Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 5/11/2020 – Insider NJ – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for 5/11/2020:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Nothing’s changed.” – Governor Murphy saying the state isn’t ready to ease COVID-9 restrictions yet
TOP STORY: The Local (and Broader) Meaning of the May 12th Elections: An InsiderNJ Guide
Follow Insider NJ’s COVID-19 Information Update Center and Insider NJ’s County COVID-19 Data Center.
As of Sunday, the COVID-19 stands at 138,532 cases and 9,255 fatalities.
On Saturday, the COVID-19 count was 137,085 cases and 9,116 fatalities. The Governor and state officials held their daily COVID-19 briefing, the Governor urged residents to fill out the 2020 Census form, saying he wants New Jersey to be a ‘top 10 state’, and noted that if undercounted, federal funding could go elsewhere; he gave the example of Kentucky (in keeping with his recent criticism of Senate Majority Leader McConnell).
On Friday, the COVID-19 count was 135,454 cases and 8,952 fatalities. The Governor and state officials held their daily COVID-19 briefing, during which the Governor said the state is moving in the right direction, with new hospitalizations trending downward. He announced expanded access to COVID-19 testing at the Bergen Community College and PNC Bank Arts Center locations. As the economic outlook looks grim, Murphy announced the formation and the membership of the Restart and Recovery Advisory Committee. NJDOH Commissioner Persichilli noted the first fatality of a child due to COVID-19, a four-year old. The Governor took direct aim at protesters who have called elected officials ‘fascists’ over the lockdown measures (including protests in New Jersey), calling them ‘misguided people’ and saying its ‘ignorant’ and ‘repugnant’ to toss around those labels.
Senator Menendez will join Governor Murphy at today’s briefing.
AG Grewal and Colonel Callahan issued the weekly roundup of COVID-19 executive order violations.
Here’s a full list of businesses permitted to operate under the Governor’s executive orders.
The FDA authorized amended emergency use for an at-home COVID-19 saliva-based test developed at Rutgers.
The NJDOL is extending its facilities closures for two weeks.
Bergen County and New Bridge Medical Center are partnering to begin mobile COVID-19 testing sites in communities across the county starting tomorrow. The County OEM is updating itsMulti-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Camden County requested a monitor for its long-term facilities.
Cape May County is set to vote on a $15M bond ordinance for a pubic safety building, but passage looks unlikely, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Essex County Executive DiVincenzo announced that a corrections officer who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 and on a respirator has been discharged from the hospital.
A Gloucester County man was sentenced to 65 months in prison for mailing thousands of fraudulent invoices to hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices.
Ocean County tourism increased by 4.1% in 2019. Freeholder Vicari called on Governor Murphy to re-open same-day surgery centers, according to the Asbury Park Press.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Andover Subacute, according to NJ Herald.
Senators Menendez and Booker announced $11M to expand COVID-19 testing at federally qualified health centers in the state.
Senator Menendez and Reps. Kim and Pallone introduced legislation to forgive Superstorm Sandy federal loans for municipalities and residents battling COVID-19.
Reps. Kim and Norcross introduced legislation to boost local construction hiring.
Rep. Gottheimer hosted a COVID-19 conference call with local fire departments.
Rep. Malinowski offered an update on constituent services in his office.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Response, of which Rep. Kim is a member, sent letters to several corporations demanding they return stimulus funds intended for small businesses.
Kean University’s Board of Trustees will meet this afternoon to discuss the appointment of a new university president.
ICYMI: SC overturned Bridgegate convictions, ruling that ‘not every corrupt act by local or state officials is a federal crime‘, Baroni hails ‘long-awaited victory‘ Christie savaged DOJ and Fishman, Murphy says Bridgegate remains ‘violation of public trust‘; Murphy pushed back NJDOL critics; UE payouts top $2B; DOL provided guidance on process; Murphy cautioned against complacency, extends state of emergency; Murphy celebrates slowing rates, but status quo remains: ‘data determines dates‘; Cape May reopening proposal; Menendez enlisted mayors to call for fed funding for local gov’ts; Van Drew requests easing of restrictions; schools closed for rest of school year, says ‘very few instances of knucklehead behavior‘ at parks; Murphy says surplus ‘no longer realistic‘; Murphy says ‘so far, so good‘ on parks but won’t hesitate to reclose
GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Jack Ciattarelli slammed Governor Murphy over unemployment claim delays, saying ‘cut the checks!‘
Following the Supreme Court overturning of the Bridgegate convictions of Baroni and Kelly, former Governor Christie isn’t ruling out a comeback, according to the Bergen Record.
The SCDC Forward team announced their candidacies for the leadership of the Sussex County Democratic Committee.
