the horizon, said Robert Sinclair, the AAA Northeast senior manager of public affairs.
NJ drivers from these 20 ZIP codes will see adjusted tolls due to Turnpike reconfiguration
Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
- Turnpike tolls will be lowered for New Jersey residents living in 20 ZIP codes. Kind of. When the New Jersey Turnpike Authority completed a construction project in November 2021 near Exits 16E and 18E on the northbound side, it eliminated car access to Paterson Plank Road from Exit 16E.
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