News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Are you afraid of the dark money?

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Are you afraid of the dark money?

Aug 17, 2021

Good Tuesday morning!

When the George Norcross-aligned dark money group General Growth Fund shut down in 2019, it had about a million dollars in its coffers. It proceeded to donate those funds to two other dark money groups.

The largest amount — more than $740,000 — went to something called "Prosperity First Committee Inc." Virtually nothing is available online about that group other than its 2019 form 990. The only name attached to it is New Jersey Building Trades Council President William T. Mullen. Is it related to the Building Trades? I can't tell, because I didn't hear back from Mullen and there's virtually no information about it. Which is odd for a group with that much money.

Another $121,500 went to the NJ Future Fund, the confusingly-named group that backed up Senate President Steve Sweeney in his 2018 fight with Murphy. And $85,000 went to a now-defunct anti-NJEA group.

But how things have changed in Trenton. This year, the NJEA turned around and gave more than $1.25 million to a new Norcross-aligned super PAC.

Admittedly, this information is limited. That's exactly the problem with dark money in politics. Not only is little disclosed, but we have to wait two years to see the little there was because it takes so long for 990 forms to go online. But as long as there's something to report, it's worth reporting.

WHERE'S MURPHY? Italy. Acting Gov. Sheila Oliver is in Elizabeth at 11 a.m. to sign Urban Enterprise Zone legislation

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Missed yesterday, as is tradition for me: Gov. Phil Murphy.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The loss of the container does not irreparably prejudice defendants' ability to defend themselves against the claim the marinara sauce was too hot when sold." — An appellate panel decision keeping alive a woman's lawsuit against a pizzeria for burns she suffered from allegedly scalding red sauce.

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WHAT TRENTON MADE

CANNA CANNA CANNA CANNA CANNA COMMISSION — Cannabis Regulatory Commission set to adopt adult use rules on Thursday, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission plans to adopt rules and regulations during its regular monthly meeting Thursday that will govern the state's adult-use cannabis market, according to an agenda released by the agency. Thursday's meeting, scheduled for noon, comes just two days before an Aug. 21 deadline for when the commission needs to have a rulebook in place for retailers, cultivators and microbusinesses and a host of other entities looking to cash in on the nascent industry. Getting there has been an uphill battle. Prior to setting regulations, control over the state's medical cannabis program needed to be transferred from the state Department of Health to the newly-formed CRC. The Murphy administration and legislative leaders lost more than a month over who should sit on the commission; the New Jersey NAACP argued the five members proposed by the governor and legislative leaders didn't meet a statutory requirement that one of its full-time members represent a national civil rights organization. As recently as last month, CRC Chair Dianna Houenou indicated not all facets of the state's regulatory framework would be ready in time.

MAILING IT IN — " More voters turning to mail to cast ballots," by NJ Spotlight News' Colleen O'Dea : "This year, the only people who received a mail-in ballot were those who asked to receive them, either for every election or specifically for the June primary. Of the 762,000 who voted in the primary, more than 218,000 used a mail-in ballot. That represents 28.6% of all those who cast ballots. In the last gubernatorial primary, in 2017, fewer than 5% of voters mailed in their ballots. Some advocates say those numbers indicate that voters like the convenience of being able to make their choices from home in the weeks or days leading up to an election. But continuing concerns over COVID-19 could have played a role, with the state's mask mandate just days before the election prompting some to stay away from polling locations."

ENDOF MAHAN — "Reports of abuse of women at Edna Mahan span decades. What's next after the prison closes?" by The Record's Stacey Barchenger: "Murphy has not publicly revealed a plan for closing the prison, which experts say could take years, but has said the nearly 400 women there will be moved to a new prison or other facilities. The state hired The Moss Group, a Washington, D.C.-based corrections consultant, to develop a 'a thoughtful location and transition plan for the female population that supports their unique needs,'a Department of Corrections spokesperson said. Since the January assaults, the Department of Corrections outfitted each officer that has regular inmate contact with a body-worn camera, increasing oversight. Two women have assumed leadership roles: Victoria Kuhn, who was named acting commissioner after the resignation of Marcus O. Hicks; and Helena Tome, who as assistant commissioner of women's services will work as a liaison to women at Edna Mahan. A corrections ombudsperson, who also resigned following the January scandal, has yet to be replaced."

