| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by McDonald's | Good snowy Tuesday morning! Chances are I’m basically in the Arctic compared to you but the storm has largely passed me by . What’s Jersey without some regional rivalries? Democrats and Republicans really got into it yesterday in a seemingly interminable debate over the affordable housing bill. I won’t get into the policy details here because I’m not smart enough, but I’ve excerpted an article on that from Katherine Dailey below. I’m used to seeing New Jersey politics play out as urban vs. suburbs. On Thursday, it was suburban vs. rural. “It will all be gone. It will all become one big Cherry Hill. One big Woodbridge,” Assemblymember Erik Peterson said on the Assembly floor, referring to his rural district’s open space if the latest bill to comply with the Mount Laurel decisions on affordable housing is signed. Peterson lives in Franklin Township. (No, not the one in Somerset County. Nope, not the Gloucester County one either. Nor the Warren County one. Yeah, that one, the one in Hunterdon County.) Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, who lives in Woodbridge, took exception to that. “I don’t think the people in Cherry Hill or Woodbridge think it’s so bad.” Peterson, who grew up in Cherry Hill, clarified that he didn’t mean to knock the town — just that it’s a “totally different way of life than Hunterdon County.” “Cherry Hill got a lot of play today. And I’m sure there will be a lot of people who will look to see what Cherry Hill is all about as a result of this,” Peterson said. I think Peterson may have overestimated how many New Jerseyans who aren’t lobbyists or journalists watch floor debates on affordable housing. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com QUOTE OF THE DAY: “THEY LAUGHED AT ME LAST WEEK. BUT I TOLD YOU SO! SUPER BOWL = RIGGED!!!!!” — MAGA podcast host and former congressional candidate Mike Crispi, who’s been promoting the Taylor Swift Super Bowl deep state conspiracy theory HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Caren Fitzpatrick, Stacie Sherman WHERE’S MURPHY? — Morning media hits to discuss the weather, then “Ask Governor Murphy” at 7 p.m. on your local NPR affiliate
| | | | A message from McDonald's: From 2021 to 2022, the McDonald’s System contributed over $830 million to New Jersey’s economy, supporting over 17,000 jobs statewide. McDonald’s presence in local communities throughout New Jersey generated nearly $150 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, providing funding for public schools, infrastructure, parks and more. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in New Jersey and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/nj. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
ERIK THE UNREAD — “Book battle explodes in Zwicker versus Peterson showdown,” by InsiderNJ’s Fred Snowflack: “Andrew Zwicker says it’s unbelievable that in 2024, one needs legislation to fight censorship. All don’t agree. Republican Assemblyman Erik Peterson, in fact, is so enraged at Zwicker’s proposed ‘Freedom to Read Act’ that he has come up with a nickname for the Democratic state senator from LD-16. He calls him ‘Sick Zwick,’ and says the senator backs ‘vulgar and graphic books (for) children.’ … “Perhaps the most controversial part of the bill would make librarians and other staff “immune from criminal and civil liability,” presuming they’re doing their jobs properly. Moreover, the bill would also allow library employees to file suit against those harassing them. None of this is theoretical. In the heated debate over books, it is not uncommon to hear and see online comments calling librarians pedophiles, child molesters and criminals.”
AFFORDABLE HOUSING — Affordable housing reforms pass Assembly along party lines, by POLITICO’s Katherine Dailey: Substantial reforms to New Jersey’s affordable housing law passed the State Assembly along party lines Monday. The bill, NJ A4 (24R), which passed 51-28, made a number of changes to the way the state will enforce its affordable housing requirements. Under existing law, towns must meet an obligation for affordable housing units, enforced by the Council on Affordable Housing, but that has been defunct since the 2000s and the Supreme Court removed its jurisdiction of housing disputes in 2015. The bill abolishes COAH and formally moves the process to the courts and codifies a middle ground between advocates and municipal leaders — for determining a town’s obligations. CHECKING THE TEMP — “Temp worker advocates say staffing agencies are flouting new law,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Sophie Nieto-Munoz: “When a bill intended to aid New Jersey’s temp workers was signed into law last February, Elvira Gomez assumed things would be different at her temporary job in a warehouse making and packaging glass containers. The law gave her a host of new protections, but she told the New Jersey Monitor that the staffing agency she works for continues to violate the law, including by forcing her to pay for the bus they require her to take to her job site each day and by not providing her with a work schedule in advance. She’s hesitant to file a formal complaint, fearing she’s not protected from retaliation, she told the New Jersey Monitor. … Draft rules that explain how portions of the law will be enforced need to be finalized by August 21. The state says it can’t enforce the law until the rules are approved and fully in effect. Delli-Santi said although the proposed rules are ‘not yet effective, and therefore, not yet binding, they provide guidance to both workers and employers.’” THE BOARD OF PUBLIC FUTILITIES —“NJ's four electric utilities are raising rates. Here's how much your bill will climb,” by The Asbury Park Press’ David P. Willis: “The auction, run by the state Board of Public Utilities, sets the wholesale electricity prices that the four electric utilities will pay and pass through to all New Jersey residential customers and small businesses who have not chosen a third-party electric supplier. The new prices take effect on June 1. And this year, residential customers will experience ‘a moderate increase in energy costs,’ said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, BPU president, in a statement. "Our primary goal remains to do what is in the best interest of ratepayers across New Jersey." Monthly electric bills will see increases that range from 3.6% for Rockland Electric customers to an 8.6% increase for Jersey Central Power & Light customers, the BPU said.” IVAN THE TERRIBLE TEACHER — “N.J. schools could get a ‘Learning Loss Czar’ to help failing kids under new proposal,” by NJ Advance Media’s Tina Kelley: “New Jersey would update how it teaches students struggling with reading and appoint a ‘Learning Loss Czar’ to help students who fell behind during the pandemic under a series of proposed laws introduced last week in Trenton. Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, introduced a package of four bills designed to help students in all grades. The legislation follows Gov. Phil Murphy’s State of the State address last month in which he stressed the importance of improving literacy rates.”
