| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by AARP | Good Wednesday morning! There’s always a Jersey connection in national news stories, people often say. And while that’s not always the case, it often is. After all, it’s a big state — population-wise. Many times, it’s a humorous connection. This time it is not. The alleged gunman who killed three people on Michigan State’s campus before turning the gun on himself was found, according to police, to be in possession of notes threatening two public schools in Ewing Township. Authorities say the man, Anthony McRae, has a connection to Ewing Township but hasn’t lived there in years. Nevertheless, the public schools there closed Tuesday upon hearing the news. MLive.com reported that McRae came from Trenton, where his parents still live, but lived in Lansing, Mich. While New Jersey has suffered from some horrible mass shooting events, the state hasn’t seen the type of major school mass shooting that has been growing around the country. It’s scary to think just how close it might have come. Read more about it here. TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don't have a problem being woke because the opposite of that is being asleep.” — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, while announcing with Gov. Murphy an expansion of AP African American history courses in response to Florida Gov. Ron Desantis’ actions and The College Board’s moves. WHERE’S MURPHY? In New Brunswick at noon to deliver a speech titled “Clean Energy & Jobs to Power the Next New Jersey" HAPPY BIRTHDAY: DiAnne Gove, Melissa Maselli, Andrew Musick, Jonathan D. Salant, Faustino J. Fernandez-Vina | | | | A message from AARP: Many family caregivers in New Jersey struggle to keep their older loved ones at home – and out of costly, taxpayer-funded nursing homes – often sacrificing their jobs and tapping into their savings to make it work. Now increases in the cost of gas, food, and housing are making it even more difficult. We need to give family caregivers financial relief. Tell your state lawmakers to pass the Caregiver’s Assistance Act (A1802/S2021) now. We need it. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
1619 MEETS 2024 — New Jersey to expand access to African American studies, by POLITICO’s Carly Sitrin: In a sharp rebuke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Tuesday that Advanced Placement African American studies classes will be offered in more public high schools across the state. “As governors like Florida’s Ron DeSantis prioritize political culture wars ahead of academic success, New Jersey will proudly teach our kids that Black History is American History,” Murphy said in a statement Tuesday. “While the DeSantis administration stated that AP African-American Studies ‘significantly lacks educational value’, New Jersey will stand on the side of teaching our full history.” At a classroom visit event in Newark, Murphy said the new AP African American studies class will be taught in 26 New Jersey high schools during the 2023-2024 academic year. Currently, the class is offered in one New Jersey school out of 60 nationwide, according to the front office’s statement.
STEVE NOTAGAIN — Steve Lonegan is running for NJ Senate, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: Steve Lonegan, a longtime conservative activist and frequent candidate, is running for state Senate. Lonegan, the former mayor of the small borough of Bogota, on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the open state Senate seat held by Minority Leader Steve Oroho, who last month announced his surprise retirement. Lonegan’s announcement, first made during an interview with far-right radio host Bill Spadea, sets up a primary between him and Assemblymember Parker Space (R-Sussex) in the conservative 24th District, which includes all of Sussex County and portions of Warren and Morris counties. The upcoming race: Space, whose family owns Space Farms Zoo & Museum, is running together with Assembly candidates Dawn Fantasia, a Sussex County commissioner, and Mike Inganamort, the mayor of Chester Township … Lonegan ran for state Senate in 1997; the U.S. House in 1998; governor in 2005 and 2009; U.S. Senate in 2013; and the House again in 2014 and 2018. JUDGE NOT — What’s driving New Jersey’s judicial vacancy crisis? by POLITICO’s Caroline Petrow-Cohen: Countless New Jersey residents will be unable to have their day in court for the foreseeable future because there aren’t enough judges in the state to hear all their cases. As more judges retire, the problem will only get worse. Three issues have fed judicial vacancies: arcane Senate procedures, a shortage of nominations from Gov. Phil Murphy and a lack of communication between Murphy's office and the Legislature, according to people involved in state courts … There are now 69 judicial vacancies in the state. While there are a half dozen fewer vacancies than there were last May, when vacancies reached a high of 75, there are just 20 nominees waiting for Senate approval. Rabner said the courts can't function sustainably with more than 30 vacancies, so even if all Murphy’s nominees were approved immediately, the court would still be shorthanded. To make matters worse, two dozen more vacancies are expected in the coming months as judges retire. “Even if we confirm every single person that he’s nominated, we’re still in a hole,” Lawrence said. “This is easy math.” | | | | 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. | | | | |
THOMPSON CAN, UH, KISS HIS SEAT GOODBYE — “The 12th District is probably unwinnable for any Democrat – even Sam Thompson,” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox: “[The] 12th legislative district is staunchly Republican, so much so that no Democrat has carried it two decades; regardless of Thompson’s strengths as an incumbent, he’s unlikely to break that streak in a general election contest against [Owen] Henry. When Thompson switched parties, what he really did was trade out a possible primary election loss for a probable general election loss … Each different part of the district has its own unique identity – hence why Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Republicans have agreed that each county should consistently get one legislator. But the main thing that unites the 12th district’s biggest towns, from Old Bridge to Manalapan to Jackson, is how conservative they are. In the 2021 gubernatorial election, Jack Ciattarelli carried the 12th district by a huge 27-point margin; Gov. Phil Murphy was limited to wins in just two towns, tiny Allentown and Roosevelt, while Ciattarelli dominated everywhere else.”
