| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | | Good Tuesday morning! Don’t worry, Democratic New Jersey politicians. The migrants that were bussed to various New Jersey locals just before the new year reportedly boarded trains to New York. It’s Mayor Eric Adams’ problem now, and you won’t have to worry about making good on your rhetoric to make New Jersey a “sanctuary state.” There’s really not all that much to say about what transpired over the weekend beyond what Daniel Han reported here. There are no easy solutions to complicated issues like migration by people desperate to escape from crushing poverty or crime. While nobody said it, I’m guessing New Jersey public officials were relieved to realize that the immigrants were being sent there in order to work around a New York City executive order restricting when they can come into the city. I certainly didn’t hear any prominent politicians calling to voluntarily house some of them here. And based on the bipartisan backlash to the Biden administration’s mere mention of Atlantic City International Airport as a potential housing site this summer, I doubt such a plan would go over well. My guess is that sooner or later, the red-state politicians who are bussing people up will look beyond the biggest cities that some of their constituents love to hate and send some this way. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Jesse Burns. QUOTE OF THE DAY — “Society has changed and what people are accepting in our country now is different than when I was growing up, certainly than when I was your age. And you know I don’t have any objection to it any longer. In the end, I think I’ve been convinced.” — Chris Christie on gay marriage 12 years after vetoing it. WHERE’S MURPHY? — In Newark at 6 p.m. for the Essex County Commission swearing-in ceremony, then Tenafly at 7:45 p.m. to swear in Mayor Mark Zinna.
|  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | | | R.I.P. — Louisa Carman, a policy analyst in the Murphy administration’s Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency, died early Monday in a multi-car crash in Plainsboro. She was 25. Gov. Murphy in a statement said that she began as a governor’s office intern in the fall of 2021 and “quickly impressed us with her dedication and policy acumen,” leading to her hiring four months later. Murphy: “Louisa will be remembered as a kind and caring colleague who approached her work with grace, integrity, and a deep commitment to making a difference in our world. I, and everyone on our team, will miss her terribly. Our prayers are with her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.” STRONGER AND FAIRER OR SOMETHING — “N.J.’s unemployment rate increase ranks highest in nation,” by NJ Advance Media’s Eric Conklin: “New Jersey’s unemployment rate has increased the most in the nation as of November compared to a year earlier and ranks among the highest rates overall, according to the latest federal data. The state’s unemployment rate was 4.7% last month, an increase of 1.4% since November 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The next highest increases were California and the District of Columbia, both at 0.8% … New Jersey’s 4.7% unemployment rate in November was tied for third highest in the nation with Illinois. The District of Columbia had the highest unemployment rate at 5%, followed by California at 4.9%, according to the federal data. The national unemployment rate was 3.7%.” THE BOYS IN BLUE VS. BOYS WITH GREEN — “Police say underage drinking, cannabis bill will free them to enforce law,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s: “A bill that passed the Legislature this month, and is awaiting the governor’s signature, would help police deal with underage alcohol and cannabis possession and use, according to an Atlantic City police union leader. ‘This bill (A5610/S3954) revised the deprivation of civil rights penalty threat against officers, which was keeping cops from enforcing the underage drinking laws, local PBA President Jules Schwenger said Thursday. It also reinstates a civil penalty for underage alcohol use of $50 per violation … ‘This bill requires there be proof of the intention to violate the minor’s rights,’ Schwenger said. ‘It’s a simple but huge change for us. It will ultimately help juveniles in the long run.’" TEN YEARS AFTER FREAK NASTY URGED US ALL TO DIP, NEW JERSEY BANNED DOING IT TWICE — “Sen. Sacco’s retirement leaves New Jersey Legislature with just three dual officeholders,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Nikita Biryukov: “The number of New Jersey lawmakers who also hold local elected posts will decline by one when Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson) leaves the Legislature on January 9, leaving just three officials grandfathered in under the 2007 ban on ‘‘double dipping.’ Two senators, Brian Stack (D-Hudson) and Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), and Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) are the only legislators still allowed to hold local seats in addition to their legislative posts.” MINIMUM WAGE — “NJ minimum wage crosses $15 threshold,” by NJ BIZ’s Matthew Fazelpoor: “As 2024 rings in, it also marks the crossing of a notable threshold here in the Garden State when the minimum wage increases Jan. 1 to $15.13 per hour. That figure, affecting some 350,000 of New Jersey’s nearly 1.9 million hourly workers, surpasses the $15 per hour goal set into law in 2019 and makes the state one of just a handful to reach that mark … Seasonal employers and businesses with six or fewer employees have until 2026 to pay workers at least $15 per hour – these employees’ minimum wage increases to $13.73 per hour on Jan. 1. Agricultural workers are guided by a separate timetable and were given until 2027 to reach the mark – they will see their hourly wages increase by 80 cents, to $12.81 per hour.” COLD-BLOODED CAPITALISM — “Get ready, N.J. These new state laws go into effect in 2024,” by NJ Advance Media’s Susan K. Livio: “Tens of thousands of senior citizens will qualify for discounts on prescription drugs and police officers will face new licensing standards under New Jersey laws that will go into effect in 2024. But the most consequential action by Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, and the Democratic-controlled state Legislature, with the potential to affect the most New Jerseyans, was to let a surcharges on the state’s corporate business tax expire on Jan. 1. State Treasury officials have estimated the loss will cost the state more than $300 million this year and up to $1 billion in fiscal year 2025.” —“Education Law Center joins lawsuit alleging segregation in NJ's public schools” —Stile: “These are the political stories that will dominate NJ headlines in 2024” —“2023 New Jersey Globe Year In Review” | | | | A message from AARP: New Jersey’s older residents deserve quality, affordable options for care services at home. But too many can’t afford to pay out of pocket, and they’re left waiting for Medicaid approval for services to start. While they wait, seniors who are likely to qualify for Medicaid are often forced out of their homes and into nursing homes which costs taxpayers more money. Tell Governor Murphy: Seniors can’t afford to wait. Support A4049/S3495. | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
HERE COME THE SUNUNU — Sununu twists the knife: ‘Chris Christie’s race is at a complete dead end’, by POLITICO’s Kelly Garrity: “Chris Christie is a friend. But his race is at an absolute dead end,” Sununu said Sunday during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” … “Chris is only talking about Trump. That’s it, he’s kind of a one-man show,” Sununu said Sunday. “And I know he says he wants to stay in the race to speak the truth about Trump, but that translating to votes in a primary is a very different thing and he’s hit a ceiling. And right now, he probably wouldn’t even get any delegates in the state of New Hampshire.” “The events of the last few days fully solidifies the point that Christie has been making for six months. That the truth matters and if you can’t answer the easy questions, you can’t fix the big problems,” a spokesperson for Christie’s campaign said in a statement to POLITICO in response to Sununu’s comments Sunday.
—Snowflack: “Christie tries to find an opening as Haley stumbles over slavery” PLUM POSITION MUST BE HEAD OF MEAT COMPANY'S FRUIT DIVISION — “Firm in Menendez scandal handed plum role to ex-GOP aide,” by The Daily Beast’s Will Bredderman: “The company at the center of the swirling scandal around New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez also handed a plum position to a former staffer of one of the Garden State’s most influential Republicans, The Daily Beast has found. According to LinkedIn, since 2019, Nicholas D’Alessio has served as managing director of IS EG Halal … According to his LinkedIn, D’Alessio has held just three prior positions in his career, none of which involved food or the import/export sector. He was a public relations intern for a year for the New Jersey Devils hockey team, then a supervisor for four years at a security guard company, and then, for more than three years, a field representative in the office of now-retired Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen … As a congressman, Frelinghuysen led a delegation to Egypt in 2015 and advocated the restoration of military aid to the Middle Eastern autocracy despite its crackdown on civil liberties.“ | | | | A message from AARP:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
PAULSBORO COULD LOSE STATE AID FOR HITTING GIBBSTOWN. TELLING IT TO ‘STOP HITTING ITSELF’ — “These brothers were elected mayors of neighboring New Jersey towns,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Aliya Schneider: “John Giovannitti, 61, the mayor-elect in Paulsboro, and Vince Giovannitti, 57, the newly reelected mayor of Gibbstown, are brothers. The relationship is fitting, because the two New Jersey towns — which the Giovannittis describe as 'joined at the hip' — are basically brothers themselves. The third-generation Paulsboro brothers can expect to collaborate as mayors of neighboring towns that share certain services, and being siblings just makes it easier. 'We can say things to one another,' Vince said, admitting he may be more reserved with somebody else. Inevitably seeing each other at family functions also helps, added John, who will be sworn in Jan. 2, one day before his younger brother is sworn in for his second term.”
