News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Lawmaker proposes tax credits for 'essential' workers

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Lawmaker proposes tax credits for 'essential' workers

Dec 09, 2020

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By Matt Friedman

Presented by AARP New Jersey

Good Wednesday morning!

There's a lot of praise for essential workers during the pandemic. Now one lawmaker wants to turn that into cash.

Assemblymember Roy Freiman on Monday introduced a bill that would give up to $500 in tax credits to workers deemed "essential." That's a huge list of workers with hugely varying incomes, from supermarket employees to doctors.

Those making less than $250,000 a year would qualify for the $500 tax break. Those making between $250,000 and $400,000 would be able to get $250. If, like me, you make more than $400,000 a year, you wouldn't be eligible.

Freiman told me he's yet to begin seriously selling the proposal to legislative leadership and has only discussed it with them "at a conceptual level."

"No commitments were made as to full-throated support behind this. It's really difficult because any time you look at a decrease in revenue it's a challenge," he said.

Just what that revenue decrease would be, Freiman isn't sure. But it would be a lot considering the huge swath of workers who would qualify.

WHERE'S MURPHY? In Trenton for a 1 p.m. coronavirus press conference, where he'll reintroduce the woman who needs no introduction

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: 5,820 newly-reported cases for a total of 377,055 since the pandemic's onset in March. 90 more deaths for a total of 15,590 and 1,836 presumed deaths. 3,481 in the hospital, 670 in intensive care

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The proposed billboard could not meet the negative criteria because it would be an 'eyesore on the scenic' New Jersey Turnpike." — A New Jersey appellate court ruling that upheld a Jersey City zoning board ruling against putting a digital billboard on Route 440, summarizing arguments. H/T @TerrenceMcD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Menendez spox Tricia Enright, Rider Professor Micah Rasmussen, Middlesex County's John Carroll

A message from AARP New Jersey:

Too many Garden State residents are forced to choose between filling life-saving prescriptions and paying rent, buying food and meeting other critical needs. In 2017, nearly one in four New Jersey residents stopped taking prescription medication as prescribed due to cost. Tell NJ lawmakers to lower prescription drug costs now ! Drugs don't work if people can't afford them.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

NJ TRANSIT — Senate panel airs frustrations with NJ Transit, advances bill to strengthen board, by POLITICO's Samantha Maldonado: A top New Jersey lawmaker on Tuesday criticized NJ Transit management as she made the case for a bill that would bestow greater powers to the agency's board of directors. "We want a board that is transparent, that is responsible, that has the wherewithal to be accountable," Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg said during a Senate Transportation Committee hearing on the bill. The committee advanced the measure, NJ S2600 (20R), without opposition after nearly 90 minutes of testimony in support. Weinberg (D-Bergen) and Sen. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union) sponsored the legislation, which builds on a measure, NJ S630 (18R), she previously spearheaded and which Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law in 2018 to reform NJ Transit governance.

—"Ridership's been way down. Has NJ Transit seized the opportunity to fix its problems?"

21.1 MASTROS — State commits $190M for renovations to Newark Penn Station, by POLITICO's Katherine Landergan: Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday that the state of New Jersey is committing $190 million for renovations and upgrades at Newark Penn Station, one of the busiest rail hubs in the nation. The details: Work will begin immediately, Murphy said. The upgrades will be funded by the state and will be completed over the next five years, starting with $30 million in renovations and restorations. The first phase of renovations will focus on aesthetics, including restoration of the classic benches in the waiting room, installation of brighter lighting, updating restrooms, improved HVAC and air-handling, fresh paint and tile, and a deep clean of the limestone exterior of the building. Murphy didn't say how the state would pay for the upgrades and a spokesperson didn't respond to a request for comment.

