Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 5/11/2021 – InsiderNJ

The statewide COVID-19 count stands at 880,635 cases and 23,170 fatalities (and 127,441 probable cases and 2,640 probable fatalities) as of Monday (an increase of 459 cases and 10 fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is .94. There have been 8,010,461 COVID-19 vaccinations administered (with 3,631,133 people fully vaccinated). Follow Insider NJ’s County COVID-19 Data Center. Governor Murphy said at yesterday’s briefing that its ‘somewhere between frustrating and angry‘ that not enough nursing home staffers are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, warning that ‘at a certain point our patience runs thin’. Noting that 3.6M residents have been fully vaccinated at this point, the Governor said that ‘everything is on the table‘ towards the effort to increase that number.

The Governor’s State Health Benefits Quality and Value Task Force released its final report on improving health outcomes and managing costs.

A Monmouth University poll finds that over the past decade support has risen among New Jerseyans for using state resources to help illegal immigrants.

Somerset County will conduct an online auction May 12-19.

Rep. Gottheimer, Senator Lagana, and Assemblymembers Swain and Tully proposed state legislation to combat NY’s congestion pricing plan by adding the state sales tax to out-of-state drivers at every toll crossing from NJ into NY.

Rep. Watson Coleman urged families to file their taxes ahead of the May 17th deadline to get their advance Child Tax Credit.

Rep. Pascrell issued a statement of support of the first complaint filed over repeated Mexican labor violation.

Anbaric completed its second phase of oceanographic survey activities for their Boardwalk Power Link project.

ICYMI: Murphy announced $235M in COVID-19 relief for small businesses; Fudge visited Hoboken; Murphy announced significant easing of COVID-19 restrictions; breweries will give free beer to vaccinated people; Sherrill optimistic about SALT

In LD16, the GOP campaign slammed Governor Murphy’s third press conference in the district, saying it shows ‘how vulnerable the Democratic legislative candidates are this year’.

In LD26, Assemblywoman DeCroce was endorsed by the International Longshoremen’s Association.

In LD37, the Senate Democratic primary battle between Assemblymembers Johnson and Huttle is among the most bitter and personal, and hotly cynical, in the state. Huttle’s campaign touted their momentum, and said a benchmark poll shows she holds the lead in the race.

In CD11, GOP candidate Hillery Brotschel condemned the Biden Administration for cancelling the annual ‘Rolling to Remember Ride’ on Memorial Day.

The South Jersey Young Democrats announced a new president and vice president.

The Sussex County GOP slammed Democratic commissioner candidates Paul and Vrabel as ‘cowards’ who ‘won’t stand up to’ Governor Murphy.

Essex County Democratic Sheriff primary candidate John Arnold requested that the Elections Superintendent recuse herself from any primary involvement, alleging a conflict of interest.

Political organizer Imani Oakley announced a ballot education series.

Former Governor Christie and Liz Cheney are carving opposite paths amid Trump’s GOP, according to the Bergen Record.

ICYMI: CWA-NJ released endorsements; ACGOP Chair Davis energized this campaign season; in LD25, GOP attempting to torpedo Grayzel early; ELEC approved Ciattarelli funds (iLine post); GOP primary two debates; Somerset Dems hired new ED; mild irritation over Singh candidacy; Suleiman expects Polistina v. Mazzeo Senate race; Morris GOP launching ‘Insiders Club’

Assembly Democrats announced a small business relief aid package.

Senator Gopal and Assemblymembers Houghtaling and Downey helped deliver 5,000 free Uber rides for residents to local COVID-19 vaccination centers.

Senator Testa and Assemblymen Simonsen and McLellan introduced legislation to require state employees to work in-person if their job requires face-to-face interaction with the public.

Senators Addiego, Gopal, and Lagana will introduce legislation provide $235M to the EDA for grants for small businesses and non-profits.

Senator Oroho urged Governor Murphy to ‘stop rolling over’ in the NY congestion pricing battle.

Assemblymembers Stanfield and Peters introduced a resolution urging Congress to extend special education funding to age 22.

Assemblywoman DiMaso introduced legislation to prevent state-funded colleges from requiring a COVID-19 vaccination.

Assemblyman Mazzeo introduced legislation to restore civil service status for Atlantic City employees.

Assemblywoman Downey introduced legislation to establish a home repair and modification for aging parents program.

The Civil Service Commission will host virtual information sessions for LGBTQ+ organizations.

The NJ Business Coalition will hold a virtual town hall today on the state’s hiring crisis.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund enlisted dozens of celebrities to join a letter of support for legislation banning the use of gestation crates.

The ACS-CAN released examples of step therapy programs by NJ regulated health plans.

ICYMI: Murphy took action on legislation; Murphy nominated Col. Dr. Hou as Adjutant General and NJDMVA Commissioner; Coughlin declined to say whether he’ll post CCRB bill; Burzichelli, Hicks clashed over NJDOC overtime; Murphy took action on legislation; Oroho, Gottheimer joined together; Murphy took action on legislation; Turner pressed for posting of the CCRB bill; Thompson, Oliver clashed; Rice says state should ‘get its act together’

Shore towns are struggling to find workers for the summer season, according to NJ Spotlight.

In Camden, mayoral candidate Elton Custis slammed rival Councilman Carstaphen, calling him a ‘sock puppet who only serves the party bosses’.

In Morris Township, Mayor Grayzel released a statement addressing the Route 24 proposal.

In Paterson, the city and St. Joseph’s Health are partnering to build a fitness zone in Pennington Park. Black Lives Matter released a statement in solidarity with Palestine.

In Willingboro, Virtua Health workers petitioned the NLRB to join the HPAE union.

In Basking Ridge, the council will vote on $4.5M for capital projects, according to TAPinto.

In Hillsborough, the town is being sued after it rejected a controversial apartment plan, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Lebanon, the planning board voted to disallow cannabis businesses, according to NJ Hills.

In Mine Hall, taxes and the pot ban take center stage, according to NJ Hills.

In Mount Olive, officials are seeking to ‘tone down’ political rhetoric, according to NJ Hills.

In North Wildwood, the town is reshaping beaches, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

In Passaic, the Passaic Central Labor Council endorsed Mayor Lora for re-election, according to TAPinto.

In Plainfield, the city wants public input on how to handle marijuana, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Ridgewood, the tax increase could be the highest in years, according to the Bergen Record.

In Somerville, the town is will be a ‘trailblazer‘ by allowing marijuana businesses downtown, according to MyCentralJersey.

In West Orange, Deputy Mayor Velez passed away, according to TAPinto.

ICYMI: In Camden, mailer underscores extent of Murphy, Camden machine healing; in Edison, Bhagia, Joshi have different reactions at forum; in Morristown, Dougherty racking up endorsements; in Monroe, Panos demanded resignation of Cohen; in Parsippany, Barberio held fundraiser; in Camden, Murphy hasn’t ruled out weighing in on mayoral race; in Woodbridge, encounter inflames primary battle; in Edison, overdevelopment takes center stage; in Paterson, McKoy, Mendez may be headed towards another battle; in Hillside, Mondella poised to take on Vertreese in mayoral election; in Camden, candidates participated in forum, Kahn slammed ballot design; in Morristown, mayoral primary battle heats up Porras-Fields deals with ‘stacking summons’ issue; in Paterson, the city is stepping up Muslim vacc efforts; in Camden, Reyes-Morton says county Dems disrespected process