| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by New Jersey Wind Works | Good Friday morning! Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday finally filled the Election Law Enforcement Commission’s four vacancies, allowing the agency to once again begin enforcing campaign finance law — and just as the “Elections Transparency Act” opens the floodgates to much larger campaign contributions while giving ELEC less time to punish those who violate campaign finance law. Oh, and gutting the state’s pay-to-play laws. Murphy named as chair Thomas Prol, a lawyer with the politically connected firm Sills Cumis & Gross and a registered Democrat. Prol is openly gay and a founding member of Garden State Equality. Considering that Murphy attempted to oust ELEC Executive Director Jeff Brindle over an email in which he expressed frustration with National Coming Out Day, that seems to be a relevant fact. If he had made the appointments earlier in June, I’d suspect he waited so long to do it for Pride Month. It would be a shocking development if, after the last four months of drama with Brindle — who has filed two lawsuits against Murphy — the board didn’t vote to oust him. But I’m not here to make predictions. The other new ELEC members are former GOP Assemblymember Ryan Peters, former Deputy Attorney General Norma Evans, a Democrat, and Clark municipal prosecutor Jon-Henry Barr, a Republican. Unlike previous commissioners, who served in a voluntary capacity, these ones will be paid $30,000 a year. Considering the larger contribution limits and the two-year statute of limitations on prosecuting violations, let’s hope they’re up to it. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com QUOTE OF THE DAY: ”Yeah, it was worth it. Look, look … I’m getting the message out. He should have been locked up a long time ago.” — Domenic Santana, former owner of the Hard Grove Cafe and The Stone Pony, after being arrested for jumping in front of Donald Trump’s motorcade in Miami. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Kristin Januseski and everyone I wished a happy birthday to yesterday because I got my dates mixed up. Saturday for Ivan Alvarez, Ben Dworkin, Alex Hermann, Matt Miller, Joe Piscopo. Sunday for Brian Boyell, James Corti, Matthew Frankel, George Geist, John McCarthy, Carmen Rodriguez. Monday for Stephanie Albanese. WHERE’S MURPHY? — No public schedule. PROGRAMMING NOTE — NJ Playbook will be off Monday in observance of Juneteenth. | | | | A message from New Jersey Wind Works: New Jersey is leading the nation with a dynamic and responsible offshore wind industry that will deliver clean, renewable energy to millions of our homes for generations to come. Ocean Wind, Atlantic Shores and more upcoming wind projects are already helping boost our economy and will guarantee reliable, clean energy for generations to come. Make sure you let Trenton leaders know that you want New Jersey to continue to grow offshore wind! | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
MURPHY’S OFFICE BLASTED THESE BAD NUMBERS OUT TWICE — May tax revenues drop more than expected, with more softening anticipated, by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: May tax revenues fell nearly 20 percent, the Treasury Department said Thursday, a bigger drop than the administration had anticipated. Overall tax collections are down nearly $1.1 billion this fiscal year, or 2.6 percent below the same period last year, according to Treasury. The agency said it expects revenue "to remain soft through the remainder of the fiscal year," which ends June 30. The income decline comes as Gov. Phil Murphy and lawmakers are negotiating a spending plan for the 2024 fiscal year that begins July 1. A potential sticking point in those talks is a multi-year senior tax rebate program called "StayNJ" that would cost more than $1 billion annually once fully funded in several years. The latest revenue report may reinforce Murphy's opposition to that plan, led by Assemblymember Craig Coughlin and Senate President Nick Scutari.
STATE RECRUITS SAM THOMPSON TO INFILTRATE TEEN MOBS UNDERCOVER — Bill to fine teens for alcohol possession is watered down, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: Lawmakers on Thursday watered down legislation that would increase punishments for kids caught drinking. The Democratic-backed bill, which is intended to address shore town officials’ complaints of large groups of rowdy teens, would allow police to fine underage people caught with alcohol $100. But a provision of the bill that would have allowed police to search teens if they have unconcealed alcoholic beverages was stripped from the bill by amendment. The bill, NJ A5610 (22R), which the Assembly Judiciary Committee approved 3-2 along party lines, was opposed by progressive advocates as well as law enforcement officials, but for different reasons. —“New rules in Ocean City focused on teen behavior go into effect immediately” SO EASY TO GET A RATE HIKE A CAVEMAN CAN DO IT — “GEICO is the latest car insurance company to ask state to approve huge rate hike,” by NJ Advance Media’s Karin Price Mueller: “GEICO is the latest auto insurance company to ask New Jersey to approve a double-digit rate hike for its policies, according to a letter sent by the company to its customers. “Under the proposed filing, the average liability-only policy will see a rate change of 18.7%,” according to the letter. ‘The average Full Coverage policy (includes comprehensive and collision coverage) will see a rate change of 26.3%.’ … GEICO, which did not give the reasons for the request in the letter, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company, which insures 20% of drivers in New Jersey according to a survey by Value Penguin, joins a growing list of insurers asking for double-digit increases. At least 18 other companies have pending requests with the state for increases of 7% or higher” —National union settles with NJ Transit over last year's work stoppage —“Police training company takes fight against state probe to federal court” —Opinion: “Juneteenth and reparations: How can we empower Black NJ residents so they can thrive?” —“Package of deepfake regulations gets first legislative hearing” | | | | 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 | |
FOX NEWS WHALE NEWS — “Federal watchdog opens investigation into offshore wind impacts amid whale deaths,” by Fox News’ Thomas Catenacci: “A top federal watchdog agency is opening an investigation into the impacts of offshore wind along the New Jersey coastline amid calls for a moratorium on development and an uptick in marine wildlife deaths. In a phone call Thursday afternoon, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan agency tasked with conducting oversight of government operations, informed Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., that it would conduct the probe. Smith, who represents a district along the Atlantic coast, has repeatedly called for a GAO investigation into offshore wind development, expressing concern about its potentially wide-ranging impacts on wildlife and the marine economy.”
