| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Anbaric Development Partners | Good (actual) Friday morning! Since legalization in New Jersey, people caught selling less than one ounce of weed are given a written warning by police for the first offense. And that's made a massive difference in the number of people arrested for selling small amounts. I got some data from the Judiciary on cannabis arrests pre- and post-legalization. And what struck me most was there have been fewer than three dozen arrests for selling less than an ounce since March 1, 2021 — a week after the governor signed the legalization law. In the two years leading up to legalization, there were 2,117 such arrests. That's a lot fewer people entering the criminal justice system for a minor offense. That's not the only interesting piece of data I got from the Judiciary. Here's another: Just 317 people have been arrested for possessing more than six ounces of weed, which is the maximum allowed in New Jersey. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to accomplish what I set out to do when I requested this data: Determine how many people have been arrested for growing small amounts of cannabis, which remains illegal for New Jereyans who aren't in the weed business. That's because the arrest figures don't distinguish between arrests for selling cannabis and growing it, or between running a "controlled dangerous substance production facility" for weed or for, say, crystal meth. But I can say, based on the data and anecdotal evidence, that it's likely very few. Read more about it here. Also, R.I.P. Queen Elizabeth II. DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 216 TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY — The Star-Ledger's Paul Mulshine, Morris County's Benjamin Steltzer, activist Joseph Rullo, former Statehouse reporter Derek Harper. Saturday for Everytown's Mahen Gunaratna, PhillyVoice's Lexie Norcross, EDA's Jorge Santos, former reporter Lynn Olanoff. Sunday for Assemblymember Gary Schaer WHERE'S MURPHY? In South Amboy at 11 a.m. to sign a food insecurity bill QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Really appreciate you asking the question, but this is not the right time or place." — First Lady Tammy Murphy to POLITICO's Daniel Han when asked if her political non-profit will publicly disclose its donors. | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners: This fall, NJBPU will make a decision that will impact the future of NJ's offshore wind industry. The state is poised to continue its leadership upon issuing awards in a first-in-the-nation transmission solicitation. Anbaric submitted solutions designed to work for all New Jerseyans by efficiently delivering clean energy from offshore wind to our homes and businesses, and building those projects with New Jersey labor. Our vision is a win for New Jersey. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
RUTGERS JUST RAISED TUITION BY 3% — "Gator Bowl appearance was a financial bust for Rutgers. Here's why NJ taxpayers took a hit ," by The Record's Abbott Koloff and Jean Rimbach: "The Gator Bowl was scrambling for a replacement team in late December after Texas A&M had to pull out of the New Year's Eve game because too many of its players tested positive for COVID. But when Big Ten Conference member Rutgers University stepped up as a last-minute replacement, the Gator Bowl said it didn't know if it had any money to pay them. 'That was certainly unsettling to us as a conference,' a high-ranking Big Ten official told NorthJersey.com this week. 'Certainly unsettling to Rutgers' Rutgers ultimately ended up with a $537,000 payout — not enough to cover even its airfare and less than a sixth of the cash that the Gator Bowl ultimately reported paying out, according to documents obtained by NorthJersey.com. That would have left as much as $2.8 million to go to opponent Wake Forest and the Atlantic Coast Conference … "The uneven payout has left Rutgers deeply in the red for its bowl trip, where charter flights were limited due to the last-minute scheduling and some athletes had to fly back from their homes from as far away as Australia. Rutgers athletics for months has refused to say how much it spent to participate in the Gator Bowl or release all related invoices for the game. However, NorthJersey.com has pieced together nearly $1.2 million in costs — and that's only a partial accounting." COPS — " Most citizen complaints against N.J. cops go nowhere, newly released data shows," by NJ Advance Media's S.P. Sullivan: "Investigations conducted by internal affairs units in New Jersey police departments routinely stretch on for months, rarely result in conclusive findings when citizens complain and disproportionately target minority officers, newly released data shows. The massive trove of officer discipline data, made public by the state Attorney General's Office on Wednesday, offers a rare glimpse into the opaque process of how the police police the police in New Jersey — which, unlike many other states, does not make most misconduct records public … Just 10.5% of citizen complaints in 2021 resulted in a determination of "sustained." Another 32% were deemed 'exonerated,' which means the investigation found the officer was innocent of the claims against them. The rest fell into broader categories including 'unfounded,' 'not sustained' and 'administratively closed.'" TONIGHT WE'RE GONNA SAFETY LIKE IT'S 1999 — "Mayors, environmentalists to Gov. Phil Murphy: Bolster NJ's flood regulations ," by MyCentralJersey's Mike Deak: "Mayor Richard Onderko grew up on North Second Avenue and a half century ago, he had to be rescued by boat from the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Doria. On Wednesday he stood on the same street a block from the Raritan River before a house ruined by a natural gas explosion during the flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ida a year ago, and implored Gov. Phil Murphy to approve the state Department of Environmental Protection's proposed rules to upgrade and update the state's flood hazard and stormwater management regulations. 