In CD5, GOP primary candidate Frank Pallotta slammed Governor Murphy over nursing home fatalities due to COVID-19, saying the Governor is ‘responsible for the deaths’ and ‘clearly in over his head’.
Cumberland County Freeholder Surrency, running off-the-line in the primary, sent an open letter to Democrats.
ICYMI: In CD3, Gibbs and Richter mix it up on Facebook; Murphy’s approval rating soaring; Malinowski more optimistic for next COVID relief package
Here’s what’s on tap under the (virtual) Gold Dome this week.
Senator Greenstein announced a hearing on the Edna Mahon Women’s Correctional Facility.
Senator Gopal and Assemblymembers Houghtaling and Downey announced the creation of a LD11 Economic Recovery Advisory Council.
Senator Bucco called for heightened staffing upon the MVC’s planned reopening.
Senator Pennacchio criticized the Murphy Administration for ‘taking extra care of prisoners’ while ‘forcing nursing homes to take COVID-19 patients’.
Senator Doherty is working to raise awareness for veterans mental health needs during the COVID-19 crisis.
NOW-NJ called for gender parity on the 2021 Legislative Reapportionment Commission.
NFIB released a statement calling on the state to protect small businesses from certain lawsuits relating to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions.
ICYMI: ELEC confirms 2017 LD3 race most expensive ever; Murphy vetoed legislation; Fiocchi taking the helm of ABC; Treasury mourned passing of Chief Economist Dr. Madhusudhan; protestors demand end to shutdown
Take a look at Insider NJ’s guide to the local (and broader) meaning of tomorrow’s municipal elections, and take a look at the political implications for mayors in key towns ahead of the elections.
In Irvington, the East Ward council race offers a microcosm of the city’s politics as a whole.
In Atlantic City, the AC Democrats voted to amend their bylaws and extend county committee terms until 2021.
In Paterson, here’s an update on the VBM submissions, as the city heads towards its municipal elections tomorrow.
In Montclair, NJ Citizen Action endorsed mayoral candidate Sean Spiller and council candidate Lori Price-Abrams.
In Jersey City, Mayor Fulop announced that Moody’s designated the city ‘stable’ amid negative credit outlooks for many cities.
In Old Bridge, the township will announce a plan to re-open the local economy.
In Trenton, Mayor Gusciora is easing the curfew restrictions, according to the Trentonian.
In Newark, Mayor Baraka announced grant awardees for the city’s Small Business Emergency Fund.
In Hoboken, the city launched a COVID-19 relief fund. Mayor Bhalla announced that 260 first responders and frontline workers were tested for antibodies as part of the city’s pilot program.
In Bridgewater, Mayor Moench called on Somerset County to provide financial relief to the town.
In Hamilton, Mayor Martin announced Kathryn Monzo as the new business administrator.
In Hasbrouck Heights, the council is forgoing their pay, according to the Bergen Record.
In Edgewater, the BOE approved the school budget, according to the Bergen Record.
In Paterson, a plan that would raise taxes and force teacher layoffs is moving forward, according to Paterson Press.
In Hoboken, Frank Raia was granted early release from prison due to COVID-19, and will serve three weeks on house arrest, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: In Belleville, Ward 1 an old-school unconventional collision; in AC, change of government referendum offers lead-up to mayoral primary, amid external forces; in Trenton, Vaughn apologized for remarks, Clerk Harris resigning; in Montclair, Spiller-Baskerville mayoral battle is proxy battle between Spiller and SPC; in Newark, low-key all-VBM BOE race; in Paterson, Sayegh warned against reopening too soon, Ward 2 features contentious rematch; in Orange, incumbent Mayor Warren appears headed towards re-election; in Passaic, former Mayor Rivera passed away; in Teaneck, the politically divided town looks to all-VBM municipal election; in Paterson, councilmembers urge testing site in one of densest cities in the state
AROUND THE WEB:
The truth about Murphy’s reopening plan | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Spring is here, and Gov. Phil Murphy’s stir-crazy constituents are clamoring for a return to normalcy. As he’s begun carefully loosening some of his lockdown restrictions, starting with the parks and golf courses, everyone is wondering: What’s next? In some respects, we’re doing well.
Supreme Court’s Bridgegate ruling takes a toll on crusading prosecutors | Mulshine
Paul Mulshine, Star-Ledger
- Last week the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously threw out the convictions of the two Chris Christie cronies tied to the notorious “traffic problems in Fort Lee” that became the Bridgegate scandal. But who worked the cones?
Jersey Shore Towns Begin to Open Up — Cautiously: How Ready Are They?
