| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by New Jersey Wind Works | Good Wednesday morning! The Senate and Assembly budget committees were supposed to vote on the, uh, budget Tuesday. But that didn’t happen. Instead, they plan to take the measure up today. So for now, let’s turn our attention to Sean Caddle. Late Monday night, the court released the prosecutors’ sentencing memo for Sean Caddle, the former Democratic operative whose sentencing for hiring hit men to kill former associate Michael Galdieri is Thursday afternoon. Prosecutors are asking for 15 years. But more interesting is what Caddle told prosecutors his motive was. According to the memo: “By Caddle’s telling, Galdieri eventually started extorting him, threatening that if Caddle did not continue to funnel money to Galdieri, he would go public about certain things he had seen, done, and heard while working for Caddle on campaigns. Fearing that Galdieri’s revelations would ruin him as a political consultant and cause his clients to abandon him, Caddle made the fateful decision to have Galdieri killed.” Also, according to the memo, according to hit man George Bratsenis, Galdieri “bragged to Bratsenis that he was the ‘envelope guy’ or ‘bag man,’ responsible for delivering money to various individuals.” Both those things hint at criminality and corruption. But the only prosecution so far to come out of Caddle’s cooperation was against Democratic operative Tony Teixeira. You’d think Caddle would have to offer prosecutors something more to get them to only seek 15 years for such a horrible crime, and to let him stay at home with electronic monitoring. Sadly, I’m not sure we’ll ever know much more. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com QUOTE OF THE DAY: “To you, Adult Diaper, Urine Pad, Illegal Dumper. We don't know who you are. We don't know what you want. But what we do have are a very particular set of skills, skills we have acquired over a very long career, skills that make us a nightmare for people like you. If you stop now, that'll be the end of it. We will not look for you. We will not pursue you. But if you don't, we will look for you, we will find you, and we will fine you.” — A Facebook post by the Greenwich Township Police Department CAKE OF THE DAY: “Another shitty budget” from Senate Republicans in honor cake for retiring Minority Leader Steve Oroho’s retirement HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Teresa Ruiz, Joe FIordaliso, Alana Burman, Joe Doria, John Wisniewski, Reginald Bledsoe, Colleen McCann, Adya Beasley WHERE’S MURPHY? — No public schedule
| | | | A message from New Jersey Wind Works: New Jersey is fighting climate change with a dynamic and responsible offshore wind industry that will deliver clean, renewable energy for generations to come. Ocean Wind, Atlantic Shores and more upcoming projects have been in planning stages for years and, when online, will contribute to reversing the extreme weather, sea level rise, and flooding that we have seen in recent years. Let Trenton know that you want New Jersey to continue to grow offshore wind! | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
DO OR DIE AC — Online gaming reauthorization bill goes from 10 years to two, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han and Matt Friedman: A bill to reauthorize online gaming for 10 years got a surprise haircut on Tuesday, with last-minute changes to renew it for only two years. The change to the bill, A2190, was made during a marathon Assembly Budget Committee hearing. Legal online gaming was authorized by then-Gov. Chris Christie in 2013 and is set to expire in November 2023. The new change would reauthorize online gaming until 2025 — a year when the governor and Assembly is on the ticket for election. Gov. Phil Murphy is term-limited and will not be on the ticket. … It is unclear who made the changes or why. Assemblymember Annette Chaparro (D-Hudson), who is second prime sponsor on the legislation after former Assemblymember Ralph Caputo (D-Essex), was initially unaware of the changes when asked by POLITICO but later confirmed them in a text message. … Caputo, the original sponsor of the bill, said online gambling is keeping Atlantic City afloat. “It has to be extended. Internet gaming and sports gaming has produced a lot of revenue for Atlantic City,” Caputo said. “Without it they would have shut off the lights down there a while ago.”