'We need a sense of urgency to help our residents get out of harm's way,' he said … The state has ignored the warnings from the previous floods, said Jim Waltman, executive director of The Watershed Institute … The current DEP flood hazard and stormwater management rules are based on 1999 data, he said." —Hennelly: "Year after Ida killed 30, flood regs stall while projects advance" NEW JERSEYANS QUIETLY LOWER UKRAINIAN FLAGS — Across New Jersey, natural gas rates to rise by double digits, just in time for winter, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: New Jersey utility regulators on Wednesday approved double-digit rate increases for natural gas customers across the state. The increases, approved by the Board of Public Utilities, range from about 16 percent to more than 24 percent, and could cost the typical customer that uses gas to heat their home a few hundred dollars over the next year. They take effect Oct. 1. BPU commissioners blamed geopolitical forces for the rate hike, but there are a variety of other causes. As POLITICO reported earlier this week, U.S. natural gas prices have more than doubled in the past year, driven by factors such as climate change, a dip in output during the pandemic, tight spending by industry, Russia's war in Ukraine and a surge in U.S. exports to energy-starved Europe. 'WHEN YOU HAVE NO POWER, DELAY' - HENRY FRANCIS — "Murphy says federal environmental study is needed before NYC congestion pricing plan takes effect," by NJ Advance Media's Jonathan D. Salant and Larry Higgs: "Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday said New York's congestion pricing plan needs a full environmental impact statement, a step that could significantly delay the plan to tax vehicles driving into midtown and lower Manhattan. In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg obtained by NJ Advance Media, Murphy said the Federal Highway Administration should find that the proposal by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority was 'significant' enough to require a full environmental study. FHWA approval is required before the project can move forward. An environmental impact statement would take months, if not longer, to complete" TUCKERED OUT — "Source: Tucker won't oppose Burgess at convention for the LD28 Senate seat," by InsiderNJ's Max Pizarro: "It's over. The convention scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 9th, leaves Irvington Council President Renee Burgess in the favored position for the seat left by retired state Senator Ronald L. Rice (above, center). Senator Rice retired at the end of August and backed Tucker over Burgess for the seat. While Newark Mayor Ras Baraka never came out publicly for Tucker, the mayor and his allies respected Mayor Baraka Rice's choice and would not oppose Tucker. But Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss and the Irvington Democratic Committee aligned behind Burgess, and brought in support from Bloomfield and the county, giving them the edge in any developing fight for the seat." — "N.J. Supreme Court to weigh compassionate release of courthouse cop killer —" New Jersey aims to change how commuters are taxed" —Brindle: "NJ pay-to-play laws – there should be only one" —"Interview: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on the midterms, 2024, and youth mental health" — Murphy announces additional $26M in pre-K funding | | | | A WOMEN RULE CONVERSATION ON LEADING FROM THE GROUND UP: Join POLITICO's Women Rule on Sept. 15 for conversations focused on creating and leading sustainable, healthy and inclusive communities. The program will feature a Member Exchange panel followed by a keynote discussion exploring the most pressing issues facing women in their communities and women in leadership roles who are best positioned to solve these problems. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
THE WHERE'S TOMMY — "Kean's ongoing 'closed to the press' campaign slog," by InsiderNJ's Fred Snowflack: " Tom Kean Jr. may say some riveting things tonight about public education. So riveting they have to be behind closed doors. Kean, the Republican candidate in CD-7, arguably one of the most competitive districts in the country, has put together a Back to School event featuring a Parents Voice Coalition for Thursday evening at a hotel in Liberty Corner, Somerset County. The event is set to run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It is closed to the press … Given the fact, a supportive crowd at the event is probably guaranteed, it seems odd that it's off-limits to the press. Kean, after all, is a candidate for Congress. Then again, maybe not that odd. The Kean campaign apparently is doing all it can to keep the candidate away from reporters and in some ways, the public at large. Kean seems to have few, or no, public events. The Kean campaign didn't explain why the school event is closed to the press. The contrast with Malinowski is striking."