| | | | A message from McDonald's:   | | | —“DEP reschedules Liberty State Park task force meeting for March 2” — “Why does the NJ Schools Development Authority face a budget shortfall in the billions?” —Expanded job-protected family leave passes Assembly, faces Senate roadblock —“NJ to spend $6 million to move people with disabilities out of nursing homes” —“Bucco taps Alpert for top Senate GOP staff post” —“Nicodemo didn’t lie, Attorney General’s office said” —Opinion: “New Jersey plastic bag ban is a leader in reducing pollution” | | BIDEN TIME | |
TORCHING TAMMY — Democrats revolt against party leaders in race to replace Menendez, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy may have misread the moment. Murphy launched her Senate campaign perfectly — at least by conventional standards. When federal prosecutors indicted Sen. Bob Menendez for corruption, Murphy called New Jersey’s extraordinarily powerful county chairs to seek their support. She hoped to become the prohibitive favorite among Democrats when she formally announced in November. Instead, Murphy is facing resistance, verging on hostility, from the rank and file of her party. Anti-establishment sentiment that was evident in the last Senate election is now becoming an early and dominating theme of the primary contest between Murphy and her primary opponent, Rep. Andy Kim, who announced his run the day after Menendez was indicted seeking to harness a message of reform. On Saturday, the three-term House member notched a key victory showing that his message is breaking through, handily defeating Murphy in her home county in the New Jersey’s first Democratic nominating convention. “I think there’s a genuine revolt going on in the ranks in the Democratic Party,” said former Democratic Sen. Robert Torricelli. “Tammy Murphy, who is not in public office, is now a symbol of the establishment. And there’s some admiration that Kim was the first to come out and challenge Menendez.”
| | | | A message from McDonald's: McDonald’s is an economic engine for the state of New Jersey, contributing over $830 million to our state’s economy, directly employing nearly 13,800 New Jerseyans and supporting an additional 3,200 jobs statewide. It’s also an engine of opportunity: 1 in 8 independent McDonald’s operators in New Jersey began their careers as restaurant crew members, generating wealth for their families and local communities. We are proud to support New Jersey through public schools, parks and more from the nearly $150 million in federal, state and local tax revenue generated by the McDonald’s System’s activities. And thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s customers and owner/operators, the $660,000 raised through Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022 provided over 6,600 overnight stays for families with children receiving medical care in New Jersey. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in New Jersey and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/nj. | | | SNATCHING DEFEAT FROM THE MON-MOUTH OF VICTORY — “Monmouth Democrats floated a shared line deal, but Murphy rejected it,” by New Jersey Globes David Wildstein: “Several weeks ago, Democratic leaders in Monmouth County went to Tammy Murphy and Andy Kim with an offer: both U.S. Senate candidates could share the organization line and avoid a convention fight. Kim appeared willing to consider the deal, but Murphy, confident in her ability to win the vote and with an internal count that showed her ahead, rejected it, five people speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed to the New Jersey Globe. The offer was extended several more times to Murphy, as well as to some of her advisers and her husband, Gov. Phil Murphy. It was repeatedly declined. On Saturday, Kim scored a decisive 57%-39% victory, leaving the Murphy campaign out of luck and delivering a blow to her U.S. Senate bid. Now, Monday Morning quarterbacks are saying Murphy should have taken the deal.” DROPPEDTICKET MURPHYS — A Murphy-Murphy ticket might be possible in Monmouth after convention losses, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: Democratic Assemblymember Carol Murphy said Monday that she is considering running with first lady Tammy Murphy on the ballot in Monmouth County. The remarks from Murphy — who is not related to the first lady or Gov. Phil Murphy — came two days after both lost the Monmouth County Democratic convention. … “If it’s an offer, absolutely,” Carol Murphy said when asked by POLITICO if she would run “off the line” with Tammy Murphy in Monmouth County. “If it’s an option, I’ll be there with her. It’s important women get elected." … Carol Murphy was a supporter of Kim, but she said Monday that she is neutral in the Senate race. . She said in September — before Tammy Murphy launched her candidacy — that she had “full confidence [Kim] will represent us well in the United States Senate.” But on Monday, she said: “I haven’t really officially endorsed