OUTRAGE: POLITICIANS ATTEMPT TO BAN PREYING —“They lost everything. New measure would prohibit nursing homes from preying on residents,” by NJ Advance Media’s Ted Sherman: “On Monday in the wake of those stories brought to light by NJ Advance Media, Vitale — who serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee — introduced legislation in Trenton that would set restrictions on the ability of nursing homes to manage the financial affairs of their residents … On Monday in the wake of those stories brought to light by NJ Advance Media, Vitale — who serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee — introduced legislation in Trenton that would set restrictions on the ability of nursing homes to manage the financial affairs of their residents” —“Admissions resume at NJ veterans home where dozens have died from COVID” —“Murphy’s plan to increase liquor licenses in N.J. divides residents, poll shows” —“NJ awards $600,000 to five agencies to expand gambling addiction services” —“It's time to learn the real cost of Phil Murphy’s total electrification plan | Opinion” —“Murphy to nominate prosecutor who tried Michelle Lodzinski for killing her 5-year-old son to judgeship” —“Palestinian advocates: NJ Legislators must #RejectIHRA view of anti-Semitism | Opinion” —Golden: “Silence and indifference in the face of courtroom closures” —“Platkin wins case he personally argued before N.J. Supreme Court” | | | | A message from AARP:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
STRAIGHT TO THE FRIENDLY INTERVIEW — “DeGise breaks silence on hit-and-run crash: ‘I felt a horrible bad bump’,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: “In her her first public interview since being her hit-and-run crash last July, embattled Jersey City Councilwoman Amy DeGise said she wasn’t aware of the crash until she saw her SUV at lunchtime that day ‘and I was immediately distraught.’ DeGise spoke on the Real Talk podcast for roughly 30 minutes Monday night. DeGise, who has been a regular weekly guest on Fernando Uribe’s show prior to the July 19 incident, also said her delay in reporting the crash ‘had nothing to do with alcohol or drugs, which is ridiculous and malicious. That assertion is beyond malicious. And not true.’ The cyclist, Andrew Black, who went through a red light as he was bring struck, has filed a notice of tort claim with the city, a precursor to a lawsuit. So DeGise, who pleaded guilty last month to leaving the scene of crash and was sentenced to a $5,000 and a one-year license suspension, admitted she was being guarded in the interview. Uribe, who professed his friendship with DeGise, did not ask the first-term councilwoman any questions about other revelations that surfaced since the crash.”
DEGROOT OF THE PROBLEM — “Selen v. DeGroot: The rematch,” by InsiderNJ’s Fred Snowflack: “this is a rematch of last year’s front and center battle between Tayfun Selen and Paul DeGroot. Recall that Selen won the county GOP endorsement for the CD-11 nod, but DeGroot won the primary, helped by a big win in Passaic County where he grew up (Clifton) and worked as an assistant prosecutor. Now that he’s running for county commissioner, DeGroot has not forgotten about last year. ‘I have already shown that Commissioner Selen can be beat and that he lacks commitment to core Republican values,’ DeGroot said in a release. Selen, for his part, formally kicked off his campaign a week or so ago, pledging to work harder than anyone else in the race. But this is not a two-person race. Anthony Somma, who labels himself ‘a conservative businessman’ from Randolph also is in the race.” NORTH HAVANA — “Citing desire to help Cuba, Roque withdraws from West New York mayoral race,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “Citing a desire to help the Cuban people, former West New York Mayor Felix Roque has announced his withdrawal from the race about a month after announcing. ‘It is with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the upcoming municipal election for the position of Mayor of the Town of West New York. As a doctor and a retired US army Officer, I have always been passionate about serving my country and helping people. This, coupled with my deep desire to bring freedom to the Cuban people, has led me to the difficult decision to refocus my efforts,’ Roque said in statement … This now likely leaves former Congressman Albio Sires in a head-to-head matchup with Public Affairs Commissioner Cosmo Cirillo in the non-partisan May 9th municipal elections.” | | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | |
SHOULDN’T THEY FIRST REPLACE THEIR BRIDGE WITH A METAL ONE? — “Does Woodbridge need another power plant? It depends who you ask,” by MyCentralJersey’s Suzanne Rusell: “Does Central Jersey need another power plant? Opponents of Competitive Power Ventures’ (CPV) plan for a second power plant in the Keasbey section don't think so. They say another plant will pollute the air and water and make climate change worse. They plan to rally against the project at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21 outside Woodbridge Town Hall. The public is invited to participate and opponents, who note there are already two power plants in Woodbridge, also plan to discuss their concerns with Township Council members. Mayor John E. McCormac disagrees. He said the first CPV plant, which opened in 2012, is the cleanest power plant in the state, if not the entire mid-Atlantic region. He said the plant replaced a site that contained radioactive waste.”