Andrew S. Lewis, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey’s beach towns prepare for a summer season like no other. For the bulk of the 41 municipalities stitched up and down the Atlantic coast, from Sea Bright to Cape May Point, the 15 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are crucial to the survival of their economies. And not just for the towns themselves — nearly half of the state’s $46.4 billion in tourism spending is generated by the four counties that encompass the Jersey Shore.
Why is there no end date for NJ stay-at-home order? Benchmarks for COVID-19 cases not all set
Ashley Balcerzak, NorthJersey.com
- When it comes to answering when New Jersey will be reopened, Gov. Phil Murphy will repeat what’s become a catchphrase at his daily news briefings: “Data determines dates.” But Murphy has not publicly identified any key, specific benchmarks the state needs to hit in order to relax restrictions and move on to what he says comes next: improving testing, tracing and isolating the sick.
Coronavirus: South Jersey infection rate slowing as region emerges from peak
Lisa Broadt, Burlington County Times
- One hundred more Burlington County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, according to state data released Saturday. The county now has 3,531 cases and 194 deaths, according to the state data. Still, the rate of spread is slowing in South Jersey, Judy Persichilli, the state Department of Health commissioner, said Saturday.
Orange Election Re-Cap: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
TAPinto Orange/East Orange Staff
- Mother’s Day weekend marks the last weekend before all mail-in ballots are due for the Orange Municipal Mayor and Council At-large Election. Ballots must be mailed back and postmarked on or before May 12th. As the Orange election comes to an end, we are providing a recap of this campaign season, while encouraging everyone to fill out and mail in your ballots.
A look at how N.J.’s only public health hospital is handling this once-in-a-lifetime crisis
Shereef Elnahal
- Public hospitals are poised to be key assets in all states of emergency – especially global pandemics. Yours is no exception. New Jersey has only one public health hospital: Newark-based University Hospital.
Bill Baroni, looking to life after Bridgegate, wants his law license back
Ted Sherman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A day after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out his conviction in the infamous Bridgegate case, Bill Baroni filed to get his suspension from the practice of law lifted.
‘I will get my name back,’ a defiant Bridget Kelly says after Bridgegate victory
Kelly Heyboer, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The call came to her cell phone early Thursday while Bridget Anne Kelly was in her car. “We won! We won!,” her oldest son, Connor, shouted. He had been tracking a Supreme Court blog and was the first in the family to spot the news: Bridgegate was over.
‘So good about things:’ Dunn, out of COVID quarantine, urges business to keep pushing recovery needs
PC Robinson, New Jersey Hills
- Aura Dunn now has another title besides that of state Assemblywoman: COVID-19 survivor.
‘A Very Different’ Seaside Heights Beach and Boardwalk This Season
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- The borough’s beach and boardwalk reopen on Friday, with social distancing protocols in place, no swimming, reduced parking availability and no short term rentals for the Memorial Day weekend. The Ocean County Shore community is among those looking to slowly open to the public, still observing Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order that prohibits gatherings of any size in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order remains in effect as Memorial Day weekend approaches.
Jackson Mayor Claims He Was Warned Not To Open Pop-Up Drive-In Movie Theater
Shore News Network
- Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina announced last week that his town would be the first one town in New Jersey to bring in a new pop-up movie vendor to show movies in the park in his town. Residents near and far were excited. The venture was the brainchild of PJ Windle, an entertainment DJ who saw an opportunity to bring drive-in movies back to the Garden State on a regular basis.
Former Gov. Whitman on federal and state COVID-19 response
Michael Aron, NJTV
- Both Gov. Phil Murphy and President Donald Trump are in the midst of a delicate balancing act, facing pressure from all sides to reopen the state and jumpstart the economy while still protecting public health and saving lives. How do you manage it? Chief Political Correspondent Michael Aron asked former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman to weigh in on the state and federal pandemic response.
Fulop hammers Uber Eats: They ’embody EVERY bad character trait in corporate America’
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is hammering Uber Eats in light of the company adding a new surcharge in response to an executive order capping their delivery fees at 10 percent: calling them “a company that embodies EVERY bad character trait in corporate America.”
N.J. state senators join effort to allow U.S. virus patients and businesses sue China over outbreak
Curt Anderson, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Before the coronavirus outbreak, Saundra Andringa-Meuer was a healthy 61-year-old mother of six who never smoked or drank alcohol. Then she became seriously ill with the disease after traveling from her Wisconsin home to help her son move from college in Connecticut.
Local police still protecting their communities during COVID-19 pandemic
Amanda Auble, Press of Atlantic City
- Police departments are still operating across South Jersey, but these law enforcement officers are now navigating a job that is changing in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Ventor Police Chief Doug Biagi said the greatest change he’s noticed in the close-knit shore community is how police must now interact with the public they protect.
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