Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/29/2020 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for 4/29/2020:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t begrudge anyone’s right to protest. I really wish they would do it at home.” – Governor Phil Murphy
TOP STORY: Protesters Brand Murphy a Communist, Fascist and the Fuhrer
The statewide COVID-19 count rose by 2,887 new cases and 402 fatalities, for a total of 113,856 total cases and 6,442 deaths yesterday. Governor Murphy and state officials held their daily COVID-19 briefing, as the Governor relayed that ventilator usage is decreasing, as are hospitalizations and individuals in critical care. DOH Commissioner Persichilli said that 70% of the critical care patients are on ventilators, the lowest since the beginning of April. The Governor named the members of the state’s Restart and Recovery Commission, following his re-opening blueprint and roadmap announced earlier this week. The Governor signed an executive order allowing municipalities to extend the grace period for property tax payments from May 1st to June 1st.
The NJDHS announced an additional $36M for SNAP benefits and the extension of child care assistance for essential employees through the end of May.
Atlantic County reported 102 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. County Executive Levinson called for targeted non-partisan economic recovery efforts.
Bergen County reported a total of 15,465 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Burlington County reported 157 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.
Camden County reported 2,943 COVID-19 cases total as of Tuesday.
Essex County reported a total of 13,296 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Gloucester County reported a total of 1,173 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Hunterdon County reported a total of 581 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Mercer County reported a total of 3,605 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Middlesex County reported a total of 11,335 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Morris County reported 5,144 COVID-19 cases total as of Tuesday.
Ocean County surpassed 6,000 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Passaic County surpassed 12,000 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
Somerset County reported 2,979 COVID-19 cases total as of Tuesday.
Warren County reported 878 COVID-19 cases total as of Tuesday. Freeholder Kern requested Governor Murphy to temporarily suspend statutory land use deadlines.
Senator Menendez urged the Bureau of Prisons to release demographic information on COVID-19 cases.
Rep. Watson Coleman introduced legislation requiring hazard pay of an additional $15/hour be given to frontline workers.
Rep. Smith announced $2M to combat substance abuse in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
Rep. Norcross announced $9M for unemployment services and disaster relief. Norcross announced plans to make Workers Memorial Day a federal holiday.
ICYMI: Malinowski excoriated McConnell; Murphy issued a clarification on essential businesses; Camden opening two new test sites; Middlesex first walk-up COVID-19 testing site using saliva-based tests; Murphy pushed back against lockdown critics; Murphy again slapped at McConnell following excoriation over ‘blue state bailouts’ comment; Murphy steps up criticism of feds, slams Treasury’s guidance on CARES funding, says ‘assurances apparently were empty‘; saliva-based test being developed; $1B in UE benefits distributed; Burlington jails resolved PPE issues; NJ ‘fourth highest tested state‘, Murphy excoriated McConnell; hospitals required to report demographic COVID data; COVID affects 1% of the state’s 9M pop; Murphy cautioned against ‘claiming victory’, pushed back against quick re-opening; Menendez unveiled $500B proposal; Murphy notes state layoffs at stake, strongly pushed back against Curcio, in rare moment of deviation from gentility; Murphy says ‘go ahead, it’s on me‘; Murphy says Andover ‘beyond the pale; Murphy offers grim assessment of a post-pandemic NJ
In CD5, Common Defense endorsed Democratic primary challenger Arati Kreibich.
In CD6, a coalition of over 200 female leaders signed an open letter condemning a death threat against Muslim candidate Amani al-Khatahtbeh.
In CD12, GOP candidate Mark Razzoli is partnering with the ‘Friends of Bayshore’ to raise funds for Middlesex County food banks.
The Sussex County Democrats blasted Skylands Tea Party President William Hayden for holding protests against the state shutdown, saying it shows ‘blatant disregard’ for public health.
Sussex County Freeholder Fantasia blasted Democrats after they called for improved COVID-19 communications, and defended the county’s reporting and taking aim at Trenton Democrats, saying the freeholder board ‘will continue to fight and do what is good and right within our powers to demand accountability from the State, the NJDOH, and to protect the residents of Sussex County’.