OAKLAND IN DANGER OF FORFEITING ‘TOKELAND’ NICKNAME — “Facing a lawsuit, Oakland has second thoughts on allowing legal weed businesses,” by The Record’s Marsha A. Stoltz: “A year after the borough said yes to non-retail cannabis businesses in designated zones, it's having second thoughts. Council members are talking of possibly repealing three ordinances passed last year as soon as Wednesday. Last week's hourlong council work session debate on repeal stemmed in part from a $6.8 million tort claim filed against the borough on Dec. 21 by Kusala Care LLC, seeking damages after the borough failed to act on its Aug. 20 application to open a cannabis cultivation facility in a warehouse zoned for that purpose on Muller Road. ‘Our application is 100% compliant and our location is within the zoning,’ applicant George Lutfey said. ‘We are being intentionally delayed so that our conditional license expires.’” —“Will Englewood approve weed sales? Once opposed, council is reopening discussion” GUARDS AFRAID JERSEY CITY COUNCILMEMBERS WILL DRIVE SUVS THROUGH VISITING ROOM — “More harm than good? While others relax restrictions, Hudson County jail continues no-visit policy,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: “The Hudson County jail policy of banning visits by family and loved ones of inmates as part of the coronavirus restrictions is doing more harm than good, the American Civil Liberties Union for New Jersey says. It’s also out of touch with the guidelines at most other correctional facilities in the region, a survey of similar facilities show. ‘There are plenty of data and studies online that show how important these contacts with family and loved ones are for their mental health, and in a lot of ways their ability to return to their lives after they’ve been released,’ said ACLU attorney Molly Linhorst.” R.I.P. — “'No words to describe the tremendous loss': Milford Councilman Russell Heller remembered” —“Somerville, New Jersey American Water closing in on sewer system sale” —“'No words to describe the tremendous loss': Milford Councilman Russell Heller remembered” —Pizarro: “In the name of Adriana Kuch: A father and his allies fight social media barbarism” —“Paterson Eastside High School security guard charged with sexual assault of 16-year-old” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
THE PRIMELANDS — “In protected lands, a boom in warehouses and algae,” by NJ Spotlight News’ Colleen O’Dea: “[W]hile the law has been restrictive for development in the preservation area, in the rest of the Highlands — where most municipalities are not following the regional master plan — development has continued unabated. l At present, that makes for a warehouse development boom. Many local officials support the warehouses because they are said to boost the tax base and add jobs. But many residents oppose them, pointing to the truck traffic and pollution they bring. Ground zero is Warren County, still mostly rural but where several towns could see millions of square feet of warehouse space built near the Delaware River or on land that runs into the Musconetcong or its tributaries.”
43.2 MASTROS — “American Dream sued for $389 million by lenders who helped bankroll mall's construction,” by The Record’s Daniel Munoz: “Two lenders who helped finance construction of the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands have sued the owners of the retail and entertainment center for $389 million, alleging a breach of their contract. The lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court last week on behalf of California-based SOL-MM III LLC, according to a court document. The California-based plaintiff is an administrator representing two firms, Western Asset Management and Nonghyup Bank of South Korea, which provided part of the $1.7 billion in loans that financed the sprawling project's construction, according to Bloomberg Law, which first reported the suit.” —“NJ Transit bus from Lakewood crashes in Elizabeth, sending 25 to hospitals” — “Jersey-bound lanes of Delaware Memorial Bridge shut down. Here's what it means for you” —“New Jersey’s Turkish news outlets become a lifeline after the devastating earthquake | Opinion” | | | | A message from AARP: Every day, thousands of people in New Jersey care for their spouses, aging parents, or other loved ones – helping them live at home instead of costly nursing homes. This saves New Jersey – and taxpayers – money since nursing home care is mostly paid for by the state, through Medicaid; yet, family caregivers pay out of their own pockets. The average family caregiver spends 26% of their income on caregiving activities, assisting with everything from bathing and dressing to medical appointments and transportation – often while juggling a job too. With inflation making everything more expensive, too many families are struggling to make it all work. That’s why we need state legislators to make family caregiving more affordable in New Jersey. The Caregiver’s Assistance Act (A1802/S2021) would provide a modest tax credit for families who take on caregiving expenses. It’s crucial financial relief that family caregivers have earned. Tell state lawmakers, support (A1802/S2021). | | | | | | | 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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