UNION DEMANDS MORE TIME OFF TO GIVE LESS UNION-FRIENDLY CANDIDATE A BETTER CHANCE OF WINNING — "Democratic workers form union, seek more time off 11 weeks before Election Day," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein : "Recently-hired staffers for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's coordinated campaign have unionized and is seeking to negotiate more time off and higher pay between now and Election Day. The NJ Forward 2021 Union said the campaign leadership has voluntarily recognized their union, which will be part of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). 'We began the negotiation process in early July and are happy to report that we have received a positive response regarding time off and health benefits for our staff,' the union said in a statement posted online. 'We look forward to continuing negotiations next week with hopes of finding common ground on fairer wages.' It's not clear what the staffers are looking for, beyond pay raises after a relatively short amount of time in New Jersey. With eleven weeks to go before Election Day, time off may be an unrealistic goal as Democrats begin turning out voters next month and face nine days of early voting in October."

27.8 MASTRO TAX HIKE — Democratic senator urges Murphy to head off $250M unemployment tax hike, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: A fellow Democrat is urging Gov. Phil Murphy to use American Rescue Plan funds to head off a $250 million tax increase on New Jersey employers, after some Republicans suggested the same thing last week. "The money can be used to support the public health response; replace public sector revenue loss; invest in water and sewer infrastructure; address negative economic impacts; provide premium pay for essential workers; and invest in broadband infrastructure," state Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) wrote in a letter to Murphy that his office sent out as a press release. "Certainly, an increase in the unemployment insurance tax would qualify as a steep negative economic impact. In fact, other states have used federal assistance to replenish the funds and it is my hope that New Jersey will do the same to avoid this unwelcome and untimely burden on our businesses."

—Murphy adviser named general counsel for NJ Transit

—" Nonprofits sending vote-by-mail applications to 2M+ voters"

—"After 2 years offline, NJ reopens apps for key development incentives"

—" N.J Supreme Court says courts should collect jury demographic data"

—"The other side of N.J. public records transparency | Opinion"

—" Progressive activists call for investigation into senator for alleged 'no-show job'"

— New Jersey adopts telemedicine registration rules for health care providers

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BIDEN TIME

WHEN YOU'VE LOST JEFF VAN DREW, YOU'VE LOST JEFF VAN DREW — "Van Drew calls for Biden, Harris to resign over Afghanistan withdrawal," by The Press of Atlantic City's Michelle Brunetti Post: "Congressman Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, called for the resignations of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and others over the country's chaotic exit from Afghanistan that he said has left thousands of people likely to be killed in its wake. At the same time, Congressman Andy Kim, D-3rd, who served in Afghanistan as an adviser to Generals David Petraeus and John Allen, said through his staff he was doing all he could to get people he knew in Afghanistan out of the country. Biden will cut short his Camp David vacation and return to Washington, D.C., to address the nation on Afghanistan, his office said Monday. 'Every day I wake up as a congressman … and wonder what's going to be next. With this administration, it's been failure after failure after failure,' said Van Drew, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee Intelligence and Counterterrorism Subcommittee and Maritime Security Subcommittee."

HERE I AM. ROCK YOU LIKE A… TAYFUN — Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen announced last night that he plans to run for Congress in the 11th District, a seat occupied by two-term Democrat Mikie Sherrill. "America is starved for leadership and for voices in Congress that can articulate a vision for keeping the American Dream alive for future generations," said Selen, a Turkish immigrant who's been commissioner since 2020. "America is at a crossroad, and I want to help ensure that we choose the right path forward -- a path that rewards hard work, a path that respects the rule of law, a path that unites us as Americans as we celebrate our differences, a path of freedom and opportunity for all." I'll have more on this later today.

—"Afghanistan collapse 'utterly tragic,' says N.J. congressman who helped American forces there," by NJ Advance Media's Jonathan D. Salant: "Before he came to Congress, Andy Kim spent six months in Afghanistan as a strategic adviser to Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces there. Now Kim is trying to make sure the people he worked with are able to escape Taliban rule. The New Jersey congressman said he got an hour's sleep Sunday evening as he worked the phones to get people out of Afghanistan, supplying names to the Biden administration and independent groups. Besides Americans, they were Afghanis who helped the U.S., leaders of women's rights and other similar organizations, independent journalists, and relatives of Afghanis now living in this country."

WE KNOW WHO HE'LL TAKE HIS MCCUES FROM — "Booker aide Zach McCue is contender for top EPA job," by New Jerey Globe's David Wildstein: "A top staffer to U.S. Senator Cory Booker is among the top candidates for Region 2 Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New Jersey Globe has learned. Zach McCue, who worked for Clean Ocean Action until joining Booker's staff in 2014, has the backing of Booker, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, and two dozen New Jersey environmental leaders and activists who have weighed in with the Biden administration in support of his appointment."