—"House races kick into gear" —"Stacey Abrams In N.J. next week for fundraiser hosted by governor, first lady" —Snowflack: " NJGOP using Biden Speech to get volunteers" —"NYC congestion pricing overwhelmingly opposed in public comments [Gottheimer] says " | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
BRINGING NEW MEANING TO 'DO AC' — "Edited video targets Atlantic City school board candidate McKinley," by The Press of Atlantic City's Michelle Brunetti Post: "Edited video targets Atlantic City school board candidate McKinleDuring an hourlong interview on a local podcast called Dirty Politics, school board candidate and Atlantic City Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects Kashawn "Kash" McKinley, 38, said he never went through with his early career interest. He also said he didn't drink alcohol until age 28 or smoke pot until age 31. As part of his job for his mentor Mayor Marty Small Sr., McKinley is leading the effort to make Atlantic City the East Coast capital for legal cannabis, he has said. A heavily edited, shorter version of the video was posted Monday on the online site downbeachbuzz.com, without information about who created it. The edited version doesn't include segments where McKinley says he opted not to enter the porn industry, or how he never lived up to his early vow to smoke pot every day. The headline over the video on downbeachbuzz is 'Atlantic City Cannabis Czar, Mayor's Wingman, Ex-Pornstar, School Board Candidate.' In a description it says, 'Watch video: Kash McKinley (Mayor's top aide) will smoke weed everyday for rest of his life.'"
DOG DEATH — " Gloucester County fire marshal K-9 died in vehicle under handler's care: Officials," by 6ABC's Bob Brooks: "It was a packed house at the Gloucester County Commissioner's meeting Wednesday night. When it was time for public comment, resident after resident took the podium to ask administrators for clarity about the death of the county fire marshal's K-9 Ember. "When somebody is wrong, they're wrong. The dog is dead," said one man who spoke. Those in the crowd, many in #JusticeforK-9Ember shirts, say the county has oddly taken the silent approach to provide details on what happened to the dog. 'We need to know who in the county was involved and what went on county-wide,' said Republican County Commissioner Chris Konawel … However, it was confirmed for the first time by Commissioner Director Frank DiMarco that Ember was found dead in a vehicle and the dog was under the care of its handler, Fire Marshal Shawn Layton. Layton, a Democrat, is also a township committeeman in Mantua." O'HARA COULD BE GONE WITH THE WIND — "Newark Deputy Mayor Brian O'Hara is finalist for Minneapolis police chief ," by TAPIntoNewark's Tom Wiedmann: "Former Newark Public Safety Director Brian O'Hara, who was recently appointed as the city's Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives for Police Services/Public Safety, is one of three candidates in the running to be the next police chief for the Minneapolis Police Department … O'Hara told TAPinto Newark that he was honored to be named a finalist for the post in Minneapolis. 'The eyes of the world are on Minneapolis today,' he said. 'And I believe this is a transformative opportunity to reform and rebuild a major city police department and get it right—not just for the residents of Minneapolis—but for the entire policing profession.'" SNOW JOB — "IA report shows 3 indicted Ewing cops exonerated, handed 'minor' discipline in head-stomp case," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "Township police internal affairs whitewashed an investigation into three federally indicted cops, finding only one guilty of professional misconduct after he admitted kicking snow into a handcuffed arrestee's face, records show. The lead IA investigator, Det. Patrick Holt, rewrote history on the case of a 16-year-old teenager car thief suspect from Burlington who was pulled from a shed and roughed up by township cops following a Jan. 5, 2018 high-speed car chase. Two officers charged by federal prosecutors with the most serious crimes, retired Lt. Michael Delahanty and Officer Matthew Przemieniecki, were completely exonerated of excessive-force claims in the IA probe, according to an IA report obtained by The Trentonian in another legal scrape with Ewing Township. The only officer disciplined in the IA case was Justin Ubry, who was counseled after admitting it was 'inexcusable' for him to kick snow into the teen's face while his hands were behind his back. The 11-page report provided a rare glimpse into the secret world of blue-on-blue investigations, coming only after The Trentonian sued for the records." —" Female police chief sues [Palmyra], says