IF NJ PLAYBOOK STARTS GETTING REALLY WEIRD, YOU KNOW WHY — GOP lawmakers open-minded to medical psilocybin, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: Senate President Nick Scutari is pushing to create a legal framework for medical psilocybin. It appears to be catching the attention of GOP lawmakers. All three GOP members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee have expressed open-mindedness for medical psilocybin, the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms." State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen) is even a co-sponsor of Scutari’s legalization bill, S2934 (22R). “I think a lot of Republicans are somewhat libertarian in their views,” Schepisi said in a brief interview. … The committee held a hearing on the clinical use of psilocybin Monday, taking in expert testimony. … Scutari has said he envisions New Jersey being a “leader” in psilocybin. “Took me 15 years to get marijuana legalized,” Scutari told reporters Monday. “I don't think it'll take that long, especially since we're looking to do it for medical purposes.” TAMMY WHO? — Maternal health health bill gets $21 million cut in funding, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday scrapped $21 million from a maternal health bill to create a new authority to oversee pregnancy care. The surprise changes to the bill, S3864, means that the proposed “New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center” — which would be headquartered in Trenton — now gets $2.2 million in funding as opposed to the initially proposed $23.22 million. The bill stems from recommendations made under the Nurture NJ plan, which has been part of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s plan to improve maternal health outcomes in the state — a key policy priority for her. WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART — “Property tax breaks for N.J. seniors move forward, but some wonder: Why make them wait until 2026?” by NJ Advance Media’s Brent Johnson and Derek Hall: “‘This is a game changer for New Jersey’s seniors who are getting squeezed by escalating expenses,’ said state Senate President Nick Scutari, D-Union, who has co-sponsored the proposal with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex. ‘It will provide significant tax relief that will make the state more affordable to live, work and retire.’ But Republicans led an effort Tuesday to amend the bill to have it take effect now. Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said a 2026 launch ‘might as well be 2046.’ ‘It’s very likely, as in past schemes, it will be the first thing on the chopping block,’ O’Scanlon said. ‘It always is in New Jersey.’ … Democrat Sen. Andrew Zwicker of Middlesex County joined Republicans in supporting the proposed amendment, but it was voted down." TURBINE MAN — Bill to save wind farm clears Senate committee after day of tense negotiations, by POLTICO’s Ry Rivard: A key New Jersey legislative committee advanced a bill to save the state’s first offshore wind farm after a day of intense negotiations between senators and Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration. Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair Paul Sarlo was able to extract some changes that got a coalition of Republican and Democratic lawmakers to advance the bill. The bill — moving just days before the June 30 budget deadline — is a critical item for Gov. Phil Murphy, who has made offshore wind a key to both his environmental and workforce development agendas … In a surreal scene that only hints at the horse-trading that must have gone into clearing the bill, Senate Minority Leader Steve Oroho voted to send the bill to the floor, despite intense Republican opposition to offshore wind, while two Democrats and one Republican — Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex), Samuel Thompson (D-Middlesex) and Sen. Douglas Steinhardt (R-Warren) — abstained.
| | | | 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. | | | | | OUT — “Nine months later, Cunningham’s continued absence from state Senate leave constituents without a voice,” by The Jersey Journal’s Mark Koosau: “For more than eight months now, constituents in a district that stretches through Bayonne, Kearny and the southern half of Jersey City have been left without any representation in the state Senate. Sen. Sandra Cunningham, a Democrat who represents the 31st District in the state Legislature, has not been present for any votes in the Senate since her last appearance in September 2022, according to legislative voting records, and the reasons for her absence have not been made public. The 72-year-old Cunningham has faced questions about her health and her ability to appear for floor votes. … Her absences have led her to miss votes on key legislation such as new gun control laws (that are being litigated in federal court) and an overhaul to the state’s campaign finance laws. Her absence could also theoretically harm New Jersey City University, for instance, because the school could use all the legislative support it can get in seeking additional aid in the new state budget." —“After lawsuit over gender notification, Manalapan-Englishtown seeks negotiations with AG” —“Why is NJ trying to ban delta-8, the 'bathtub gin' of legal weed?” —“Bills on immigration enforcement, translation in limbo as NJ legislative session pauses” —Unions push to make public worker health insurance administrators a ‘fiduciary’ —“LD-11 flashpoint: Children versus seniors” —“Advocates worry certain bills will marginalize people of color”
| | | | A message from New Jersey Wind Works:   | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
MALINOWSKI II — “Ex-State Department official weighs challenge to Kean in NJ-7,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “A counterterrorism and economic sanctions expert who grew up in Warren County is considering a challenge to Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) in New Jersey’s 7th district next year, three individuals with knowledge of the upcoming campaign have told the New Jersey Globe. Jason Blazakis spent a decade as the director of Counterterrorism Finance at the U.S. Department of State, could join a Democratic primary field that already includes New Jersey Working Families State Director Sue Altman in one of the most closely-watched House races in the nation. … Blazakis is not registered to vote in New Jersey – he lives in Washington — and appears to be a relative newcomer to the political arena.”