WHAT DID IT DO TO DESERVE THIS? — “The party's over as 'Jersey Shore' hangout Karma in Seaside Heights is demolished,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Bill Canacci: “Karma, for years a favorite hangout for MTV's 'Jersey Shore' crew, was torn down Wednesday, Dec. 27. ‘Jersey Shore’ cast members lit up Karma and neighboring Bamboo Bar a decade ago. Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley relieved herself behind a closed bar upstairs at Karma during a January 2011 episode, and Deena was kicked out of the club in the same episode for flashing customers. Now, it's a pile of rubble … Karma has not been open since 2018, when the borough revoked its liquor license.” MIDDLESEX — “Middlesex, New Jersey homeowners say their properties are sinking into a creek, but no one will help them,” by CBS New York’s Christine Sloan: “Homeowners in Middlesex, New Jersey brace for the worst every time it rains. They fear their homes will fall into a creek … Residents said they reached out to Gov. Phil Murphy, the federal government and other local lawmakers, but no one is helping. ‘I think that they should put a bulkhead or they should put a retaining wall in here just to divert the water,’ said Beck. Residents blamed their problems on a retaining wall and pump station that the Army Corps of Engineers built as part of the Green Brook Project to prevent flooding in nearby Bound Brook.” —“[Newark] says violent crime fell 10% in 2023” —“Newark will stop taking public records requests by email as of Jan. 1” —“Pro-Palestinian caravan of 180 cars travels from Paterson to Teaneck” —“[Lawrenceville] man motivated by Oct. 7 Hamas attack sought to join terror group: prosecutors” —“Parsippany council passes four more PILOTs as 800 angry residents pack 7-hour meeting” —“Contract for firm involved in political lawsuits questioned at Atlantic City reorganization” —“Jersey City teacher alleges retaliation from BOE after reporting assault on daughter, 11” | | | | A message from AARP: New Jersey’s long-term care system is broken.
Older residents deserve quality, affordable options for care services at home—where they want to be. But too many can’t afford to pay out of pocket for this care, and they’re left waiting for Medicaid approval for services to start. While they wait, seniors who are likely to qualify for Medicaid are often forced out of their homes and into nursing homes, which costs taxpayers more money.
AARP is fighting for legislation that allows residents who are likely to qualify for Medicaid to begin receiving services in their homes when they need them. It’s time to transform our long-term care system and make it easier for New Jerseyans to age in their homes and communities. Seniors who need care should not be forced from their homes because Medicaid approval takes too long. Tell Governor Murphy: Seniors can’t afford to wait. Support A4049/S3495. | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
DYING FISH — “One of N.J.’s first craft breweries, known for distinctive brand of beers, files for bankruptcy,” by NJ Advance Media’s Richard Cowen: “One of New Jersey’s oldest craft breweries has filed for bankruptcy, deep in debt months after a merger deal with another South Jersey brewery fell through. The Flying Fish Brewery Company of Somerdale filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, citing $1.3 million in assets against $9.3 million in liabilities. The company also noted a steep drop in revenue in 2023 to $3.1 million, down from $4 million in 2022, according to the filing … Brewers have complained that New Jersey’s ABC laws are strangling growth and have pressured state leaders to allow them to serve food and snacks in tasting rooms, and hold an unlimited number of special events per year, which are currently capped at 25.”
STILL SMOKIN' — “Casino smoking and boosting in-person gambling are among challenges for Atlantic City in 2024,” by The AP’s Wayne Parry: “The most burning issue for Atlantic City in the new year is likely to be whether state lawmakers approve a measure to ban smoking in the nine casinos. High-profile anti-crime and pedestrian safety measures should show whether they, in fact, work. A new $100 million indoor water park at the Showboat hotel will have its first summer season. And the physical casinos will be watching closely to see whether gamblers continue to more widely embrace internet gambling and sports betting at the expense of doing it in person inside the casinos. Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, which studies the Atlantic City gambling and tourism market, believes 2024 could see a return to more normal patterns after pandemic-related disruptions.” MENENDEZ LOOKS TO TEEN FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON SPEECH AND DEBATE CLAUSE — “As schools shut down debate teams, this Bergen teen is working to save the tradition,” by The Record’s Ricardo Kaulessar: “Andrew Chun remembered starting high school in 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic was in full effect and the damper the virus put on one of his favorite activities: debating. 'I saw that a lot of different middle school programs, specifically, were being shut down or discontinued through the pandemic,' Chun said. 'I found that there's a larger need for debate opportunities for younger students, particularly because of how it was rewarding for me personally.' The pandemic and his love of debate led Chun, now an 18-year-old senior at Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, to form Cornerstone Debate … a student-led nonprofit that offers free virtual and in-person public speaking and debate classes at local New Jersey libraries.” ALL AT THE SECAUCUS TRAIN STATION — “NJ gained 30,000 residents in 2023, mirroring national trend of increased population,” by The Record’s Kyle Morel: “New Jersey gained more than 30,000 residents this year, according to census data that shows a similar nationwide increase nearing totals from before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Garden State's population jumped from 9.26 million in 2022 to 9.29 million this year, according to a report released Tuesday by the United States Census Bureau. The increase of 30,024 marks the largest rebound among the 11 states that lost population last year, with Ohio (26,238) and Minnesota (23,615) the only others that even surpassed the 20,000 threshold.” —“N.J. used to be a leader in solar energy. Is it poised to have a comeback?” | | | | 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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