Andy Kim. When asked, I said he would be a good senator before everybody got in.” NGA — Gov. Phil Murphy is set to meet with President Joe Biden next week during the National Governors Association winter meeting, the governor said Monday. Murphy — who has a personal relationship with the president — also beat back criticisms of Biden’s age as the president enters reelection. That criticism has only intensified after a special counsel report Friday said that Biden’s mental fitness is in decline. “Our experience with him up close and personal is not that report,” Murphy said. “This is a guy who's in control. And by the way [he] has accomplished an enormous amount… you're talking about a guy who's got an agenda that he's been able to work through with Congress. That's [President Lyndon B. Johnson] level.” The governor also insisted that despite first lady Tammy Murphy’s loss Saturday at the Monmouth County Democratic Convention to Rep. Andy Kim, she would prevail in the primary race. “It's better to win than lose, but she's working her tail off and I still think she's a rock star and I think voters ultimately when this process is done will agree with me,” he said. — Daniel Han KRILL OR BE KRILLED — “Peter Krill Jr. gets prison term for U.S. Capitol riot offense,” by The Courier-Post’s Jim Walsh: “A Sewell man has received a nine-month prison term for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot. The sentence for Peter Krill Jr. came after his attorney asserted incarceration could risk a relapse into addiction for the 55-year-old contractor. Maggie Moy, a public defender, requested a 10-month term of home confinement, saying that would allow Krill to continue using a non-narcotic prescription drug — a synthetic form of THC — for relief from chronic pain. The drug is not available in the federal prison system, Moy noted in a sentencing memorandum.” —“Bob Menendez’s unusual request: Don’t try me with my wife”
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STACCO — “McGreevey versus O’Dea or Sacco versus Stack?” by InsiderNJ’s Max Pizrro: “Stack backs former Governor James McGreevey to be the next mayor. Sacco’s name evidently appeared on piece of paper, or a press release, likewise backing McGreevey, mostly presumably in the interest of working with Stack. But now, in the aftermath of Sacco learning the degree to which Middlesex County too might be involved in the Jersey City Mayoral contest, Sacco looked to be eyeballing Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea as his own personal candidate for mayor. … If Stack sticks with McGreevey and Sacco – who invited O’Dea to sit at his table, thus triggering frantic whispers of intrigue – goes with O’Dea, the whole county could come apart. Or so say the experts over there.”
THE FISCAL HINCHCLIFFE — “Questions loom over Hinchliffe Stadium’s finances: Was it profitable in 2023?” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “Renovated and much celebrated, historic Hinchliffe Stadium reopened in 2023, after being closed for 25 years. … But beyond the hoopla, many questions remain about the financial bottom line for the $108 million project — which also included a parking garage and a 75-unit apartment building. … Funded largely with revenue from tens of millions of dollars in public tax credits, the Hinchliffe renovation needed a last-minute infusion of $8 million from New Jersey’s state government and has benefited from a 35-year property tax break from the city of Paterson. The Hinchliffe lease says the stadium’s owners, Paterson Public Schools, will get 50% of the net profits from its annual operations. But Hinchliffe developer Baye Adofo-Wilson recently said in a text message that he doesn’t expect there will be any net profits for 2023 ‘given the abbreviated year in service” for the ballpark, which opened in May.’”
| | | | YOUR GUIDE TO EMPIRE STATE POLITICS: From the newsroom that doesn’t sleep, POLITICO's New York Playbook is the ultimate guide for power players navigating the intricate landscape of Empire State politics. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest and most important stories from Albany, New York City and around the state, with in-depth, original reporting to stay ahead of policy trends and political developments. Subscribe now to keep up with the daily hustle and bustle of NY politics. | | | | | —“Ocean County commissioners slam JCP&L over pace of Lakewood infrastructure project” —“Atlantic City Housing Authority springs major move on Stanley Holmes Village residents” —“Police chief threatens to sue [Spotswood] mayor for defamation after she asks AG for help” —“Edison officer accused in lawsuit of careless driving in police crash” —“N.J. Supreme Court: Ex-West New York asst. principal can be demoted over fabricated fall” —“Miss Liberty's funeral in Toms River: A quiet goodbye for a vivacious beauty queen” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
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