News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: DeCroce puts forward some big ideas on her way out

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: DeCroce puts forward some big ideas on her way out

Sep 14, 2021

Presented by A Healthy Future, LLC

When your chances of changing anything are small, maybe it's time to think big.

Assemblymember Betty Lou DeCroce (R-Morris), whose time in the Legislature expires in January because she lost her reelection primary, last night announced in a press release that she's proposing two constitutional amendments that would fundamentally change New Jersey's election system. She hopes the Legislature will put them on the ballot next November.

One would be to assign most of the state's electoral votes to Congressional districts , similar to what Maine and Nebraska do. While I'm sure New Jersey Democrats and voters would love to unilaterally disarm and ensure that Republican presidential candidates get at least a couple electoral votes out of this solidly blue state, they probably won't be able to muster the support to do it by 2024. Sure, millions of New Jersey Republicans have their presidential votes drowned out by the more numerous Democrats every four years. But there's a lot more Democrats in Texas who have it the other way.

The other idea, which I've never heard before , would be to split each state Senate district in two so that there would be 80 Assembly districts, each represented by one Assemblymember. That way, she said, voters would have representatives who live closer and are more familiar with the local issues. That's an interesting idea. And who knows, maybe she would have been reelected if she had her own district?

WHERE'S MURPHY? — No public schedule

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "By masking the bell, you are, in essence, masking the player." — Bob Morrison, director of NJ Arts Ed, on his organization's guidance to mask the bells of instruments you blow into.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — NJHA's Neil Eicher

RUNNER UP AWARD FOR FEWEST FS GIVEN — U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8th Dist.) for his participation in a committee hearing from a closet. But U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-10th Dist.) remains the undisputed champion.

TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com

A message from A Healthy Future, LLC:

Some members of Congress want to fund a partisan $3.5 trillion spending plan on the backs of Medicare patients. Their plan would repeal a safeguard in Medicare protecting seniors and those with disabilities, cutting off access to life-saving medicines. Tell Congressman Frank Pallone: Oppose cutting Medicare to pay for the $3.5 trillion spending plan. Stop the government from pulling needed prescription drugs from the market. Sign the petition.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

MASKDATE — New Jersey judge denies motion to block Murphy's school mask mandate, by POLITICO's Carly Sitrin: New Jersey parents, teachers and some students seeking a temporary restraining order against Gov. Phil Murphy's school mask mandate had their motion denied by a judge on Monday. U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty, during a virtual hearing on Sept. 9, cited "unequivocal advice from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] that mask wearing is efficacious [and] is not aimed at expressive conduct. It is clearly a response to the infection rates, which are rising," he said. "For the purpose of a temporary restraining order, I cannot find that this is an irrational classification," McNulty said. "I find that the State could reasonably rely on the guidance from CDC and other places to promulgate such a rule."

BOOSTERISM — Plan to reopen vaccination megasites in flux as New Jersey awaits federal guidance on boosters, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: Lack of clarity on who will be eligible for booster vaccines has forced New Jersey's plan for distributing a fresh round of doses into a state of limbo. President Joe Biden announced last month that Americans will begin receiving booster shots starting Sept. 20. But with one week to go, state leaders are still awaiting guidance on who will be eligible, what groups should be prioritized and how much they should be investing in vaccination hubs that were primary access points for Covid-19 shots in the early stages of the rollout. Gov. Phil Murphy's administration has said the state is planning to reopen some of the six vaccine megasites where roughly 2 million doses were administered through the first half of the year.

666.7 MASTROS — "NJ got $6 billion in COVID-19 federal relief. This is how it's being spent, so far,' by The Record's Dustin Racioppi: "Renters and landlords will share more than $750 million. Another $600 million will be spread to students with disabilities. And three hospitals will divvy up $450 million to prepare for another public health emergency. Those are the biggest earmarks by the Murphy administration and Democratic lawmakers using American Rescue Plan funding — at least so far, state and federal records show. But just $120.3 million — or 2% — of the $6.2 billion in relief money New Jersey received this spring has actually been spent, according to Office of Legislative Services documents. The Treasury Department said the lag in spending is for several reasons: Either federal funds will be reimbursed; programs still must be 'stood up,' more details are needed from applicants; or current programs are still drawing down other federal funds."

JAMES BONG 00420: THE WEED IS NOT ENOUGH — "Will there be enough marijuana in New Jersey for the people who need it?" by David Knowlton for The Star-Ledger: "The new rules say Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) can sell to the recreational market — but must preserve enough marijuana for their medicinal patients. The lengthy regulations sound great on paper. But at the Cannabis Education and Research Institute (CERI) we believe these vague rules will do little to protect patients. We fear thousands of medicinal marijuana patients — people with cancer, MS, and other debilitating conditions — won't get the medication they need when the sale of recreational cannabis begins. The root of the problem is simple: there is not currently enough marijuana grown in New Jersey to supply both the medicinal and recreational market."

