News : POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Legal weed: It took a while

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Legal weed: It took a while

Feb 23, 2021

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By Matt Friedman

Presented by Anbaric Development Partners

Good Tuesday morning!

Do you have your six ounces of weed on you? Have no fear. You won't get in trouble.

That's right. Weed is legal in New Jersey . Well, sort of. There's still no way to legally buy it. But you're not going to be prosecuted for having "small" amounts on you. And yes, by "small," I mean up to six ounces. Which is not small unless you're NJ Weedman, who could probably go through that amount in a lunch break.

Gov. Murphy finally put his signature on the legalization and decriminalization bills that have been sitting on his desk since December, after the Legislature finally passed a "clean-up" bill to clarify how underage users are dealt with. That bill upset the PBA and Republicans by severely limiting how police can investigate and deal with underage users.

Naturally, this being New Jersey, it was a difficult process. But at least Gov. Murphy made good on his campaign pledge to get weed legalized within the first 1,134 days of his administration.

Murphy yesterday said he anticipates it will take "plus or minus" six months for the state to get the program set up so that dispensaries are selling recreational weed. I'll go with the plus on that one. A big plus.

Also, it's worth noting that it continues to be a felony to grow even small amounts of marijuana in New Jersey, and even growing pretty modest amounts can stick you with long prison sentences with mandatory minimums attached. As far as I can tell, New Jersey is the only state with a recreational marijuana law on its books that prohibits all home growing — even medical.

Read more from Sam Sutton here.

WHERE'S MURPHY? In cyberspace to deliver the budget address at 1 p.m. Watch here. Then in Trenton at 4:30 p.m. for a vaccine site visit.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER — 2,165 newly-reported PCR tests for a total of 684,903. 17 more deaths for a total of 20,585 (and 2,289 probable deaths). 2,023 hospitalized, 438 in intensive care. 509,373 fully vaccinated, or about 5.7 percent of the population.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Quite frankly this process has been a debacle from the beginning. The voters did their job. We failed to do ours." — State Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) on weed legalization

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — NJ Spotlight contributor Ian Shearn, U.S. Rep./election result opponent for the presidency but not his own race Jeff Van Drew.

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

New Jersey is leading the race to scale offshore wind, taking groundbreaking steps like announcing a first-in-the-nation transmission only solicitation. Now, NJ will need a partner that can deliver on this bold vision. With extensive experience building transmission systems, Anbaric is the company New Jersey can trust to achieve our clean energy goals. Visit nj.anbaric.com to learn more.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

REMEMBER WHEN NJ BORROWED $4 BILLION? — Murphy's budget won't include tax hikes or new fees, sources say, by POLITICO's Katherine Landergan: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy will not propose any tax increases or new fees as part of his Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which he's scheduled to present Tuesday, two administration sources told POLITICO. In a statement announcing the budget address, Murphy said the spending plan will not just "get us through the remaining months of the pandemic, but will supercharge our reemergence from it." "Now is the time to put in motion a plan to spark New Jersey's recovery and get our economy moving forward," he said in the statement.

MO MASTROS MO PROBLEMS — " NJ Budget 2022: Competing demands as Gov. Murphy about to unveil spending plan," by NJ Spotlight's John Reitmeyer : "With COVID-19 vaccinations underway and business restrictions slowly easing, Gov. Phil Murphy plans to propose a state budget plan Tuesday for what many hope will be a year of robust recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. However, as New Jersey's economic outlook appears to be brightening, Murphy faces pressure to make progress on some of the state's most difficult fiscal challenges — while still managing the ongoing health crisis. Also hovering over the budget approval process is the November gubernatorial election, which will see Murphy attempting to become the first Democratic governor in decades to win reelection to a second term. To that end, demands to increase funding for key programs that can be hard to resist during an election year have already started piling up in recent weeks. Among them have been calls to provide more aid for public education, small businesses, New Jersey Transit, clean-energy programs and undocumented immigrants who are currently not eligible to receive unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, concerns about high taxes — including New Jersey's ever-rising property taxes — also remain a significant issue, especially with all 120 legislative seats on the November ballot."

