| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by McDonald's | Good Thursday morning! The Senate Education Committee today was to consider Sen. Andrew Zwicker’s “Freedom to Read Act” — a much milder version of the ban on book bans that Zwicker first proposed last spring. It looked like it was going to be a long and contentious hearing, with pro-teacher and librarian forces and the conservative “parental rights” advocates planning to attend en masse. But Zwicker asked to hold the bill late yesterday afternoon after encountering some opposition from the bill’s natural allies. They plan to put it up again March 14. I don’t have a lot of details of the disagreement, but Zwicker told me at least one library had expressed opposition to the latest version of the bill, which was to be significantly amended at the hearing. “I’m going to pull it because there’s no reason a library should be against it,” said Zwicker, who also was not able to attend today’s hearing. There was also a question of whether Democratic committee member Shirley Turner was on board, though I didn’t hear back from her last night. (The committee has just three Democrats and two Republicans.) This bill is nowhere near as far-reaching as the one Zwicker originally proposed, which would have financially penalized libraries and school districts that remove books over “partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” Still, it drew fierce opposition from the right, with Assemblymember Erik Peterson dubbing the senator “Sick Zwick.” This version of the bill would create a system for challenging books, require governing bodies to establish policies on book curation in consultation with the New Jersey Library Association, and limit those who can challenge the books to those who have a vested interest, like a parent or guardian or resident of a town served by a public library. There were also to be a number of amendments, which perhaps had something to do with the late library opposition. One of them would have removed a provision to shield librarians and media specialists from legal liability. But Zwicker said the reason for the removal was because it was largely duplicative of current law. The decision to hold the bill just puts off a culture war battle by a month. I doubt we’ve heard the last of it. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m forgetting what that is.” — Gov. Phil Murphy on his radio program Tuesday night when asked why he doesn’t support the Liberty State Park Protection Act. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Faustino J. Fernandez-Vina, Andrew Musick, DiAnne Gove, Jonathan Salant. Missed Wednesday: Mitchelle Drulis WHERE’S MURPHY? — At the North Jersey Community Research Initiative in Newark for an 11 a.m. announcement.
| | | | 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 | |
DRUMTHWACKED — “N.J. gov says he is ‘white-hot mad’ protesters were able to confront him at governor’s mansion,” by NJ Advance Media’s Matt Arco: “Gov. Phil Murphy said in a text to his staffers he was ‘white-hot mad’ and ‘absolutely furious’ two protesters opposed to Israel’s offensive in Gaza were able to confront him during an event at the governor’s mansion in Princeton Monday night. The confrontation occurred at Drumthwacket, where the governor and First Lady Tammy Murphy, who is running for U.S. Senate, hosted a Lunar New Year party. The governor messaged his staff Monday night and inadvertently added NJ Advance Media to the text chain. ‘Two young women screaming at Tam and me re Gaza,’ Murphy texted ‘Taping. Accusations of our people touching them. Ugly and ruined the event. We are white hot mad that this could have happened. Who are they. How did they get in. Protocols going forward, including security. Absolutely furious.’ Murphy spokeswoman Natalie Hamilton said Tuesday the governor’s office is, as Murphy suggested, looking into protocols.”
CASINO SMOKING — As casino smoking ban advances, a new bill would still allow it, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: A new bill introduced by a South Jersey Democrat would keep indoor smoking in place at Atlantic City’s casinos. The measure introduced by Sen. John Burzichelli, S2651, comes as a bill to implement a flat-out smoking ban has started to advance in the state Senate but faces opposition from the casino lobby. … Opponents of a flat-out ban have sought a measure that would still allow for indoor smoking — which Burzichelli’s bill aims to do. The bill, introduced this week, allows for smoking on 25 percent of the casino floor, which it is currently limited to. Smoking would also be allowed in two instances: Unenclosed areas at slot machines and electric games (which must be 15 feet away from casino pits with live dealers) or enclosed rooms with ventilation. Live dealers could work inside the enclosed rooms but only on a voluntary basis, Burzichelli said. “I’m suggesting there’s some incremental steps that can be taken and I would also say over time this will likely be an issue that takes care of itself,” Burzichelli said in an interview. —“NJ Gov. Murphy says ‘broad’ groups will be eligible for clemency soon” —“NJ Transit riders say Murphy needs to provide more state aid to beleaguered agency” —“Experts see clouds on the fiscal horizon for NJ government” —“Rethinking criminal justice: A Q&A with new Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti”
| | | | A message from McDonald's:   | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
SALT IN THE WOUND — Vulnerable Republicans from high-tax states strike out again on SALT, by POLITICO’s Benjamin Guggenheim: A strong push by Republicans from New York, New Jersey and California to expand the federal deduction for state and local taxes died with a whimper in a procedural vote on Wednesday afternoon, depriving the lawmakers of a much-needed win as they head into the November elections. The rejection of the rule — by 195-225 — to consider legislation that would provide the SALT relief was the latest setback for lawmakers from high-tax states who have tried repeatedly to relax or eliminate a $10,000 cap on the deduction imposed by Republicans’ 2017 tax law. … Democrats from high-tax states have also pushed legislation that would expand the SALT deduction, but indicated before Wednesday's vote they considered Lawler's plan a half-baked response to the problem. “This badly flawed measure is a far cry for the middle-class tax relief, and is really the bare minimum we could do,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.).
