| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | Presented by |  | | | Good Wednesday morning! StayNJ is on the move. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday is scheduled to take up the bill to implement the StayNJ task force’s recommendations. This passed the Assembly at the end of June, and of course the whole thing is Speaker Craig Coughlin’s big idea. I’ve heard quite a bit of angst about this program in the Legislature — most notably about how the state can afford to pay back half of seniors’ tax bills up to $6,500 for household incomes of up to $500,000. But this is a huge priority for Coughlin, so it’s going to factor pretty large in budget negotiations. But it might not be too much of a reach in the upcoming budget, since the state would only have to pay for half of the program in Fiscal Year 2026. It’s once you get into fiscal year 2027 when the full cost of the program will be, according to the Office of Legislative Services, somewhere around $1.5 billion. The Senior Citizens Council of Union County, wrote a letter to lawmakers earlier this month saying this bill needs “substantial revision,” saying it does not align the requirements for the already-existing tax relief programs, Senior Freeze and Anchor, with StayNJ. “In addition, ti wipes out two years of payments under the Anchor program not just for seniors, but for everyone in New Jersey,” wrote the group’s chair, Ellen Steinberg. Steinberg’s group estimates that about 38,000 homeowners with incomes of over $250,000 would be set to receive the maximum rebate. Still, this bill looks like it’s on the fast track. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s enacted by the Legislature by 2025 — a gubernatorial election year — leaving the next governor to really reckon with its budgetary repercussions. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Michellene Davis, Lisa Fleisher, Paul Josephson QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I will not give up. Losing this election just prepares me for the next election.” — District 10 Republican House candidate Carmen Bucco, who has run about a dozen campaigns, mostly in no-hope races. . WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule
| | | | A message from WorkingNJ: Sean Spiller’s mom was a teacher, his dad worked at the Port Authority. As the son of immigrants, Sean Spiller knows real change and strong communities are worth fighting for. An educator, union leader, and former Montclair Mayor, he’s fought for fair pay, affordable housing, and quality education. He has a plan to make New Jersey stronger by building an economy that works for every New Jerseyan. Sean Spiller for Governor. Learn more about Sean. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
BALLOT PUNT — “Assembly prepares to create ballot design panel; Baraka wants decision made by judge, not legislators,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “The New Jersey State Assembly is expected to announce a bipartisan committee this month to consider ballot design options. The panel will hold public hearings in different parts of the state to listen to the public prior to introducing legislation, the New Jersey Globe has learned. Several rough drafts of a bill have been created and discussed over the last few months, but the Assembly is not ready to introduce anything now. Legislative leaders appear to prefer seeking stakeholders’ input before advancing specific legislation. … Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, wants [Judge Zahid] Quraishi – not the legislature – to make final determinations about ballot design.”
GROUP HOMES — “N.J. announces major overhaul to stop abuse in group homes,” by NJ Advance Media’s Susan K. Livio: “Facing a growing call for serious consequences when people with developmental disabilities are harmed in group homes, a state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would give the state new power to impose fines and even take control over the worst operators, NJ Advance Media has learned. State Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, chairman of the Senate health committee and sponsor of the seven-bill package, said it would ‘safeguard the rights of individuals and ensure they can thrive and fully participate in communities across New Jersey.’ Work began on the legislation after NJ Advance Media published “Alone, Autistic and Afraid on Feb. 1, a report about Leah, a non-verbal young woman with a rare genetic disorder and autism spectrum disorder who endured extreme medical neglect and maltreatment while under the care of a group home, according to doctors who treated her. … In that story, Paul Aronsohn, the New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, called on lawmakers to pass a law that would give the agencies that regulate group homes the authority to impose fines on the most egregious or repeat offenders.” TESLA SPOIL — “Time to pay NJ sales tax on electric cars,” by NJ Spotlight News’ John Reitmeyer: “Starting Tuesday, consumers shopping for electric vehicles in New Jersey will no longer get the full benefits of a popular tax break that had been in place for the last two decades. Instead, a change in tax policy enacted earlier this year by Gov. Phil Murphy and fellow Democrats who control the Legislature cuts in half a full exemption from the state’s sales tax when purchasing, leasing or renting new and used electric vehicles. As a result, from Oct. 1 through June 30, 2025, a 3.3125% tax will be levied in New Jersey on such transactions, according to a notice posted online by the state Division of Taxation. From there, the same tax law calls for the state’s full sales tax of 6.625% to be levied on transactions involving zero-emission vehicles, beginning July 1, 2025.” 2 CUPS, 1 STATE —”NJ is hosting another FIFA event. What to know about 2025 FIFA Club World Cup,” by The Record’s Katie Sobko: “Soccer fans got some welcome news Saturday when FIFA announced locations for the 2025 Club World Cup. For those of us who watch the sport only during international tournaments and might be getting lost in the details, this tournament is different from the FIFA World Cup that is coming to New Jersey in 2026. It will feature club teams — professional teams from leagues around the world — as opposed to national teams. … Gov. Phil Murphy is also thrilled, spokesperson Natalie Hamilton said, because “combining the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final and the 2025 World Club Cup Final, the Garden State will host several of the most consequential soccer matches in history.” WIND — “1st offshore wind farm slated for N.J. gets construction approval amid fiery opposition,” by NJ Advance Media’s Steven Rodas: “The first offshore wind farm slated to come to New Jersey’s coast received a construction approval Tuesday, a spokesperson with Atlantic Shores told NJ Advance Media. The approval from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM, allows operation plans to move forward for the company’s southern proposal. The CEO of the developer said construction of the wind farm is expected to start in 2025. Tuesday’s approval comes amid a string of ongoing lawsuits, a year after another wind farm developer canceled its plans here and as opposition only continues to mount from some Jersey Shore groups that point to potentially marred beach views and worries marine mammals are at risk.”
