News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Yes we canna!

Friday, December 18, 2020

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Yes we canna!

Dec 18, 2020

Presented by Move Health Care Forward New Jersey

This is how the fight to legalize weed ends. Not with a bang but a … scream.

It probably wasn't how state Sen. Nick Scutari (D-Union) , after years of pushing cannabis legalization, envisioned the moment before it actually passed the Senate. First, it was over the phone. So that was anti-climactic. But it soon became memorable.

State Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Essex) named Scutari several times during a speech against the bill, accusing him of pretending to care about social justice while favoring corporations and law firms, and Senate President Steve Sweeney of holding up decriminalization legislation because it might jeopardize votes on legalization. "I'm not going to be held hostage anymore because of another senator," Rice said.

Scutari didn't just let it go, calling Rice's behavior an "embarrassment," saying he hadn't been with him for the many years he'd been trying to decriminalize weed.

"Where have they been over these years that I have fought to stop these arrests, this unnecessary jail?" Scutari said, his voice getting louder and louder.

"You ought to be ashamed of yourself. You haven't done a thing for your community," Scutari said, his voice at full volume.

The bill passed 23-17. There's no question that Gov. Murphy will sign the bill. The only question is when, and whether the ceremonial pens he uses to sign the bill will double as vape pens. Read more from Sam Sutton

WHERE'S MURPHY?

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: 4,319 newly-reported cases for a total of 419,330. 77 more deaths for a total of 16,172 (and 1,908 probable deaths). 3,637 hospitalized, 726 in intensive care.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "If you want them to keep things private, they're not going to." — Senate President Steve Sweeney warning members during the phone-in Senate session Thursday that the public and press were listening and could hear their conversations.

TWEET OF THE DAY: @TomAngell: "There are so many audible farts on this New Jersey Senate virtual voting session that one lawmaker actually just remarked on the many 'gastric noises' that I've been noting all afternoon but have refrained from tweeting about until now."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: State Sen. Ronald Rice, DOH's Maria Del Cid-Kosso, former Assembly candidate Christopher Gagliardi, Impact NJ's Cullen McAuliffe, Assembly Dems' Dorian Stanley , Dem fundraiser Anne Schiano. Saturday for Assemblymember Pam Lampitt. Sunday for Assemblymember Holly Schepisi, Green Street's Mike Frassinelli, Hughes Center' John Froonjian.

A message from Move Health Care Forward New Jersey:

S3218/A5119 represents an important step forward for health care in New Jersey. Removing restrictions on Horizon will create enormous potential for Horizon's 3.6 million members and the state's economy. Legislative leadership and the bill's sponsors, including Senators Pou and Senator Sarlo, Senate President Sweeney, Assemblyman McKeon, Assemblywoman Downey, and Assemblymen Clifton and Wimberly, deserve a tremendous amount of credit for crafting a bill that addresses the needs of Horizon's members and the concerns of stakeholders. Learn More.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

HORIZON — Legislature passes Horizon bill over objections of Republicans, progressive activists, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: Lawmakers on Thursday gave the green light for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to reorganize its corporate structure, a move proponents say will unlock billions of dollars in investment capital in New Jersey economies and strengthen the state's health care marketplace. But after two weeks of hearings, the public's limited understanding of the dense and complicated bill has vexed an unusual alliance of Republicans, progressive groups and consumer advocates who were troubled by different facets of the measure.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE — Horizon bill creates new patronage opportunities for governor, legislative leaders, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: A fast-moving, controversial bill that would allow New Jersey's largest health insurer to change its corporate structure includes a sweetener for the lawmakers who are about to vote on it, and the governor who is expected to sign it. Under the bill, which would allow the nonprofit Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to more closely resemble a for-profit company, the insurer's board of directors would expand from 17 to 22 members. Currently, the governor appoints four members and the Senate president and Assembly speaker each appoint one, while Horizon selects the rest. Under the new plan, the governor would get five appointments and the legislative leaders would each get two.

THE SACCO AMENDMENT — "It was a landmark crime bill. Then a state senator added a special favor," by The New York Times' Tracey Tulley: "If adopted, it could fundamentally weaken the ability of prosecutors to build criminal cases against corrupt politicians, public officials and police officers in New Jersey, a state with a well-earned reputation for wrongdoing. 'The optics are terrible,' said Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips, a Republican who serves on the judiciary committee. 'And it's also bad public policy.' The legislative maneuver comes at a time when public confidence in government is low and proving official misconduct under federal law has become far harder after a 2016 Supreme Court decision that narrowed the legal definition for corruption. Over the last several years, the high-court ruling has led appellate panels to overturn the convictions of at least two powerful New York politicians, Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos, and unraveled the federal bribery case against U.S. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey."