| | | | A message from New Jersey Wind Works:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
NEW JERSEY POLITICAL REENTRY CORPORATION — “Stack pushing hard for McGreevey as next Jersey City mayor, but HCDO isn’t all in ‘yet,’ insiders say,” by The Jersey Journal’s Joshua Rosario: “One of the most powerful members of the Hudson County Democratic Organization is pushing hard the idea of former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey as Jersey City’s next mayor. But other influential members of the group that hasn’t lost an election in nine years aren’t sold on the idea. At least not yet, say insiders. As senator of a district (the 33rd) that includes Jersey City and arguably the No. 1 get-out-the-vote guy in the county, Brian Stack has been front and center extolling the virtues of a McGreevey candidacy in 2025. Only Thursday afternoon did McGreevey publicly acknowledge the possibility of succeeding Steve Fulop in City Hall. ‘I’m honored by the consideration of the people of Jersey City and I’m seriously considering running,’ said the 65-year-old who is chairman of the New Jersey Reentry Corp., a nonprofit that provides services statewide, mostly second-chance programs for people coming out of prison.”
—“Jersey City Council unanimously approves final reading of right to counsel measures” HANOVER —State alleges Hanover BOE violated judge's injunction on parental notification, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: The state claims the Hanover Board of Education “blatantly" violated a judge’s temporary injunction when the school board updated its policy for parental notification. The allegation — made in a court filing from the Attorney General's office — requested the judge clarify whether the temporary injunction was violated. The state is in litigation with the Hanover BOE on a policy passed in May that requires school staff to notify a student's parent if the child is LGBTQ, which critics say “outs” them to their parents. JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY — “Jackson council president quits, bringing political sparring to surface,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Mike Davis: “The sitting council president relinquished his leadership post this week ahead of an expected resignation, bringing to the surface bubbling political tension that hasn't subsided since a knock-down, drag-out election last year. Martin Flemming III resigned as president of the Jackson Township Council on Tuesday night ahead of his expected full resignation from the council, as he prepares to move out of the town. He was replaced in the post by Steve Chisolm, Jr. … For the better part of six months, the council has been drawn along political lines, with Flemming, Chisolm and newly-minted Council Vice President Nino Borrelli on one side and Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn and Councilman Scott Sargent on the other … Kuhn and Sargent were "blindsided" by Flemming's announcement on Tuesday night, and voted against Chisolm's appointment. ‘There was a lot of talk of everybody working together here. And you can see by this (vote for Chisolm), it isn't really true,’ Flemming said Tuesday. ‘It's disheartening for the town, and I feel really bad about that.’” PRIDE MONTH — “Atlantic City was once famous for its gay bars. Now it has none,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Selena Vazquez: “New York Avenue in the 1960s and ‘70s was viewed as a thriving oasis for the LGBTQ community. The city featured at least 10 gay bars, including the West Side Bar and Brass Rail. Today the city has a plethora of attractions, including restaurants and casinos — but no gay bars …As acceptance of the community has increased over time, so have the number of places they feel safe. ‘There’s no question that the increased acceptance or perceived acceptance of the LGBTQ lifestyle and LGBTQ people have led to the disappearance of the bars as well, because people will argue, especially younger people, that they can go to a regular bar,’ said Laurie Greene, an LGBTQ activist … In the ‘50s and ‘60s, bar owners could have their establishments shut down by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control if they served homosexuals, said John Schultz, a former Atlantic City councilman. That was the case for Val’s Bar on New York Avenue. It wasn’t until 1967 that Val’s and a New Brunswick-based company, One Eleven Wines and Liquors Inc., fought against their shutdowns and won their New Jersey Supreme Court case against the ABC. ‘And that was about a year or two before Stonewall,’ added Schultz” SMALL SOUNDING A BIT LIKE TRUMP — “Atlantic City councilwoman, Small opponent, takes slim lead in primary race,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Christopher Doyle: “Atlantic City Councilwoman LaToya Dunston has taken a slim lead over challenger Viana ‘Vivi’ Bailey in her reelection campaign to keep her 2nd Ward seat. According to new tallies announced by the Atlantic County Board of Elections on Wednesday, the total is now 300-297 in favor of Dunston in the Democratic primary … Board of Elections officials cautioned a small number of voters could cure their rejected ballots and change