—" 'What was their sacrifice for?' New Jersey veteran reacts to situation in Afghanistan"

LOCAL

NETFLIX AND TAX BILL — "South Jersey beach town part of lawsuit demanding fees from Netflix, Hulu," by The Courier-Post's Jim Walsh: "A South Jersey beach town wants to play a lead role in a Netflix courtroom drama. But upscale Longport doesn't see itself as the setting for a film on the streaming service. Instead, it's one of two New Jersey towns to sue Netflix and fellow streamer Hulu. The proposed class action suit contends the entertainment giants fall under the provisions of the state's Cable Television Act — and, consequently, must pay a portion of their revenues to the municipalities. The suit contends the streaming services reached customers through 'wireline facilities' that are 'located at least in part in public rights-of-way."'And it asserts their programs 'are comparable to that provided by traditional cable companies and television-broadcast stations.'"

CHRIS CHRISTIE TO TAPE RECRUITMENT AD — "There's a teacher shortage and hard-to-fill positions remain open at N.J. schools," by NJ Advance Media's Steven Rodas: "More than one district had to hit the brakes on the return of in-person instruction last school year because not enough teachers were able or willing to return to classrooms. The reasons varied. Some staff members were concerned about contracting COVID-19. Many were afraid of possibly exposing their families at home. And even more, including many willing to come back, could not because they had to care for their own children … school officials and experts said more teachers returning to the classroom compared to last year does not solve the state's ongoing teacher shortage problem — an issue growing not just in New Jersey, but across the country."

ZOOM BOMBING IS SO 2020 — "Jersey City school district virtual town hall halted by meeting crashers' racial slurs," by The Jersey Journal's Joshua Rosario : "A Jersey City school district virtual town hall meeting Friday to discuss procedures and policies for the new school year ended abruptly when it was "Zoom bombed" with racist language and simulated pornographic sounds. Superintendent Franklin Walker said in a letter to parents Sunday said the Zoom meeting was halted just a few minutes in 'because guests could not listen and wait for their turn to speak.' Walker was subjected to a racial slur from the meeting crashers."

THE TESLA WHY? — " Bergen County just bought a Tesla for cops. Here's why officials say it's a smart move," by The Record's Katie Sobko: "The new Tesla Y, purchased for $51,290 by Bergen County commissioners for use by police, is not your typical fleet vehicle. But Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella insist that it's a sensible option that could even save taxpayers money. And Commissioner Tracy Zur considers it a step toward saving the planet. The Tesla is part of a pilot program that will allow for public safety agencies throughout Bergen County to experience electrified vehicles. The car, an all-wheel-drive, long-range model Y vehicle, can travel an estimated 314 miles per charge and seat seven people. Zur said the program is being implemented in an effort to lower the county's carbon footprint and meet the goals set by the federal and state governments."

—"Jersey City Council poised to vote on cannabis ordinance that allows all 6 types of distributors"

—"Stafford Township Schools ask Murphy to rescind mask mandate"

—"High court move reprieves Cumberland inmates from transfers around S.J."

—"A 'growing' problem solved? Trees, brush cleared from Hudson park to roust homeless sleeping near pre-K school"

—"Councilman withdraws Jersey City affordable housing plan, agrees to deliberate approach"

—"Paterson mayor travels to New Mexico for education conference"

EVERYTHING ELSE

SCARLET FEVER KNIGHTS — "Students sue to fight Rutgers' vaccine mandate," by NJ Advance Media's Chris Sheldon: "A lawsuit filed Monday in federal court sought to fight Rutgers University's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The lawsuit was filed by Children's Health Defense, a non-profit activist group, and 18 students who either recently accepted offers of admission or who have been enrolled at Rutgers for one or more years … The lawyer representing Children's Health Defense and the students, Juilo Gomez, argued in the suit that the mandate is both illegal and unconstitutional, is not authorized by any federal or state law and 'violates the right to informed consent and to refuse unwanted medical treatment guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.'"

NOW I CAN'T DO THIS THING I WAS TOTALLY GOING TO DO — "New Jersey Marathon canceled for 2nd year in a row after town opts not to host large event," by NJ Advnace Media's Rob Jennings: "The New Jersey Marathon has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in New Jersey. Organizers announced Monday that the 26.2-mile race, along with a related half-marathon and 5-kilometer race on the weekend of Oct. 16-17, will not take place in October. 'While we were hoping to return to you with more positive news, we have received official confirmation that the in-person 2021 Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon & Half Marathon (and RWJBarnabas Health 5K) will not take place this October,' read the statement on the event's website."

OH GOOD MORE GAMBLING — "NJ sets monthly internet gambling record in July at $118M," by The AP's Wayne Parry: "Figures released Monday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement show the nine casinos collectively won $118.6 million online in July, the best month ever for a state that was an early adopter of internet betting. The previous record was 113.7 million in March of this year. July's figure was an increase of almost 36% from July 2020, when casinos had just begun to reopen after a 3 1/2-month virus-related shutdown."

—" Businesses pray for hiring boom after fed unemployment benefits expire"

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