2,222 MASTROS — "N.J.'s unemployment rate rises again as state tops $20B in benefits paid out," by NJ Advance Media's Sophie Nieto-Munoz: "New Jersey's unemployment rate continues to climb, hitting double digits in November and marking the second month of rising joblessness while coronavirus cases are also surging. The state's November unemployment rate rose to 10.2%, the state Department of Labor announced. That's up 2.2 points from October's adjusted rate of 8.0% — which preliminary numbers originally reported 8.2%. While New Jersey's rate rose, the national unemployment rate dropped slightly to 6.7% in November … Since March, more than 1.86 million workers have filed for unemployment benefits, bringing the total of benefits paid out by the Labor Department to $20 billion, a record amount in 39 weeks, the Labor Department said. Claimants are receiving an average of more than $14,000 in benefits."

ATILIS THE DUMB — "The arrogance behind the defiance at Atilis gym," by The Star-Ledger's Tom Moran: "Smith's fantasy about sacrificing his life in a heroic blaze is something he'll have to work out with his therapist. The law in New Jersey allows no such thing. Nor does it allow the owner of a gym to make policy for New Jersey during a pandemic that has killed 16,000 within our borders so far. It takes a staggering level of arrogance for Smith and his co-owner, Frank Trumbetti, to decide that they know best. 'We don't require masks because masks don't work,' Trumbetti says. 'The governor wants all gyms to be shut down. He doesn't want people to be strong. He wants them to be weak so they'll follow him.' Lord. If Smith and Trumbetti think they have all the answers, here's what they can do: Run for governor. That's what Phil Murphy did. If they believe Murphy has exceeded his emergency powers during this crisis, as some legislators do, here's what they can do: File a lawsuit challenging Murphy's authority."

FIVE DAYS TO REVIEW A 217-PAGE BILL IS PLENTY OF TIME — "New NJ corporate tax break program appears to repeat same old mistakes," by WNYC's Nancy Solomon: "Like the Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, the new bill gives tax breaks for specific South Jersey projects with connections to Democratic Party powerbroker George Norcross. For example, there's a provision that a company can be eligible for a tax break if it works with a nonprofit organization 'with a mission dedicated to attracting investment and completing development and redevelopment projects in a Garden State Growth Zone.' That description only applies to a small number of firms, one of which is Cooper's Ferry Partnership, a Camden-based nonprofit Norcross took over in 2014. Another passage in the bill provides a tax credit to vendors in the South Jersey film industry. The chairman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, John Burzichelli —a Norcross ally — owns a company that fits that exact description."

ENVIRONMENT — New Jersey's ability to achieve emissions reduction goals rests on strength of updated rules, by POLITICO's Samantha Maldonado: New Jersey's ability to achieve its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions rests on the strength of new regulations that have been in the works for nearly a year. As part of an effort known as Protecting Against Climate Change, or PACT, the Department of Environmental Protection is revising rules related to emissions reporting and air pollution regulations, with proposals expected in early 2021. The PACT initiative aims to close the gap between the state's ambitions and what it can accomplish in the coming years.

SEXUAL ASSAULT — " N.J. Senate passes bills expanding rights for rape victims," by NJ Advance Media's Samantha Marcus: "Prosecutors would be required to notify victims of sexual assault about whether charges will be filed against their assailants under a bill passed by the New Jersey Senate on Thursday. The measure is part of a package of eight bills sponsors say are meant to protect the rights of victims and avoid the revictimization of sexual assault survivors. All were approved by the Senate unanimously."

—"NJ unemployment: Legislature passes bill extending jobless benefits, awaits Murphy signing"

—"NJ nursing-home residents won't start COVID-19 vaccinations before next week"

— Port Authority board approves $7.3B budget; $1.7B loss expected

—"New Jersey transgender community praises state Supreme Court name change ruling"

—" Gov. Murphy says state could make vaccine numbers public"

—2 New Jersey nominees confirmed to Gateway Development Commission

—WNYC: " Transparency and good government take back seat in Trenton rush to pass bills"

—"N.J.'s top court weighs releasing hundreds of people from jail who are awaiting trial"

—" Ciattarelli is now shoo-in for Atlantic GOP organization line"

—"Hudson County judge makes history with Essex appointment"

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TRUMP ERA

WEED DISPENSARIES LINE UP TO SPONSOR RUTGERS ATHLETES — "Sen. Cory Booker and three other Democratic lawmakers introduce a sweeping NCAA reform bill," by The AP's Ralph D. Russo: "A bill being introduced Thursday by four Democratic lawmakers would grant college athletes sweeping rights to compensation, including a share of the revenue generated by their sports, and create a federal commission to oversee college athletics. The College Athletes Bill of Rights is sponsored by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). If passed, it could wreak havoc on the NCAA's ability to govern intercollegiate athletics and the association's model for amateurism. The announcement of the bill comes a day after the Supreme Court agreed to review a court ruling the NCAA says blurs the 'line between student-athletes and professionals' by removing caps on certain compensation that major college football and basketball players can receive."

—Campos-Medina: "Trump's impact on New Jersey politics is obvious in Northern New Jersey"

—Mulshine: " New Jersey conservatives ask: Will the Trump effect outlive Donald Trump?"

