Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 5/17/2021 – InsiderNJ

The statewide COVID-19 count stands at 882,973 cases and 23,313 fatalities (and 127,786 probable cases and 2,648 probable fatalities) as of Sunday (an increase of 559 cases and 97 fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is .66. There have been 8,345,453 COVID-19 vaccinations administered (with 3,848,420 people fully vaccinated). Follow Insider NJ’s County COVID-19 Data Center.

Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Speaker Coughlin announced the intention to end the public health state of emergency in mid-June following over a year of extensions.

Governor Murphy signed an executive order implementing the second phase of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The NJDOL announced that over $28B in unemployment benefits have been paid out since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Murphy announced appointments to the NJ Puerto Rico Commission.

Bergen County celebrated Older American Month. Children 12+ are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations at the county vaccination center.

Burlington County expanded COVID-19 testing to five days a week at four new sites. The county honored the Department of Human Services clerk for 50 years of service. The county passed a resolution in support of a NJ Green Amendment.

Camden County announced the deadline to apply for its summer youth employment program is May 21st.

Cape May County honored volunteers at its COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Hudson County announced that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available to those ages 12+. A Hudson man was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in a wire fraud scheme.

Middlesex County created a voter resource guide for the June primary.

The Morris County Surrogate’s Office released its first-ever annual report. A Morris police officer claims he was denied a promotion due to hearing loss, according to the Daily Record.

Passaic County tourism declined in 2020, but the industry to ready to rebound, according to TAPinto.

Sussex County Commissioners passed a resolution opposing state education aid cuts to county school districts.

Warren County Commissioners expressed opposition to proposed forest stewardship legislation.

Rep. Norcross announced $233M for local colleges, universities, and students. Norcross highlighted American Rescue Plan funds for state and local communities.

Rep. Payne announced $408M for local colleges, universities, and students.

Rep. Pascrell announced $3.4M in federal investment for Bergen and Passaic Counties.

Rep. Sherrill applauded the announced creation of a commissioner to investigate the January Capitol riot.

Rep. Kim will hold a town hall on reopening plans ahead of the summer.

Soltage announced its first landfill community solar project in the state.

The NJSIAA announced the Gallagher/Bollinger Hall of Fame 2021 inductees.

Inflation is looming in NJ, according to NJ.com.

EMILY’s List endorsed Assemblywoman Quijano and for re-election and Assemblywoman Huttle for Senate.

In LD21, Democratic Senate candidate Joseph Signorello raised $95k according to his first ELEC report.

In LD26, Assemblyman Webber welcomed Christian Barranco on his re-election team, saying ‘I have a runningmate I didn’t expect’. Barranco has the backing of the Morris County GOP, who jettisoned incumbent Assemblywoman DeCroce. DeCroce last week was endorsed by former CD11 GOP Rep. Frelinghuysen. DeCroce was endorsed by the NJ Crime Victim’s Law Center.

In LD30, the Democratic slate was endorsed by the Good Government Coalition of NJ.

In LD37, Assemblywoman Huttle went door-to-door this weekend, highlighting to voters her 15 years in the Assembly as she seeks the nomination for the Senate seat. Huttle touted her EMILY’s List endorsement. Huttle’s Assembly running mates called on Assemblyman Johnson’s running mates to disavow ‘hidden support’ from a Super PAC.

GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Jack Ciattarelli released a plan detailing how to invest federal relief funds.

Rep. Sherrill endorsed Essex County Sheriff Fontoura for re-election.

NJ Citizen Action endorsed Governor Murphy for re-election.

Publitics won a Reed Award for their work on the Biden campaign.

More than 4/5 of GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Hirsh Singh’s campaign receipts are from himself and his parents, according to SaveJersey.

Essex County Democratic Sheriff primary candidate John Arnold is calling for an investigation into a 5-year old crash involving Sheriff Fontoura, according to NJ.com.

Former Murphy aide Adam Alonso is advising Hudson Regional’s owners on a Bayonne hospital takeover, according to Politico NJ.