she was discriminated against, harassed" —"A look at every county election on the ballot in 2022" —"'Stop work order' signs posted on controversial Building Trades High School construction site" —" Clifton to raise starting salaries for police officers in hopes of stopping exodus" —" Clifton council race draws 18 candidates for seven seats, as two veterans bow out" —"Franklin Lakes election field crowded as independents join council race" —"Anti-Israel speech from Clifton Board Of Education commissioners in New Jersey results in legal action" —" Jersey City BOE set to receive $89M from the state due to American Rescue Plan provision" —" Not just a 'hole in the wall:' Exploring Newton's mystery courthouse tunnel" | | | | INTRODUCING POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don't miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. SUBSCRIBE TODAY. | | | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
NURSING HOMES — "Many of the worst nursing homes in N.J. have not gotten any better, report shows. Here's the list," by NJ Advance Media's Ted Sherman and Susan K. Livio: "More than six months after a state watchdog flagged New Jersey's worst nursing homes, the Office of the State Comptroller said more than half failed to improve their quality of care. In an updated report released on Thursday, the comptroller complained that the nursing homes it had identified received more than $107 million of the hundreds of millions in Medicaid dollars paid out each year by the state, despite being repeatedly cited for serious health and safety issues. 'Should New Jersey be spending hundreds of millions to subsidize low-quality care?' asked Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh. 'We should demand more.' The comptroller's initial report in February named 15 facilities which Walsh's office said had failed to improve for years, yet had not faced any significant consequences. Fourteen out of the 15 were for-profit facilities and several were affiliated with other poorly rated long-term care providers, according to the February report."
HEALTH CARE — "CarePoint Health files federal suit against RWJBarnabas Health ," by NJ Spotlight News' Lilo H. Stainton: " In the latest shot in the nearly decade-long war over hospital dominance in Hudson County, CarePoint Health accused RWJBarnabas Health of conspiring with real estate investors, health insurance executives and government regulators to force CarePoint into bankruptcy and claim much of its patient revenue. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, CarePoint alleges RWJBarnabas Health … violated federal and state anti-trust laws in its efforts to expand in Hudson County. CarePoint — a for-profit entity now seeking to convert to a nonprofit — operates Christ Hospital in Jersey City, Hoboken University Medical Center and Bayonne Medical Center and has been a lightning rod at times for its corporate structure, billing practices and public comments." —"Yes, this week's rain eased reservoir loss. But just a drop. NJ's drought continues" —"A troubling silence: 'COVID babies' aren't talking as much as they should. How much is the pandemic to blame?" —" Princeton to give full-rides to students whose families make $100K or less" —"Monmouth Beach kids raise $20,000 for food bank with lemonade stand" —"More NJ residents trying risky revenue booster to beat inflation" CORRECTION: Today is Friday. Yesterday was not. But my fingers thought it was and wrote "Good Friday morning!" at the top of the newsletter. Sorry if I got your hopes up. | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners: Anbaric believes in New Jersey's vision for a carbon-free future. That's why Anbaric leveraged our experience and unique perspective into our Boardwalk Power Link portfolio, a range of transmission projects designed to accelerate industry growth, increase resiliency, and lower ratepayer impact.
We have the expertise to back our bold bid package and help New Jersey meet its clean energy goals. Our vision will develop large-scale transmission systems while enhancing the communities in which we work by investing in job creation, economic development, ratepayer protection, and community giving initiatives.
As a clean energy leader with established roots in New Jersey, our projects are thoughtfully designed to provide a Jersey-first investment focused on the future. Our expertise has led to meaningful labor partnerships to develop our Boardwalk Power Link projects and ensure family-sustaining jobs for years to come. Learn more about how Anbaric plans to deliver a new era for offshore wind. | | | | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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