—" New Jersey governor to propose full pension payment for first time since 1996"

—"N.J. commuters are spared fare hike in Murphy's Recovery Budget"

FINALLY, SOMEONE'S LOOKING OUT FOR THE REGULAR PEOPLE WHO ARE SONS OF POWERFUL POLITICIAN'S GIRLFRIENDS — Senate passes bill to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for political corruption, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman : The state Senate on Monday voted to eliminate mandatory minimum prison sentences for all political corruption-related crimes, expanding on a previous controversial bill opposed by Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. The earlier version stalled in the Assembly, but Speaker Craig Coughlin indicated Monday the new measure will get a vote in the lower house, likely forcing a veto from Murphy. The legislation, NJ S3456 (20R), is billed as eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for offenses "determined by the Legislature to be of a non-violent nature." It passed the Senate, 23-14, largely along party lines, with most Democrats supporting it and most Republicans opposed.

EDNA MAHAN — "Democrats raise heat over abuse at the NJ women's prison but avoid bashing Murphy," by The Record's Charles Stile: "The intra-Democratic Party outcry over Edna Mahan is not the same as a mobilized, intra-party backlash. The Democrats' response to the prison incident is far more nuanced. Democratic lawmakers who will soon hit the trail — all 120 seats in the Legislature are also up for reelection this fall — are struggling to address a serious crisis without openly attacking and undermining Murphy, the party leader … That is why Democratic critics are careful to keep the focus primarily on the systemic bureaucratic failures and long-standing cultural problems within prison system — problems that predated Murphy's arrival in 2017 — rather than on the governor's conduct. 'Both prior administrations and this one have failed to protect the women there. I mean, that's just a fact that I didn't make it up. It's not political. It's not partisan,' said Weinberg, who is not running for reelection but remains one of the party's most outspoken leaders."

HANGIN' WITH MR. COOPER — Murphy to sign hospital property tax exemption, angioplasty, trauma center bills, by POLTICIO's Sam Sutton : Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday is expected to sign three bills that have been on the wishlist of New Jersey's hospitals for years, according to an administration official. The governor is expected to sign legislation that will free up licenses for hospitals to perform elective angioplasty procedures, NJ A1176 (20R), as well as another bill, which was spearheaded by Cooper University Health Care and the state's South Jersey delegation, that will require acute care hospitals in New Jersey to sign transfer agreements with trauma centers and codifies triage standards for emergency medical service providers, NJ A5103 (20R). Separately, Murphy is expected to sign a measure that will codify property tax exemptions for nonprofit medical centers.

CHURCH AND STATE STREET — Murphy raises limits on religious gatherings in effort to put lawsuit to rest, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman : New Jersey is expanding the number of people permitted at indoor religious gatherings, with Gov. Phil Murphy announcing Monday that the state will allow houses of worship to conduct services with up to 50 percent of their capacity. The new executive order, which takes effect immediately, includes no cap on the overall number of people permitted inside and is intended to put to bed a legal challenge to capacity limits by a priest and a rabbi, according to a Murphy administration official who declined to speak publicly.

GUMBLE (AND THE POLITICAL) MACHINE — "Cardinale death creates narrow window of opportunity for Bergen Democrats," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Until Republicans fill Cardinale's seat next month, there is a narrow window for Gov. Phil Murphy and Democrats to move some appointments through in Bergen without Republican participation. That could be good news for Dan Gumble. Murphy nominated Gumble, the business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164, to serve on the New Jersey Schools Development Authority board in September 2020. Gumble, a Lyndhurst resident, has received signoff from the Democratic senators in Bergen County, but not from Cardinale."