NO JUSTICE FOR SACCO'S GIRLFRIEND'S SON, NO PEACE! — "'What racism looks like in 2020.' Advocates blast N.J. lawmakers for inaction on criminal justice bill," by NJ Advance Media's Joe Atmonavage: "Advocates and attorneys pleaded with New Jersey lawmakers Tuesday to pass a landmark criminal justice bill that has stalled in the legislature due to last minute changes made to the bill in September. … as the bill was being finalized, an amendment was added to the bill by the Senate Judiciary Committee to eliminate mandatory minimums for those convicted of official misconduct.The amendment, which Sen. Nicholas Sacco, D-Hudson submitted, derailed the bill … 'It is embarrassing to be a citizen in a state where all of our leaders agree that ending mandatory minimums for non-violent crimes is just common sense, a way that we have within our means to disable racism and then to watch those leaders fail to finish their work and make it the law,' Rabbi Tepperman, of Bnai Keshet in Montclair, said at a virtual press conference Tuesday."

—Gordon Johnson: "The Assembly heard the call for social justice and we're answering it"

THE TOTALLY NOT ABOUT SCUTARI'S GRUDGE ACT OF 2020 — Bill inspired by Scutari's fight with Linden City Council advances, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: A bill inspired by state Sen. Nicholas Scutari's battle with the Linden City Council, which investigated him over a municipal attorney job he held for years, has begun advancing in Trenton. The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee voted, 3-2, on Tuesday to advance legislation, NJ S2658 (20R), that would bar municipal councils from investigating their own members or former employees. Council members could only investigate current members of the local executive branch. Though the committee approved the bill along party lines, with Democrats voting yes and Republicans voting no, there was no debate.

ON MORE WEED, DUH — "Next question: How to spend the weed money?," by The Star-Ledger's Tom Moran : "It's designed not just to stop the madness of this criminal sanction, but to channel tax revenue from the sale of legal marijuana to poor communities like Newark and Paterson, whose Black and brown residents suffered the brunt of this epic policy mistake … Legislative leaders have agreed to draft a Constitutional Amendment that would put most of the tax revenue into a lock box that can only be used to benefit these communities ... It could be spent on programs like job training, prisoner re-entry, or drug treatment. 'The only way you can guarantee funding for these things is if you Constitutionally dedicate it,' says Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester ... But winning support for that amendment will be a political challenge of the highest order. New Jersey's suburbs already subsidize poor cities heavily, and legislators in both parties often complain about what they see as an imbalance."

—"66K New Jersey ballots were rejected in November election. Here's why they were tossed"

—" After waiting for months, these N.J. workers say they still can't get their unemployment claims resolved"

—"Federal COVID protections expire soon. How will evictions, unemployment be affected in NJ?"

—" State housing agency executive director Chuck Richman headed to retirement"

—"N.J. businesses could get tax credits for hiring workers who lost jobs during pandemic"

R.I.P. — " For first time in 6 months, resident of N.J. veterans home dies of COVID-19"

—"N.J.'s top congressional officials hear plea from hospitality sector: We need aid — now"

— Murphy non-committal on LNG terminal vote, but doesn't support project

—Holub: "Cannabis tax will encourage black market, N.J. retailers say"

TRACK THE TRANSITION & NEW ADMINISTRATION HEADING INTO 2021: President-elect Biden is pushing full steam ahead on putting together his Cabinet and White House staff. These appointments and staffing decisions send clear-cut signals about Biden's priorities. What do these signals foretell? Transition Playbook is the definitive guide to one of the most consequential transfers of power in American history. Written for political insiders, it tracks the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today.

TRUMP ERA

STYMIEDLESS — Schumer pans McConnell's bid to drop state aid from stimulus, by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine and Burgess Everett : It took barely an hour for the latest coronavirus relief offer to get shot down. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell suggested Tuesday that the best way to reach a stimulus deal in the lame duck is to drop discussions over state and local aid and liability provisions, as Congress remains deadlocked over those two issues. "We cannot leave without a Covid package," McConnell said. "I have a suggestion to make, which is that the two most contentious items be set aside." Democrats were unimpressed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused McConnell of "sabotaging" ongoing bipartisan talks and several Democrats said they don't support his idea.