R.I.P. — "Ida death total in N.J. climbs to 30, Murphy says," by NJ Advance Media's Jeff Goldman: "The number of people in New Jersey who died during flooding associated with the remnants of Hurricane Idea has increased to 30, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday The victim had been hospitalized and just succumbed to injuries sustained during the storm, New Jersey State Police Col. Patrick Callahan said during the governor's weekly coronavirus press briefing. Murphy didn't immediately disclose the identity of the person or other circumstances about their death."

—" Will Ida's death count be a warning?"

GROWPAL — Senator frustrated by lack of co-sponsors on New Jersey cannabis home grow bill, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: A bill that would allow New Jerseyans to grow their own weed is collecting dust in Trenton, and its top sponsor is frustrated by the lack of other lawmakers willing to sign on as co-sponsors. State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), who introduced the bill in March, said he often hears from constituents and interest groups that support legal home cultivation. But he doesn't believe enough of those messages are reaching his colleagues — and that, he said, could be key to getting the attention of legislative leadership. "The fact that we only have two co-sponsors in the Senate, who I appreciate, really is disappointing," said Gopal, whose bill, NJ S3582 (20R), is co-sponsored by Sens. Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex) and Shirley Turner (D-Mercer). "I hope residents who want home grow reach out to their legislators, reach out to their senators asking them to co-sponsor the bill because clearly they're not hearing it the way I am."

—"Cesarean deliveries decline in N.J., but childbirth complications rise for Black, Hispanic mothers"

— Over half the available public financing for general election given out to date

—"N.J. automatically expunged 360K marijuana cases this summer. There could be more to come"

—Stile: "As Texas abortion law roils governor's race, NJ's sweeping pro-choice bill stalls"

—Brindle: "Steps to strengthen political parties remain necessary despite deep-seated distrust"

—"NJ releases draft rules for $1.1B real estate tax breaks"

STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.

BIDEN TIME

SALT — Ways and Means plans to duck SALT cap debate, by POLITICO's Brian Faler: Don't expect the House Ways and Means Committee to deal with the SALT cap when it takes up Chair Richard Neal's tax plan on Tuesday. Lawmakers intend to omit that from their proposal, and from committee action altogether. Instead, they'll deal with it when the legislation is passed out of the panel and is before the Rules Committee, a Democratic aide said. That's aimed at preventing committee Republicans from offering amendments designed to embarrass Democrats over the issue. Democrats have been deeply divided over the $10,000 cap imposed by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act … In a statement today, Neal and Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) — two prominent opponents of the SALT cap — said they are still negotiating.

—"Chris Christie's bogus blunt talk"

—Brindle: "Steps to strengthen political parties remain necessary despite deep-seated distrust"

LOCAL

TRANSPARENCY —"As counties return to in-person meetings, some drop remote viewing options," by New Jersey Monitor's Nikita Biryukov: "More than 18 months into the pandemic, county commissioner boards in most New Jersey counties have returned to holding in-person meetings, and a third have ended livestreaming operations that were hailed for expanding access to government. Just five counties — Camden, Essex, Union, Middlesex, and Cumberland — are still meeting remotely. Half of the remaining 16 counties haven't maintained virtual components used for much of the pandemic, and some have no plan to bring their livestreams back. Some county officials say they want to maintain remote viewing options, but technical issues post a challenge. Henal Patel, director of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice's Democracy and Justice Program, said live-streamed meetings helped more residents keep tabs on county governments and should remain an option."

FOLLOWING THE LORETTA OF THE LAW — "Judge sides with Teaneck residents who want a referendum on shifting the election date," by The Record's Katie Sobko: "Judge Robert Wilson said the township put 'form over substance' when it rejected a petition to put a question on this year's ballot about moving the council elections from May to November. The Monday morning hearing addressed a lawsuit filed by a group of residents, including soon-to-retired state Sen. Loretta Weinberg and civil rights activist Theodora Lacey. They alleged that the township was denying their right to participate in the democratic process by rejecting their petition. Township Attorney John Shahdanian II argued that the group did not follow the proper statute. Shahdanian said the residents were using a statute that would potentially change the form of government as opposed to a different one that just changes the date of the election. Wilson sided with the residents, though, and said they had 'substantially complied with their obligations.'"

DEMOLISLE MAN — "Lawsuit: Ex-director says Gusciora pressured him to demolish vacant Trenton buildings," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "Ben Delisle claims he was forced out as the city's housing and economic development director because he refused to fast-track 'illegal' demolition projects that Mayor Reed Gusciora wanted prioritized ahead of next year's mayoral race. In an explosive whistleblower suit filed last week by Delisle's attorneys, the ex-housing director alleged he was cut loose not long after complaining in writing to high-ranking city officials about their 'illegal' and 'improper' demands on him … An apparent stickler for the rules and regulations, Delisle "insisted" that he wouldn't take shortcuts just to appease Gusciora, who wanted to fulfill a campaign promise to demolish 1,000 homes in 1,000 days as the 2022 mayoral race inched closer."