GOP Senate primary candidate Hirsh Singh released a plan to reopen the state’s economy.
The NJ Progressive Democrats hosted a virtual ‘day of action’ on Monday.
Stockton University appointed June Bounewicz the coordinator for the Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism.
ICYMI: Williams stepping down from NJTV; NJEA endorsed CD2’s Kennedy; Monmouth poll shows competitive races in CDs 2, 3, 5, 7, 11; Golden discusses COVID and NJ politics; Monmouth Poll shows Murphy at 71% approval, highlights public’s preference of public safety over a quick reopening; Passaic’s Best wants Murphy to re-open parks; HCQ political debate
Governor Murphy and the state Treasury mourned the passing of the state’s chief economist, Dr. Rajana Madhusudhan.
Protesters took to the Statehouse yesterday demanding an end to the state’s shutdown and a reopening of the economy.
Senate President Sweeney’s economic recovery strategy team offered strategic ideas to Governor Murphy’s recovery commission.
Several GOP Senators sent a letter to Governor Murphy requesting the development of a plan to reopen the Jersey Shore.
Over 100 faith leaders urged Governor Murphy not to rush the reopening of the state.
ELEC reported that public contractor contributions have decreased 17% between 2019 and 2018, the second biggest decline since 2012.
Assemblywoman Dunn has recovered from COVID-19, according to the Daily Record.
Senator Bucco will introduce legislation to create a PTSD program for COVID-19 healthcare workers and first responders.
Senator Pennacchio applauded Rockaway for reopening its parks and trails, and questioned the state policy to keep state and county parks closed.
The NJ State AFL-CIO praised the selection of AFL-CIO President Trumka to the Governor’s restart commission.
The NJBIA released a survey finding that over 70% of businesses say they can safely reopen using CDC social distancing guidelines. Assemblyman Bergen advised the Governor’s recovery commission to heed the survey’s findings.
ICYMI: Sweeney appointed Ruiz and Singleton to fiscal recovery team; Coughlin announces new advisory panel; Scharfenberger requested salary withheld; Doherty launched petition for resuming religious services, says he no longer supports ‘draconian shut down measures’; NJOA slammed Assembly shut-down of Webber park closure challenge, blistered Murphy amid growing backlash; Senate’s rough virtual voting session
In Teaneck, the politically divided town fought back against COVID-19 as the early state epicenter of the pandemic, and now heads toward an all-VBM municipal election in May.
Six North Hudson mayors announced a collaboration towards the eventual re-opening of municipal parks.
In Pittsgrove, AG Grewal and Colonel Callahan announced arrests in connection with a home invasion and shooting of a State Trooper.
In Rockaway, former Police Chief Devine passed away.
In Jersey City, Councilmen Lavarro and Solomon released the interviews with the Ward D council candidates.
In Monroe Township, Barnes and Noble warehouse workers delivered a petition to Governor Murphy calling for him to close the warehouse and issue paid time off amid a COVID-19 outbreak.
In Newark, Project Ready released a poll on the impact of COVID-19 on residents, finding high ratings for Governor Murphy and Mayor Baraka’s handling of the crisis.
In Lumberton, schools cancelled Zoom lessons following a hack, according to the Burlington County Times.
In Paramus, a couple died days apart from COVID-19 at the Veterans Home, according to the Bergen Record.
In Garfield, the town extended the temporary lease on the police headquarters in part due to COVID-19, according to the Bergen Record.
In Paterson, Mayor Sayegh donated $1,000 each to five council allies, according to the Paterson Press.
In Warren Township, the BOE adopted a $48.5M budget with no tax levy, according to NJ Hills.
In Morris Township, the BOE adopted a budget that exceeds the cap, according to MorristownGreen.
In North Brunswick, the town switched water sources after a diesel spill, according to NewBrunswickToday.