ALWAYS A JERSEY ANGLE — "Star witness in Trump's 'voter fraud' case in Michigan used to strip at Sopranos-inspired club named the Bada Bing, which was shut down after four men — including the manager — were charged with torturing victim in basement," by The Daily Mail's Cheyenne Roundtree : "The star witness in Trump's 'voter fraud' case in Michigan used to work as a stripper at a now closed gentlemen's club called the Bada Bing, sources have told DailyMail.com. Mellissa Carone, 33, used to dance at the venue in 2010, which has the same name as the infamous strip club featured in HBO's hit show The Sopranos. The seedy joint even takes after the mobster strip club, having its own history of violence … Carone, 33, became a viral sensation during a hearing with Rudy Giuliani last week where she gave a belligerent, bizarre and widely discredited testimony detailing her claims of election fraud."

—"NJ politicians try to look busy amid restaurant-crushing paralysis"

LOCAL

HOME IS WHERE THE RESTRAINING ORDER IS — "Judge rules in favor of DeGise, temporarily hindering ICE protests at his home," by Hudson County View's John Heinis: "A judge has ruled in favor of Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise in granting temporary restraints that will hinder ICE protests in front of his home for the foreseeable future. The order, issued by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Jablonsky this afternoon, prevents protesting or picketing in front of the county executive's New York Avenue residence. The order provides other specific parameters that include limiting protesting — which can't exceed 10 people — to the corner of New York Avenue and Congress Street in the Jersey City Heights — the intersection closest to DeGise's home. Additionally, protesters cannot come with 200 feet of the county executive's property, picketing can only occur between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., protests can only take place once every two weeks, and the Hudson County Sheriff's Office must be notified 24 hours prior to the start of any protest, Jablonsky's order says."

BETWEEN A HARD AND A ROCK PLACE — "What's prime time look like at Atlantic City casinos? 'It's so discouraging," by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Amy S. Rosenberg: "It was Saturday night at the Hard Rock Casino Hotel and all Joe Lupo could do was grimace. Last call had come and gone at the almost comic pandemic hour of 9:50 p.m., and the exodus had begun, as gamblers carrying their takeout noodles in brown bags headed for the escalator. 'It's so discouraging,' said Lupo, president of Hard Rock, which two years ago took over the old Trump Taj Mahal, during the casino's nightly governor-imposed shutdown of food and beverage service. 'We were doing really well. We were really gaining some ground.' He flashed back a year ago, when 5,500 people would have been exiting the Etess Arena from a Mariah Carey show, flooding the casino floor, the nightclubs just opening, and ballrooms filled with holiday parties. Prime time in any self-respecting Atlantic City casino would be just starting, not ending. But these days, with coronavirus cases soaring, New Jersey restrictions forbid late-night dining or serving of alcohol inside the casinos, not to mention sitting at a bar. Atlantic City's signature 24-hour industry, with assists from online gambling and revamped ventilation systems, is just trying to stay afloat."

PARAMESS — " Judge orders investigation into Paramus Republicans, allows mayor to vote on police hires," by The Record's Stephanie Noda: "The actions of Republican council members will be investigated by the Attorney General's Office for possible official misconduct after the three members have continually rejected 10 police hires, which include the mayor's son. Superior Court Judge Christine Farrington ruled Friday that the facts discussed during a lawsuit regarding the ongoing police hiring situation present 'elements of misconduct' and referred the case to the attorney general to 'determine whether prosecution is warranted.' Official misconduct can vary between a second- and third-degree crime. The police hiring, which has been at a standstill since March, will also no longer be caught in a deadlocked vote, as Farrington also ruled that Mayor Richard LaBarbiera does not need to abstain from voting."