—“Offshore wind proponents, critics square off at Atlantic Shores hearing” —“N.J. congresswoman [Sherrill] unveils K-12 tutoring bill” —“NJ’s Josh Gottheimer seeks common ground in a fiercely divided Washington”
| | | | A message from New Jersey Wind Works: Climate change has hit our state hard in recent years. New Jersey homeowners will see a 100-year storm over the course of their 30-year mortgage. Offshore wind is helping us to fight back. We are a national leader in building home-grown offshore wind to not only benefit our state, but also our neighbors up and down the east coast. With our hundreds of miles of shoreline and strong wind flows in the Atlantic, we are taking advantage of our perfect position to build a network of responsibly developed offshore wind projects that can provide renewable and reliable energy to power New Jersey’s homes and businesses – AND fight back against climate change – for years to come. Future generations are depending on us to provide them with a healthy planet and New Jersey’s planning for offshore wind is the best first step. Tell Trenton to keep investing in New Jersey offshore wind! | | | | | LOCAL | |
WILDWOOD — “Attorney General’s office does not plan to give up case against trio of Wildwood officials,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Bill Barlow: “Although a Superior Court judge dismissed the charges against a trio of Wildwood men, including the current and former mayor, the state Attorney General’s office does not plan on giving up that easily. A spokesperson for the office said Saturday the state plans to push forward with the charges. On Friday, Judge Bernard DeLury Jr. dismissed state charges alleging Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron, former Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. and current Wildwood City Commissioner Steve Mikulski had all fraudulently participated in the state Health Benefits Program … [A] spokesperson with the office of Matthew Platkin indicated the charges were dismissed on a technicality and had been done ‘without prejudice,’ meaning the state could revisit the charges. … Platkin announced the charges in March, which included second degree official misconduct, second degree theft by unlawful taking, third degree tampering with public records and fourth degree falsifying or tampering with public records.”
NO VAS — “Convicted New Jersey mayor Joe Vas denied state pension again,” by MyCentralJersey’s Mike Deak: “A state Appellate Court has denied Joe Vas, the convicted former Perth Amboy mayor, his public pension benefits. The court agreed this week with a decision by the trustees of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) that Vas had forfeited his pension benefits by pleading guilty to criminal charges related to his time in office. … In November 2010, he pleaded guilty to a pattern of official misconduct, theft and money laundering. Several of the offenses to which Vas pleaded guilty occurred after April 14, 2007 when a state law governing forfeiture of pension benefits for offenses while in public office took effect. … In his appeal, Vas argued that he should have been advised of the possible forfeiture of his pension during his plea hearing. He is also argued that that some of the acts in his pattern of official conduct took place before the amended forfeiture law took effect and should not be applied retroactively.” —“Property owner waited years for Journal Square revival. Now that it’s here, the city wants their land” —“Pair stole 19 catalytic converters from [Bergen County’s] vehicles, prosecutor says” —“Lakewood man was under pretrial court monitoring when he murdered girlfriend: prosecutor” —“Freehold couple struggles to bring baby born to surrogate back from Mexico”
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NEW JERSEY WON’T FOLLOW OREGON’S TRAIL — “New Jersey soon to be only state in US where residents not allowed to pump their own gas,” by News 12’s Lanette Epsy: ‘“There are only two states in the country where residents cannot pump their own gas. But now that is going to change. Oregon lawmakers voted to end its 72-year ban on self-serving gas. House Bill 2426 will require half of Oregon’s gas pumps to be open for people who want assistance and half for people who want to do it themselves. The bill passed the House in March and has to be signed into law by the governor of Oregon.”
HE’S SO FINED — “North Jersey man, fined for cutting down 32 of his neighbor's trees, could face huge bill,” by The Record’s Grace Reed: “A Morris County homeowner has been fined for having 32 trees cut down from his neighbor’s property without a permit, a violation that could cost him at least $32,000 – and has already gone viral on social media. John Linson, the borough forester in Kinnelon, confirmed via an email Tuesday that he had issued the fines. Grant Haber, the Denise Drive property owner who allegedly ordered the work done, could face penalties of up to $1,000 per tree, Linson said Linson declined to comment on a Twitter thread posted Monday that suggested the cost of undoing the damage could be much greater. The thread by account holder Sam Glickman, who identified himself as a friend of Linson’s, said an estimate for replanting the trees totaled up to $1.5 million and that additional penalties could reach $400,000 because the borough is also fining two contractors hired by Haber to do the tree-cutting.” —“Board chairman Scott is out as NJCU raises tuition and fees by 3%; anxious officials await state budget news” —“Unusual Risso's dolphin stranded at Island Beach State Park; rare for Jersey Shore” —“A workable solution to New Jersey’s nursing shortage | Opinion”
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