In Toms River, budget cuts nearly ended school sports, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Chatham, the BOE approved a budget and nixed a referendum, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: In Jersey City, phased-in reopening of parks; in Paterson, councilmembers urge establishment of testing site in one of densest cities in the state; in Newark, Baraka issues pleads for fed assistance, urged social distancing, Rice would welcome Nat’l Guard in Garfield, BOE’s Conte died
AROUND THE WEB:
Gov. Phil Murphy is usurping legislative powers with his latest edict | Mulshine
Paul Mulshine, Star-Ledger
- On Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order that “waives provisions of statutory law that prohibit the use of security deposits for rental payments,” according to the state website.
To the 46% who approve of Trump: What are you thinking? | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- After President Trump set off a wave of calls to emergency poison lines on Thursday by suggesting that people could protect themselves against Covid-19 by drinking disinfectant, something in me snapped.
Murphy’s Re-Entry Plan for NJ Businesses and Public Spaces Lacks Timeline, Specifics
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- Before the economy can begin to recover, New Jersey will need to see a two-week decline in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, expand testing capacity to double the current level, recruit as many as 7,000 people to track down infections, and be ready to house and care for residents who test positive and lack a safe place to quarantine.
NJ residents ‘need to stand up to King Murphy,’ Sen. Doherty says
Mike Deak, Bridgewater Courier News
- State Sen. Michael Doherty (R-District 23), one of Gov. Phil Murphy’s most adamant critics, issued a scathing statement on Saturday that attacked the Democratic governor for continuing “to eviscerate” the state’s constitution by ordering landlords to use tenants’ security deposits to pay some or all of their rent.
NJ Lawmaker Promotes Risky Drug Touted by Trump The Keeps Failing
Sergio Bichao, NJ1015
- A New Jersey lawmaker has become an advocate for a drug touted by President Trump as a COVID-19 cure despite its mixed results and warnings from the medical community about its dangers. State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio, R-Morris, has spent weeks trying to get the Murphy administration to stockpile hydroxychloroquine and to loosen prescription restrictions that the administration put in place to combat hoarding of the drugs, which are needed by people with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Democrat Brick Mayor Wants to Give Property Tax Amnesty; Murphy Said No
Shore News Network
- Earlier this month, the Township Council unanimously passed a resolution that would have extended the grace period for quarterly property taxes to May 31. This was done in an effort to provide some assistance to families impacted by the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The township has been informed by the state that this grace period extension is not permissible and Mayor John G. Ducey is voicing his frustration.
‘People were confused about the rules.’ N.J. adjusts to new normal during pandemic, police say.
Tim McClain, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- In the year of the coronavirus, people around the state find themselves in a strange paradox: facing a totally unfamiliar situation while literally stuck in the most familiar of surroundings.
Golden Slams Murphy Administration, Media Over Prisoner Release
Art Gallagher, More Monmouth Musings
- Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden reacted to the news that the New Jersey Department of Corrections approved the furlough 50 state prisoners over the weekend with an impassioned post on facebook in which he thanked the New Jersey’s corrections officers and apologies to the victims of the criminals being send home.
Why women should lead transformation of workplace culture post-COVID
Barbara E. Kauffman, EWNJ
- It was a moment that many of us on a call could imagine: A woman executive having to keep herself on mute during a conference call because she did not have coverage for her young child, who was having a meltdown. Many working women, particularly single mothers, have to worry about meal preparation, home schooling, schoolwork assistance and deciding what interactions are “necessary” to allow for their older children, and much more. These are some of the stories highlighting the challenges that women are facing while working from home during this period of social distancing.
Homeless and hungry college students will face greater challenges because of the coronavirus
Susan Snyder, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A survey of Philadelphia college students found more than half at two-year campuses and one-third at four-year universities reported difficulty attaining adequate food and secure housing. And that was before the coronavirus upended campus life, forcing many students out of their jobs and residences.
Coronavirus NJ: He’s saved lives for 40 years, now Jersey Shore doctors saved his
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- Surgeon Dr. Manuel Bulauitan has helped save lives for more than 40 years in New York. Then Jersey Shore University Medical Center doctors stepped in and saved his after he contracted coronavirus. The Neptune hospital has cared for nearly 1,800 COVID-19 positive and under investigation patients, encompassing both patients who were admitted and those who were not.
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