LOCAL

THE TRUMP IMPLOSION — "'A lot of action already' on bids to implode Trump Plaza, Atlantic City mayor says," by The Press of Atlantic City's David Danzis: "On Thursday morning, the mayor said 'there's a lot of action already.' As of Thursday afternoon, the highest bid was $7,250. 'Personally, I'm a pretty ambitious guy. I want to raise at least $1 million dollars,' said Small, who both attended the club as a youth and worked there early in his career. The demolition of the last remaining symbol of President Donald Trump's former Atlantic City casino empire was originally scheduled for Jan. 29. Due to safety concerns, Small said the implosion would now take place in February, but he did not disclose a date or time."

THE COOLEST TOWN IN NEW JERSEY — "Is West Milford 'cannabis country'? Yes, say officials trying to lure weed businesses," by The Record's David M. Zimmer: "Township officials are preparing a beacon to lure New Jersey's forthcoming recreational marijuana industry. A resolution that gained town council approval Wednesday night announces the town's willingness to play host to marijuana retailers, growers, distributors and processors once state legislators establish rules for the recreational market approved by voters in November. The early signal of intent is likely to be coupled with new zoning regulations to restrict marijuana businesses to certain areas of the 80-square-mile community. 'This reflects the changing political landscape that we're in right now,' said Michael Chazukow, councilman elect. 'It used to be very politically dangerous to advocate for cannabis. Now it's dangerous not to.'"

LITTLE LEGACY — "Ocean County Freeholder Gerry Little to retire in 2021," by The Asbury Park Press' Erik Larsen : "In a surprise announcement Wednesday evening, Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little said he will not seek reelection next year. Little, 72, of Surf City, has served on the Board of Freeholders since 2003 when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Freeholder James J. Mancini, who died just after winning reelection in November of that year. In addition to a high-profile role this year as liaison to the county Health Department, where he reports weekly on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ocean County to his colleagues, Little is also liaison to the county's Veteran Services Bureau and the Road Department. Little's current three-year term expires on Dec. 31, 2021, and Little said he will step down at that time."

—"Battle lines beginning to form as Ocean County freeholder retires"

DOWNER LIVINGSTONE, I PRESUME? — "Executive order wipes out sledding at popular hills in Monmouth parks ," by NJ 101.5's Dan Alexander : "For children hoping to use the sleds that have been gathering dust for a few light-snow years, two parks in Monmouth County were off limits after Wednesday's nor'easter because of Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order limiting outdoor gatherings. During the recent surge in positive coronavirus cases, Murphy lowered the limit on outdoor gatherings to just 25. As a result, the Monmouth County Park System said sledding will be prohibited at Holmdel Park and the Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport. 'Large crowds love to come to these places so we are following the guidelines that were given to us by the governor,' park system spokeswoman Karen Livingstone told New Jersey 101.5."

—"Hudson County Executive DeGise and staff in quarantine after chief of staff comes down with coronavirus"

—"Hoboken council urges Hudson's state lawmakers to push for more cannabis revenue"

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EVERYTHING ELSE

ACADEMIC FREEDOM, NORTH KOREA STYLE — Rutgers Board of Governors approves restrictions to public comment by POLITICO's Carly Sitrin: The Rutgers University Board of Governors on Thursday unanimously approved changes to its bylaws that will restrict public comment — a controversial move opposed by a coalition of unions and the university's Student Assembly.

RUTH BADER GINSBUILDING — "Rutgers to name iconic residence hall for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who started her career as a law professor there," by The Philadelphia INquirer's Susan Snyder: "A 17-story residence hall at Rutgers-Newark, once home to the university's law school, will be named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who began her historic career focusing on equity and justice as a law professor there. The neoclassical residence hall, which is home to about 330 students, including 100 law students, faces Newark's Washington Park, soon to be renamed Harriet Tubman Square, the university said. The change was approved by Rutgers' board of trustees at a meeting Thursday."

GRAB THOSE OPPORTUNITIES — " What's next for N.J. comedian who hit it big spoofing Trump," by NJ Advance Media's Rob Jennings: "J-L Cauvin is looking forward to life after President Trump, though it was his Trump impersonation that brought him fame. 'I am, in certain ways, very tired of doing the voice and the character,' Cauvin told NJ Advance Media. He said he's hoping to develop a sketch comedy pilot, among other projects, after Trump leaves the White House."

—" Meet the retired sisters who maintain 50 miles of rugged New Jersey Pinelands' trail"

—"Former Johnson & Johnson exec alleges gender, sex discrimination, retaliation in lawsuit"

A message from Move Health Care Forward New Jersey:

S3218/A5119 represents an important step forward for health care in New Jersey. By removing restrictions currently placed on Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey – restrictions that apply to no other insurer in the state – we will create enormous potential for both Horizon's 3.6 million members and for the state's economy. Legislative leadership and the bill's sponsors, including Senators Pou and Senator Sarlo, Senate President Sweeney, Assemblyman McKeon, Assemblywoman Downey, and Assemblymen Clifton and Wimberly, all deserve a tremendous amount of credit for crafting a bill that addresses the needs of Horizon's members and the concerns of stakeholders. They ran an open, transparent process that took public feedback and incorporated it into this legislation. Learn More.