the result … Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. said by phone Wednesday that he was alarmed by the discrepancy in the mail-in and primary-day totals. He vowed that the results would be challenged. ‘This election is far, far, far from over and they know it,’ Small said. ‘We're not going to allow this election to be stolen from Viana Bailey.’” QUE SERRA SERRA — “Close race: Results of Pompton Lakes' primary elections finally in,” by The Record’s David M. Zimmer: “Pompton Lakes incumbents came out victors in a close Republican primary election, Passaic County officials confirmed late Wednesday. Final vote totals show that Mayor Michael Serra earned the GOP nomination and a chance at a third term in November's election with a 15-vote win over Borough Council President Jennifer Polidori. Incumbent council members Maria Kent and Ekamon Venin also won by 50 votes or more over challenger Lisa Kihlberg.” IN HIS DEFENSE, HIS SALARY IS ONLY $179K— “Prosecutor: West New York police capt. charged with stealing $60k from youth academy,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “A West New York police captain has been charged with stealing over $60,000 from the local youth police academy, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced. Erwin Moreno, 49, is charged with one count of theft, a third-degree crime, Suarez said in a statement … Moreno earned a salary of about $179,193 in 2021 and has been on the force for nearly 25 years, according to public records.” —“Why is Paterson seeking to dismiss a lawsuit over Jameek Lowery protest arrests?” —“Super of Monmouth County's largest school district leaves for New York” —“Another lawsuit filed against Hackensack and its Police Department. Here's what we know” —“Here's why Bergen County's budget increased and what it means for taxpayers” | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO 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. 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ROWDY BIRDS MOB SHORE AFTER NJ CHANGED BIRD LAW TO TIE BIRD COPS’ HANDS — “Uptick seen in Red Knots on Jersey Shore,” by The New York Times’ Jon Hurdle: “The number of rufa red knot shore birds migrating via Delaware Bay beaches to Arctic breeding sites this spring rose to the highest level in four years, according to an independent annual survey. The count, by land and boat, tallied about 22,000 of the robin-sized birds, an encouraging sign for a shorebird that is listed as federally threatened. The survey’s figures were the highest since 2019, and a sharp increase from a record low of 6,880 in 2021, according to Larry Niles, an independent biologist.”
THE INTERN’S FLIGHT — “Summer intern’s commute goes viral: She flies from South Carolina to New Jersey because it’s cheaper than renting, by CNN’s Jordan Valinsky: “South Carolina resident Sophia Celentano commutes to her New Jersey summer internship by plane, weekly, revealing on her TikTok account that it’s actually cheaper than renting near her advertising gig’s New Jersey office. The 21-year-old’s TikTok, headlined, 'Why I take a plane to work,’ recently went viral after she posted her routine of waking up at 3 am to catch a flight from Charleston to Newark every Wednesday … Rather than spending '3,400+ a month for rent, I book a $100 round-trip flight on the one day a week I work in-person’ as a corporate marketing intern … Another factor for doing all this might be the office’s suburban location in Parsippany, New Jersey, which she said she didn’t want to do – it can be a little dull for a young intern." STILL PREFERABLE TO LISTENING TO 101.5 FOR 10 MINUTES — “New Jersey reminds swimmers: Watch out for clinging jellyfish in bays and estuaries,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Frank Kummer: “If you’re headed to one of New Jersey’s coastal beaches and plan to take a dip, you can relax. But if you’re taking a dip in other coastal waterways, the state has a message for you: Be cautious of clinging jellyfish that cause excruciating stings through thousands of barbed stingers attached to their tentacles.” R.I.P.— “Truckers mourn the death of Nathan Moody after I-95 bridge fire” —“Hospital system to leave NJ Medicaid network, could send special-needs kids scrambling for care” | | | | A message from New Jersey Wind Works: Now is the time for New Jersey to wholly embrace offshore wind development. This clean and renewable source of energy symbolizes the future for our state. We have established ourselves as a national leader in building home-grown offshore wind that would 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 Ocean, 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 that will power New Jersey’s homes and businesses – AND our economy – for years to come. These investments are already creating good-paying union jobs and investing in our economy. New Jersey is going to be a hub for offshore wind, and the manufacturing and assembly facilities being built here will serve offshore wind projects throughout the country. Make sure you tell Trenton leaders that they need to keep investing in New Jersey 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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