—Sinha: "Finally, marijuana is legal! Now, let's build an equitable and inclusive market"

—"Menendez: I'll work to ensure 'equitable, safe, & accountable' N.J. cannabis marketplace"

—Snowflack: "Murphy versus the PBA"

—New Jersey Senate passes bills to expand early voting

—" What's the official NJ vaccination timeline? Depends on who's talking, Murphy or Persichilli"

—"Thousands of N.J. residents have unemployment delayed by answering just one question wrong, state Labor chief says"

—" With little lab capacity, NJ health officials are flying blind on spread of COVID variants"

—"Guardian returns to Assembly [candidacy], supports Polistina for Senate"

—" N.Y. got an advocate to represent drivers with toll problems. Does N.J. need one?"

—"Bill would end fines for NJ Transit light rail riders who forget to stamp their tickets"

NEW - "THE RECAST" NEWSLETTER: Power dynamics are changing. "Influence" is changing. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. "The Recast" is our new twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics, policy and power in America. And POLITICO is recasting how we report on this crucial intersection, bringing you fresh insights, scoops, dispatches from across the country and new voices that challenge "business as usual." Don't miss out on this important new newsletter, SUBSCRIBE NOW. Thank you to our sponsor, Intel.

BIDEN TIME

WAS CHRIS SMITH WRONG ABOUT IT BEING ANTIFA? — "Congressman says he's 'tired of playing defense' against conspiracy theories and domestic extremism," by Yahoo News' Jon Ward: "A congressman who has been fighting conspiracy theories and disinformation believes that the Jan. 6 insurrection was a turning point, and that a critical mass of law enforcement and military institutions are now 'playing offense' against right-wing extremism. 'The experience that we all had in the Congress ... on Jan. 6 — that strengthened my determination, our determination,' said Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-N.J. "I'm tired of playing defense. I'm tired of waiting for the next threat. We are now playing offense. We're going to go after these people. We're going to deal with this problem. I'm confident of that.' … After the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol, police and military institutions are 'taking seriously the threat posed not just by a handful of crazy-sounding individuals out there, but organized groups like the Proud Boys and the boogaloo bois and the Oath Keepers,' Malinowski said in an interview on 'The Long Game,' a Yahoo News podcast."

LOCAL

MCBRIDE AND PREJUDICE — "Blakeley to Trenton council prez: You're a 'crackhead prostitute'," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "Councilman Jerell Blakeley called council president Kathy McBride an 'illiterate crackhead prostitute' last year during a coronavirus briefing. Blakeley hurled the vicious insult during an April 6 call that included colleagues and then-city clerk Dwayne Harris, according to a transcript of the conference call obtained by The Trentonian. He repeatedly denied engaging in the derogatory name-calling when confronted about it and threatened to sue The Trentonian for engaging in 'yellow journalism.'"

—" N.J. councilman who called colleague an 'illiterate crackhead prostitute' has apologized"

THEY'RE FULL UP ON DIVERSITY — "Jersey City is the most diverse city in the U.S. The people running it are not so diverse," by The Record's Terrence T. McDonald: " Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop often touts his city as the most diverse in the nation, but Fulop's top-ranking staff is nowhere near as diverse as the city they run. The public safety director is white, and so is the municipal prosecutor. The business administrator, corporation counsel, commerce director, recreation director, DPW director, tax collector, communications director and chief of staff are all white. The personnel and finance directors are Latina. The new police director is Black. Overall, 76% of the people leading Fulop's administration are white. Census figures put Jersey City's white population at about 22%."

OCEAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DOING AN 'OUTSTANDING JOB' AT MODESTY — "'We're doing an outstanding job': Ocean County commissioners criticized over COVID-19 vaccine shortage," by The Asbury Park Press' Erik Larsen: "The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is imploring residents not to blame the county government for the shortage of COVID-19 vaccine that has left thousands of locals unable even to make an appointment for their turns. Some county residents have taken to writing scathing — sometimes profanity-laden — missives to the all-Republican, five-member county commission, holding them accountable for an inability to get a shot or even schedule an appointment … Little said the amount of vaccine that Ocean County receives each week is a decision made by the Murphy administration. The county government has no say whatsoever in how much vaccine the county gets, he emphasized."