| | | | A message from WorkingNJ:   | | | I SUFFERED IN HIGH SCHOOL. NOW THESE KIDS WANNA SUFFRAGE — “Murphy visits Hoboken to tout effort to have 16 & 17 years old vote in BOE races,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “Gov. Phil Murphy paid a visit to Hoboken High School … to tout an effort to have 16 and 17 year olds vote in school board races throughout the state. … ‘So 16 and 17 year olds voting in school board elections and we would be the first American state to do that and I think that’s a huge potential badge of honor. I suspect you all agree with me,’ he said to applause. Eventually, Murphy said he thinks 16 and 17 year olds “will vote on everything,” but first things first, which is allowing them to vote in the board of education elections in New Jersey. He first came out in support of the initiative in January. The effort began in August 2023 from the group Vote @16, who kicked off the initiative with a rally at Jersey City City Hall.” —“Feed birds, not bears, NJ urges residents. Why state may put new rules on bird feeders” —“THC beverages are flying off the shelves, by a state order” —“Hurricane Ida victims hope second crack at relief bill wins governor’s support” —“Van Drew sets electric bills hearing for Oct. 8 at ACIT; Trenton hearing Wednesday” —Pizarro: “Shadows in the Scutari Caucus room as 2024 ticks into 2025” —“Sweeney: Saving pensions from bankruptcy” | | BIDEN TIME | |
SENATORIAL CURTISY — “Could Republicans Gain a Senate Seat After the Menendez Scandal?” by The New York Times’ Tracy Tully: “Curtis Bashaw maneuvers his lanky body through a maze of picnic tables, stopping every few steps to repeat his upbeat introductory pitch to voters waiting for lunch on a recent weekday. He is a Republican running to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate, he tells groups of graying attendees at Bergen County’s annual senior festival. A fiscal conservative, he adds. A hotel owner from Cape May, N.J. A gay, married man. ‘I don’t think government should tell us what to do in our own homes’ he says, bending down on one knee to be heard above music coming from a nearby stage. He has positioned himself as a moderate competing for a seat vacated in spectacular fashion by the state’s longtime Democratic senator, Robert Menendez, who was convicted of peddling his political influence in exchange for cash, gold and a Mercedes-Benz. Mr. Bashaw, 64, beat a candidate endorsed by former President Donald J. Trump to win the Republican nomination, and his showing in November will be a measure of his party’s appeal to centrist voters at a time of heightened polarization. Advertisement.”
NAUGHTY REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE — “An NRCC video casts Sue Altman as supporting Columbia protests. The full clip tells the opposite story,” by Jewish Insider’s Marc Rod: “On Friday morning, the National Republican Campaign Committee shared an audio clip on X that appeared to depict Sue Altman, the Democratic candidate challenging Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ) in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, endorsing antisemitic campus protests at Columbia University. But the full clip tells a very different story, in which Altman clearly condemned the protests as antisemitic and unacceptable. The post is the latest of Republicans’ efforts to portray Altman, a longtime progressive activist who led the Working Families Party in New Jersey, as too radical to represent the New Jersey swing district — a line of attack that has sometimes focused on questions about Altman’s record on Israel.” WILL THEY STOP IF ALTMAN SHOWS THEM A PBA CARD? — “PBA won’t forget candidate’s defund the police comments,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “The state’s largest law enforcement union says it hasn’t forgiven Democratic congressional candidate Sue Altman for past statements she made supporting the defunding of police and will not accept her apology. The New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association went on the attack after Altman launched a new TV ad using three law enforcement officials as validators of her support for the police. ‘It is nice to see she regrets her #defundthepolice support now that she is a candidate for Congress and every law enforcement group in New Jersey has endorsed Tom Kean. However, law enforcement officers needed her support in 2020 and 2021 when police were targets of hate, lies, and attacks,”’PBA spokesman Rob Nixon said.” —“The second chance: After loss, Carmen Bucco aims for congressional seat again”
| | | | A message from WorkingNJ: Sean Spiller’s mom was a teacher, his dad worked at the Port Authority. As the son of immigrants, Sean Spiller knows real change and strong communities are worth fighting for.