KIM ‘N PLAY — “Is the NJ Democratic nomination for Senate really 'in play'? Can Kim win?” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “Kim and his supporters now believe that the same undercurrent of dissent that fueled his [Monmouth County] victory Saturday also courses beneath the party clubhouses of Bergen, Middlesex, Hudson and Essex counties — the Democratic Party-rich fiefs where the institutional leadership has already blessed the first lady with endorsements, which will mean the county line on the ballots and which also ensures her victory there. Kim’s victory also sparked hopes that more county organizations may eventually embrace a more democratic method of endorsing candidates instead of the imperious method of letting the top leaders in the county effectively award the line with little or no input from county committee delegates on the ground. 'I would love to see the power of the line crack,' said Mara Novak, executive director for New Jersey 11th For Change.”
| | | | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S GOVERNORS SUMMIT: Join POLITICO on Feb. 22 to dive into how Governors are wielding immense power. While Washington remains gridlocked, governors are at the center of landmark decisions in AI and tech, economic development, infrastructure, housing, reproductive health and energy. How are they setting the stage for the future of American politics, policies and priorities? How are they confronting major challenges? Explore these questions and more at the 2024 Governors Summit. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | WHO ELSE WILL HELP RICH MARRIED MEN’S EUROPEAN GIRLFRIENDS SECURE VISAS? — “Immigration advocates fear impact if Menendez no longer in Senate,” by NJ Spotlight News’ David Cruzo: “The recent collapse of a border deal in Congress coupled with U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s uncertain political future has immigration advocates worried. Long before the federal corruption charges against him, Menendez made history as the first Latino member of Congress from New Jersey, with few that could rival his institutional knowledge of immigration policy. While Menendez, a Democrat, still hasn’t declared whether he’s running for reelection, concerns have been raised that any successor is strong on immigration issues. ‘We have yet to see any strong immigration proposals around comprehensive immigration proposals from leading candidates Andy Kim or Tammy Murphy, and I think that’s one of the biggest things that set the work of Senator Menendez so far apart is his advocacy around the work on comprehensive immigration reform,’ Nedia Morsy, the director of strategic projects at Make the Road New Jersey, said.” —“Bashaw wins Ocean GOP screening committee in U.S. Senate bid” —“Leaning into migrant woes, Suozzi paves election-year path for Democrats”
| | | | 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. | | | | | LOCAL | |
MINOR DISCIPLINE — “7 Trenton police officers suspended for cheating payroll system, report reveals,” by NJ Advance Media’s Kevin Shea: “Seven Trenton police officers, including three captains and a lieutenant, were disciplined with suspensions for altering the department’s payroll system in their favor. The suspensions are detailed in the Trenton Police Department’s annual ‘major discipline’ report, which is posted to the department’s website. Such reports are mandated by the state Attorney General’s Office … The three captains, a lieutenant, a detective and two officers were each found to have violated the infraction of conduct unbecoming a public employee and suspended for different amounts of work days. None were demoted. … Officials said last year that they were suspected of manipulating their payroll records after they took vacation or sick time to make it appear they still had the time to use.”
BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR WAS TOO SHY SHY — “Palisades Park fires borough administrator for not seeing 'eye to eye',” by The Record’s Christie Kattafi: “Longtime borough Administrator David Lorenzo, who has three unresolved lawsuits against the municipality, was fired on Tuesday. Lorenzo has served as the borough's business administrator since 2008 and worked for the borough in another capacity previously. His salary was $204,000 and was fired without cause and for not seeing ‘eye to eye with the council,’ said Mayor Chong ‘Paul’ Kim.” LESS IS GILMORE — “Ocean GOP screening committee votes to drop two county commissioners,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Two Ocean County commissioners are on the chopping block after Republican screening committee members voted to endorse two challengers. Manchester Mayor Rob Arace and Berkeley Township GOP Municipal Chair Jennifer Bacchione won the recommendation of the panel to replace incumbents Gary Quinn and Bobbi Jo Crea. The Ocean County Republican convention next month will need to decide if they’ll ratify the screening committee picks or stick with Quinn and Crea. Arace and Bacchione are political allies of George Gilmore.” HOPEFULLY NOT A CRASH DIET — “Atlantic Avenue 'road diet' lets out its waistline a bit in city's latest plans,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “The city has relaxed aspects of Phase 2 of the Atlantic Avenue ‘road diet’ to allow for more vehicle travel lanes in the busiest sections of the city, engineering firm representatives said at an open house Tuesday night. … Phase 1 from Maine to Tennessee avenues, which is complete, follows the standard plan of one vehicle travel lane in each direction with a turning lane in the center, along with bike lanes and parking on each side. Parts of Phase 2, which runs from Tennessee to Albany avenues, will now have two vehicle travel lanes in one direction and one in the other direction, with a turning lane in the center, Kennedy said. The extra lanes switch sides according to traffic volume. The changes were not enough to satisfy some business owners who attended the open house on city road projects at Atlantic Cape Community College's Worthington Campus.”
| | | | 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. | | | | | ACHA JOURNALISM — “Botched move shows Atlantic City Housing Authority's 'ineptitude, malfeasance,' Van Drew says,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew continues to seek a federal takeover of the Atlantic City Housing Authority in the wake of the agency suddenly forcing 19 families to move out of Stanley Holmes Village to fix sewer pipes that have been broken for months. … On Tuesday, Van Drew sent a letter to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge — the third such letter in a few months — asking her to tour the troubled 420-unit public housing complex with him and to organize a federal takeover of the authority. … ‘This is yet another stunning example of the ineptitude and malfeasance of the Atlantic City Housing Authority.’ The authority planned the move over a month in advance but intentionally kept residents in the dark, Van Drew said.” —“Store owners battle Union Township over claims they sold marijuana, not hemp products” —“[West Milford] to consider making mayor's post a paid, full-time position” —“Democratic primary challengers emerge in Perth Amboy mayoral race” —“NYC congestion pricing would send traffic to Bergen County, burden the area, lawsuit said” —“[West Orange] town council meeting ‘Zoom bombed’ by speakers making racist, antisemitic comments” —“Couples tie the knot on Valentine's Day in Bergen County” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
ATLAS SUED — “Data brokers hit with crop of suits claiming violations of Daniel's Law,” by The New Jersey Law Journal’s Charles Toutant: “Data brokers have been hit with a crop of suits claiming their online disclosures of police officers’ home addresses violated a New Jersey statute called Daniel’s Law. At least 30 complaints have been filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey seeking damages based on the law, which was enacted after the 2020 murder of Daniel Anderl, the son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas. A Jersey City, New Jersey, company, Atlas Data Privacy Corp., brought the suits as an assignee of claims from police officers who assert that the defendant companies refused requests to removing online postings of their personal information. The suits are the first test of Daniel’s Law, a 2020 measure that prohibits the online disclosure of home addresses of current and former judges, prosecutors and police officers. John A. Yanchunis of Morgan & Morgan, the Orlando, Florida, personal injury firm, filed the suits Monday and Tuesday along with Rajiv D. Parikh of Genova Burns of Newark, New Jersey.”
CONMANAPAN — “Former Manalapan stock broker sentenced to 45 months for investment swindle,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Ken Serrano: “A disgraced Manalapan stock broker has been sentenced to 45 months in federal prison for bilking 14 investors, some of them senior citizens, out of $1.2 million after he was permanently barred as a securities broker. Anthony Mastroianni Jr., 49, was also sentenced for getting a fraudulent loan for more than $96,000 from a COVID emergency relief fund for distressed businesses.” —“Yes, groceries cost more than they used to. New Jersey is among the most expensive states” —“Increase in cost of ferry for new N.Y.C to N.J. service revealed by NJ Transit” —“Check out the furry flight that brought 85 adoptable cats and dogs to North Jersey”
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