THIS IS SPARTA! — "In Sparta, threats of violence on social media reported over delayed reopening of schools," by The New Jersey Herald's Eric Obernauer: "Authorities are investigating a social media call for violence urging parents to 'storm' this Thursday's Board of Education meeting and "knock down the doors of the BOE members and union leaders" if a full reopening of schools is further delayed, district officials said Sunday. The comments on Facebook also included a post stating that 'if (schools) don't open soon, it will be time for physical violence' against those keeping the schools closed."

WELL, TRUMP IS USED TO BEING UNDERWATER — " Rubble from demolished Trump Plaza could be used for artificial reefs," by The Press of Atlantic City's CJ Fairfield: "Some of the rubble from the demolished Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino could go toward sustaining marine life by being added to existing artificial reefs. John Lewis, president of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Club, said the rubble could "greatly improve the fluke fishing" on the Little Egg Harbor Reef. In January, a tug boat, a push boat and a barge were sunk about five miles off of Beach Haven to expand the Little Egg Harbor Reef, a project more than six months in the making."

—" Paterson council president scraps 'no confidence' vote on Mayor Andre Sayegh"

—"Lawsuits allege civil rights violations by Penns Grove police officers"

—" Atlantic commissioners pass nonpartisan condemnation of political violence"

—"Rosemarie Peters will not seek reelection as Monmouth County Surrogate"

—" Apps and maps bring the Underground Railroad to life for students in [Lawnside]"

—"Devils Arena Entertainment will take on $72M renovation of Jersey City's Lowe's Theatre"

JOIN US TODAY TO MEET THE FRESHMEN: The freshman class of the 117th Congress took office just three days before an armed mob stormed Capitol Hill and in the middle of a once per century pandemic, making its first month in office just a bit different from any previous class. Join POLITICO for "Red, Fresh and Blue," featuring live interviews with newly elected members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. Huddle newsletter author Olivia Beavers will moderate back-to-back live interviews with Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) and Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-Ga.). REGISTER HERE.

EVERYTHING ELSE

CLOSED CASKET, OPEN BAR — "Till death do us part: How COVID-19 rules led to wedding in NJ funeral home," by The Asbury Park Press' Jerry Carino: "Like many engaged couples, Kelly Byrnes and Frank Ruggiero faced a dilemma: Should they tie the knot during the pandemic? And if so, where? 'We just decided not to wait,' Byrnes said … They'd just bought a house in Ocean Township, and figured that could accommodate an intimate gathering of immediate family and close friends. But Byrnes' best friend, Sara Giustino Toland, proposed an outside-the-box alternative. 'I have a crazy idea,' Toland said, as Byrnes recounted. 'What do you think of having it in the funeral home?'' The funeral home is Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home in Toms River. Toland is the manager. 'I know it sounded a bit odd,'she said."

—"How will the Port Authority squeeze more buses through the Lincoln Tunnel to planned new terminal?"

—"NJ family hopes 'cereal challenge' can help save boy's sight"

—"Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama launch podcast on Spotify; 2 episodes out now"

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

With a bold vision of creating 7500 MW of wind energy by 2035, New Jersey is leading the race to scale the offshore wind industry, but a major question remains: How will we transport that energy back to shore? The answer is planned transmission, the most efficient, economic, and environmentally friendly way to bring offshore wind power to New Jersey's homes and businesses.

Acknowledging the considerable benefits of a planned transmission approach, the BPU announced late last year that the state, alongside PJM, will issue a first-in-the-nation transmission-only solicitation in early 2021. Now, New Jersey will need a partner that can deliver on this transformative opportunity.

With extensive experience building transmission systems, Anbaric is the company New Jersey can trust to achieve our state's clean energy goals. Anbaric is committed to scaling the offshore wind industry while protecting ratepayers and the environment.
Visit nj.anbaric.com to learn more.