An educator, union leader, and former Montclair Mayor, he’s fought for fair pay, affordable housing, and quality education. He has a plan to make New Jersey stronger by building an economy that works for every New Jerseyan.
Sean Spiller for Governor.
Learn more about Sean. | | | | | LOCAL | |
BLUE WIVES MATTER — “Spared a firing recommended by NJ, here's what retiring Red Bank police chief will be paid,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Olivia Liu: “Police Chief Darren McConnell has settled with the borough, agreeing to resign after a report by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office recommended firing him. … McConnell, who has been on paid leave since late February, will officially retire on Tuesday. Since he was not terminated, he said he will receive his annual pension of about $138,000 and about $182,000 of accrued time. Of the 2,400 hours of accrued time, $66,105 will be forfeited to the borough. .... McConnell … was publicly accused by the police union in August 2023 of having inappropriate relationships with subordinates. In a statement at the time, McConnell wrote that there was one relationship that would fall into that category, which he has since regretted. His current marriage to Patrolwoman Kristin Altimari, he argued, is ‘not a scandal.’ … The Attorney General’s report argued that McConnell improperly dismissed internal affairs cases and ‘even reversing the findings of another,’ to benefit a subordinate employee. The report, which redacted the patrolwoman’s name, states that she is now McConnell’s wife, alluding to Altimari.”
CHEATINGS FROM ASBURY PARK — “Asbury Park: We have no proof that over 60% of charter school students even live here,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Charles Daye: “The Board of Education says the three charter schools that service the city have not verified the residency of most their students, which accounts for at least $9.5 million worth of taxpayer dollars the district sends to them. The Asbury Park school district has three charter schools in its service area: Academy Charter, Hope Academy and College Achieve Public Schools (CAPS). As of Sept. 19, Academy Charter had 69 out of 125 students verified, Hope Academy had 142 out of 251 verified, and CAPS had 45 out 288. That is 256 verified students out of a possible 664, or just over 38%. ‘That number aggregates to about $9.5 million out of $14 million that the charter schools claim for tuition for this 2024-2025 year (that) has not been verified for residency,’ Board member Wendi Glassman said.” DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CHAIRS SAY THE REPUBLICANS ARE JUST A GLORIFIED CREW — “The Boss of the Bosses,” by InsiderNJ’s Fred Snowflack: “Call her “boss of bosses.” Laura Ali, the Morris County Republican Chair, was picked Monday night to preside over all 21 county Republican chairs. The vote was unanimous. The first vice-chair will be Linwood Donelson of Salem and the second vice-chair will be Gabe Plumer of Hunterdon.” —“Toms River OKs second synagogue in North Dover, bowing to federal threat of $10M fine” —[Atlantic County and Hamilton Tonwship] charging illegal fees to owners of vacant properties, lawsuit says” —“It was once the worst toxic dump in U.S. Now, it’s no longer a threat to N.J. communities” —“After century of rumors, Atlantic Highlands hidden bootlegging tunnels may have been found” —“North Jersey school boards join in calls for reform to state aid funding formula” —“Jersey City settles ADA class-action lawsuit with promise to install thousands of pedestrian curb cuts” —“Murphy on CarePoint: We won’t let Hudson County become ‘a healthcare desert’” —“Calling BOE 'very far to the left', Bridgewater mayor weighs in on 'nonpartisan' elections” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
A DAGGETT TO THE HEART OF THE ECONOMY — Thousands of East, Gulf Coast dockworkers hit the picket line as contract deadline passes, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard and Nick Niedzwiadek: Dockworkers from New England to Texas walked off the job just after midnight Tuesday, upending parts of the U.S. supply chain weeks before the election. Tens of thousands of workers struck after the International Longshoremen’s Association and the shipping industry could not reach a new contract after their last six-year deal expired. Their absence means cargo can’t be unloaded at ports all across the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast. Even a short strike is likely to send shock waves through the economy. A prolonged one is politically perilous for Democrats up and down the ballot, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who may be forced to choose between their labor allies and a fully functioning economy. “Nothing is going to move without us,” ILA International President Harold Daggett told dockworkers in New Jersey in a video posted by the union on Facebook.”
—“At Bayonne’s Port Liberty, solidarity on the picket line and uncertainty about the future” —“Nurses still negotiating with [University Hospital] after contract expires” —“Jon Bon Jovi is headlining N.J. film festival, because who says you can’t go home?” —“Troopers will not be charged after N.J. man dies in custody” —“Teens mob [Maplewood] pizzeria as SZA buys pizza for everyone — then never shows up”
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