ICYMI: Guv primary candidates raised $14.8M and spent $12.2M; Ciattarelli says Murphy’s support is soft; Morris GOP state committee’s intriguing battle; Murphy campaign launched $5M ad effort; Swift raises $75k (iLine post); battleground LD37; ACGOP Chair Davis energized this campaign season

Former Governor and Senator Richard Codey discusses former President Trump and former Governor Christie in an Insider NJ interview with Christine Sloan (video).

New Port Authority nominees sailed through confirmation hearings, according to Politico NJ.

The NJDHS awarded volunteers for their efforts to prevent osteoporosis.

The Treasury reported that April revenue collections were up 90% over last April, which had been impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Assembly Democrats introduced a bill package to address systemic issues at correctional facilities.

Senator Addiego and Assemblyman Burzichelli introduced legislation to establish the position of state Chief Accountability Officer.

Senator Bucco slammed Governor Murphy over ‘continued mismanagement’ of the state’s unemployment system.

Senator Corrado called on the Murphy Administration to release updated guidance for daycare centers.

Senator Pennacchio slammed Governor Murphy, saying he lost ‘all credibility’ by maintaining facemask and social distancing measures that the CDC says are now unnecessary.

Protect Our Care NJ launched a digital ad campaign for lower drug prices.

The NJBIA testified in support of legislation to allow corporations to continue holding virtual shareholder meetings.

Michellene Davis is leaving her position at RWJ Barnabas to take a national level opportunity, according to ROI-NJ.

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

In Atlantic City, insider heavyweights turned out for a fundraiser for Mayor Small ahead of the June primary, raising him $40k.

In Camden, the Camden Teachers Union endorsed mayoral candidate Elton Custis.

In Morristown, Mayor Dougherty and primary opponent Esperanza Porras-Field debated last week. PBA Local 43 endorsed Porras-Field.

In Piscataway, Lindwood Rouse was sworn-in to the council. Mayor Wahler cautioned towns against Food and Water Watch’s petition drives for energy aggregation programs. The town is considering banning marijuana businesses, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Parsippany, Mayor Soriano expressed concern about the proposed $5M emergency note to balance the budget.

In Delanco, the state launched a 3.1MW community solar project.

In Trenton, the AG’s Office released video footage relating to the death of a man last year following a police incident. The city stopped a sophisticated vendor phishing scam.

In Upper Township, Boninfante Kodytek and Mulford kicked off their campaign for committee seats.

In Perth Amboy, the council approved the creation of a Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Board.

In Jersey City, Mayor Fulop announced a new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine walk-up site in Ward B.

In Bayonne, sources say Mayor Davis is looking to oust two councilmembers in next year’s elections, according to the Jersey Journal.

In Brick, Mayor Ducey wants the state to drop the facemask mandate for farmers markets, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Englewood Cliffs, the clerk was put on leave, according to the Bergen Record.

In Flemington, council candidates participated in a forum, according to TAPinto.

In Franklin (Sussex), the council will hold hearings on marijuana businesses, according to NJ Herald.

In Glen Rock, environmental advocates started a petition to repeal the $3.5M Faber Field renovation, according to TAPinto.

In Lacey, recreational marijuana businesses have been banned, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Lakewood, the teachers union blasted dozens of planned firings, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Lambertville, the mayoral primary candidates faced off in a forum, according to TAPinto.

In Madison, Thomas Haralampoudis entered the council race, according to TAPinto.

In Montague, the BOE removed a threat of lawsuit statement from meeting, according to NJ Herald.

In Paterson, DPW overtime is roiling City Hall, according to Paterson Press. Schools adopted a 12% tax increase, according to Paterson Press.

In Plainfield, Ward 4 council candidates faced off in a forum, according to TAPinto. The city is surveying residents on their marijuana views as it considers options, according to MyCentralJersey. The $86.8M budget was adopted, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Old Bridge, the town is looking to double down on its marijuana business ban, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Springfield, the 2021 budget was finalized, according to TAPinto.

In Warren Township, the tax increase was reduced in the final budget, according to NJ Hills. Pot businesses were banned by the township, despite protests from legalization advocates, according to NJ Hills.

ICYMI: In Bordentown, Sciortino top vote-getter; 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