STATE RESPONSE: 'BULLSCHI' — "Lakewood's SCHI school founder claims bookkeeper's mistake clears him of crimes," by The Asbury Park Press' Kathleen Hopkins: "The founder of Lakewood's School For Children With Hidden Intelligence, awaiting resentencing following his conviction on money laundering and misconduct charges, now claims a bookkeeper has come forward to take responsibility for an accounting error he says formed the basis of the criminal case against him. Rabbi Osher Eisemann, the longtime leader and founder of the prominent, private special education school commonly referred to as SCHI, is asking the court for a new trial, claiming the newly discovered evidence clears him of wrongdoing. His lawyers have filed a motion for a new trial based on a certification recently submitted by Rochel Janowski, a former part-time bookkeeper for the school, who asserts she mistakenly entered a $200,000 credit on a loan account to balance the school's books, not to write down a loan to Eisemann as the state alleged at trial in 2019 … The state Attorney General's Office, in a response to the motion, says Janowski's claim 'lacks credibility' and could have been presented by the defense at trial, but it is now barred from consideration … Had Janowski been called as a defense witness during the trial, the state would have countered with more incriminating evidence, including testimony that a $100,000 certified check from the school was used to purchase real estate in Lakewood in Eisemann's name, [Deputy Attorney General John] Nicodemo wrote."

—"Under the hood of the 2022 Newark citywide elections"

—"Scotch Plains may be sued over downtown redevelopment plans"

— Jacobin: "New Jersey might elect its first socialist official in a century"

—"3 independent Hoboken council candidates will be on the ballot after Team Bhalla challenge is unsuccessful"

—"Fourth complaint about hazardous conditions in [Atlantic County] building rejected by state"

—"[New Brunswick] School official warned over mask says NJ rules need common sense"

—"Widow Of fallen firefighter heads to court in bid to run for Hillsborough fire commissioner"

—"'Do what I say, I know what God wants': Three men claim Brick ex-pastor molested them"

—"School bus driver shortage forces [Glassboro] to shorten schedule for students"

—"Nutley elementary school teacher files a second lawsuit against district"

HAPPENING WEDNESDAY - POLITICO TECH SUMMIT: Washington and Silicon Valley have been colliding for some time. Has the intersection of tech, innovation, regulation and politics finally reached a tipping point? Join POLITICO for our first-ever Tech Summit to explore the evolving relationship between the power corridors of Washington and the Valley. REGISTER HERE.

EVERYTHING ELSE

SAVED BY THE MASKED BELL — "NJ music students are asked to 'mask their instruments' to help stop COVID," by NJ 101.5's Dnio Flammia: "As kids return for fully in-person instruction, things on stage and in music class will look quite different in the 2021-2022 academic year, based on guidance released this month by Arts Ed NJ, the performing arts affiliate for the National Association of State High School Associations … As part of the recommendations, students who play wind instruments such as the trumpet or flute are being told to "mask their instruments" while playing. "By masking the bell, you are, in essence, masking the player," said Bob Morrison, director of the organization. Read More: COVID rules for music lessons, school theater and arts."

HORIZON NORCROSS NORSHIELD — CarePoint retains Phil Norcross with hospital sales at an impasse, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: CarePoint Health has retained powerhouse attorney and lobbyist Phil Norcross as it navigates a labyrinth of lawsuits and politicking that disrupted its attempts to sell its three Hudson County hospitals, according to three sources with knowledge of the arrangement. Norcross, a partner at the South Jersey law firm Parker McCay and head of the lobbying shop Optimus Partners, is widely considered one of State Street's most formidable advocates, with a client list that ranges from multistate cannabis operator Acreage Holdings to the rideshare behemoth Uber. His brothers, South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross III and Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), are among the most formidable Democratic leaders in the state. The exact nature of Norcross' role with CarePoint is unclear. However, multiple sources said he helped coordinate Senate President Steve Sweeney's visit to CarePoint Health's Bayonne Medical Center late last month.

HALF BAKED — "Jim Breuer cancels show at Montclair theater over vaccine mandate," by Montclair Pach's Eric Kiefer: "Comedian Jim Breuer said he's canceling several upcoming shows, including one at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, because of the venues' COVID-19 vaccine policies. Breuer, a former Saturday Night Live cast member also known for his role in the 1998 film, 'Half Baked,' was scheduled to perform at the Wellmont Theater on Dec. 3. Breuer explained his decision in a recent social media video, accusing the theaters of 'segregating' people and claiming that he's trying to 'stick to his morals.'"

—" Where to find the best donut shop in every county in New Jersey"

A message from A Healthy Future, LLC:

If Congressman Frank Pallone and Congress cut Medicare to pay for the $3.5 trillion spending plan, the government could refuse to cover life-saving medicines and prevent breakthrough therapies for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, or diabetes. What about a vaccine for the next pandemic? This is a prescription for disaster. We can't let the government play doctor. We can't give government bureaucrats the authority to deny access to needed prescription medicines and ration care as a way of "saving money" to fund their multi-trillion-dollar wish list. Sign the petition and make sure Congressman Pallone hears your voice today.