—"9 of N.J.'s top 10 largest school districts are now all-remote. Here's when they may go back"

—" Dozens sick at [Cumberland County] jail; warden faults partying officers"

—"Affordable housing watchdog sues Jersey City over inclusionary zoning law"

—" Bergen County wants approval for $150M borrowing plan. Here's what it will include"

—"Morris Township's first Democratic mayor returns to role, committeeman joins as deputy"

—" Monmouth County landfill layoffs: 70+ union workers expect pink slips for Christmas"

—"Trenton clerk Matthew Conlon suffers apparent medical episode after councilman introduces Rice resolution"

—" Atlantic City Republicans back Ciattarelli"

—"Kids, staff going to school with COVID-19 symptoms, [Chatham] union says"

—" Republicans to submit 3 names to replace deputy mayor who resigned from [Raritan Township]"

HAPPENING THURSDAY - CLOSING THE ORAL HEALTH CARE GAP : Oral health care remains out of reach or limited for millions of people living in the United States, particularly for those with low income, those living in rural communities, and in communities of color. What will it take to improve access and quality of oral care for Americans, especially for the most vulnerable? Join POLITICO for a virtual conversation exploring the challenges in oral care disparities and the policies and strategies that can help solve them. REGISTER HERE.

EVERYTHING ELSE

CHILD WELFARE — "This 'crackpot' theory has caused 16 child abuse convictions in NJ to be tossed," by The Record's Tom Nobile : "The words 'crackpot' and 'junk science' often followed a controversial theory that for decades helped put child sex abusers behind bars in New Jersey. In criminal trials where children made for less-than-ideal witnesses — because they recanted their stories or kept the abuse a secret — prosecutors would often explain the inconsistencies to the jury by invoking Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome, or CSAAS, a concept that purported to show how some children act illogically after they are molested. Such testimony enjoyed ample use in New Jersey courtrooms, until a series of state Supreme Court rulings over the past two years declared the theory unscientific and barred it from use as a legal tool. Now, the state is dealing with the fallout: defendants who claim the discredited theory denied them a fair trial, including a half-dozen convicts from North Jersey. As of November, state appellate courts had tossed out the convictions of at least 16 people charged with child abuse and ordered new proceedings."

HOW MUCH DOES THE FOOTBALL COACH MAKE AGAIN? — "Sen. Loretta Weinberg voices support for Rutgers professors suing for equal pay ," by The Record's Terrence T. McDonald: "State Sen. Loretta Weinberg and two Rutgers professors took aim at the state university on Tuesday, saying at a press conference that pay inequity at Rutgers has cost its women professors hundreds of thousands of dollars over decades. The professors — Deepa Kumar and Nancy Wolff — are among five plaintiffs suing Rutgers for allegedly violating New Jersey's pay equity act, a 2018 law co-sponsored by Weinberg. Citing a 1960s-era pay equity fight led in part by Ruth Bader Ginsburg against Rutgers Law School, Wolff likened the current situation at Rutgers to the film 'Groundhog Day.' 'It is truly unfortunate that the five of us are fighting this same fight all over again,' she said."

—"Burlington Stores agrees to pay $19.6M to settle employees' lawsuits"

—"More hospital emergency rooms divert ambulances as COVID-19 cases climb"

—"N.J. Att'y General is the second agency to sue the cash advance firm Yellowstone Capital"

Correction: In yesterday's edition, I transposed numbers two in the voter turnout figure. 4.6 million New Jerseyans voted, not 6.4 million.

A message from AARP New Jersey:

In New Jersey, a large majority of registered voters are impacted by high prescription drug prices, with 79% reporting they or someone in their household have taken prescription drugs in the past two years. Three in five report they are concerned about the price of their medications, according an AARP study . And now, New Jerseyans are facing the one-two punch of skyrocketing drug prices and the pandemic. Our elected officials can no longer stand by as prescription drug prices continue to rise. People of all ages depend on their prescriptions, and outrageous prices are putting their medicines out of reach. Tell NJ lawmakers to lower prescription drug costs now! Drugs don't work if people can't afford them.