| | | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Anbaric Development Partners | Good Friday morning! Remember those Project Veritas videos released a week before the election that alleged the governor would, if reelected, institute vaccine passports and increase aid for undocumented immigrants? It may be extremely early in Murphy's second term, but it sure looks like that the political group that pretends to do journalism was even more wrong than I thought at the time. Basically, from what I could tell from the videos when they first came out, Project Veritas passed off opinions some mid-level Murphy campaign staffers gave to the organization's actors as super-secret administration plans that the powers that be didn't want the public to know. Nevermind that Murphy himself had hinted or suggested at a vaccine passport system and more money for undocumented immigrants. So now that the election is over and the governor has been sworn into a second term, let's take stock. While Murphy has imposed a stricter vaccine requirement for health care workers, the state doesn't even require you to wear a mask in a store or restaurant, let alone show proof of vaccination. That's despite requirements in New York City and Philadelphia. And a dramatic increase in funds for undocumented immigrants? Well… How did that one turn out? So keep this in mind next time this organization drops a "bombshell" in New Jersey. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Christie in 2016 never got past the New Hampshire primary. … Cory Booker ran for president in 2020 and despite being a charismatic speaker, got no traction at all. He was never really in the race. … Republican Steve Forbes and Democrat Bill Bradley may have done marginally better a few decades ago, but Forbes put many millions of his own money into the race and many probably viewed Bradley more as a basketball player than a guy from Jersey. Could the problem be the candidates of where they were from? Or a combination of both?" — InsiderNJ's Fred Snowflack on the poor showing New Jerseyans have in presidential races HAPPY BIRTHDAY — State Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz... Saturday for Assembly Clerk Dana Burley, Murphy bodyman Brady O'Connor, Hunterdon Dem Chair Arlene Quinones Perez, former Rep. Jim Saxton, Laborers' Amber Lee... Sunday for MWWPR's Rich Levesque. WHERE'S MURPHY? No public schedule TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners: This much is clear – offshore wind energy is coming to the Garden State. One important question remains: How will New Jersey bring that energy to our homes and businesses? Recently, Anbaric submitted a bold bid package to accelerate the industry's growth while keeping costs down and protecting our coast. Anbaric's decades of experience with planned transmission infrastructure will make offshore wind energy work for all New Jerseyans. Learn more about Anbaric's plan. | | |
|  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | | WITH THE TASTE ON YOUR LIPS OF JERSEY PRIDE, IT'S TOXIC I'M SIPPIN' WATER — How a toxic chemical ended up in the drinking water supply for 13M people, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: New Jersey's largest drinking water supplier discovered a toxic chemical in the river where it gets water for hundreds of thousands of customers, setting off a major search for polluters that led back to a Pennsylvania wastewater treatment plant and a South Jersey company. The chemical New Jersey American Water Co. found, 1,4-Dioxane, is a byproduct of plastic manufacturing that is considered a likely carcinogen by the federal government. While the chemical has been found in water supplies before, this discovery in early 2020 set off alarms because of the high levels in a section of the Delaware River close to American Water's treatment plant in South Jersey that sends drinking water to customers in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties. … What they found, the details of which have not been previously reported, is a gap in state and federal regulations that allowed an unsafe chemical to end up in an essential water supply. There are no federal limits for how much 1,4-Dioxane can be in drinking water, though New Jersey is proposing new rules that would limit the chemical to .33 parts per billion. Some samples from 2020 found nearly 10 times that amount in the Delaware. New Jersey officials have said they believe those levels ultimately did not "pose any immediate health risk," by the time drinking water reached customers" WHO NEEDS IT? — "NJ announces early plan for $1B on water infrastructure," by The Associated Press' Mike Catalini: "New Jersey unveiled initial plans Thursday for $1 billion in federal funds for new drinking and wastewater infrastructure over the next five years. The new cash infusion is 'exciting,' and amounts to a 'once-in-a-generation' investment, said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, though it's just a fraction of the estimated $30 billion in new pipes, equipment and other improvements the state needs. The federal funds will be dispersed over time, with about $170 million slated for this year, state environmental officials said." GUBERNATORIAL HOT AIR EXACERBATES WARMING — New Jersey environmental groups sue Murphy administration over climate action, by POLTICO's Ry Rivard: New Jersey environmental groups said Thursday they are taking the state to court to force Gov. Phil Murphy's administration to set greenhouse gas emissions rules. Late last year, the Department of Environmental Protection denied a petition from environmental groups asking the state to create formal rules for reducing emissions by 50 percent by the end of the decade. The lawsuit the groups are filing is an appeal of that decision by EmpowerNJ, a coalition of more than 100 advocacy groups worried about climate change. … The lawsuit is another sign of fracturing relationships among environmental advocates and Murphy. Late last year, the governor also tried to appoint a chemical industry representative to one of the state's main land preservation agencies. REVENEWS — "NJ's tax revenues have been thriving, but watch out," by NJ Spotlight News' John Reitmeyer: "In the latest figures released by the Murphy administration, several key sources of revenue — like the sales and income taxes — were on pace to beat projected year-end targets. Overall, tax receipts were booming, and total collections were up by more than 20% year-over-year as of the end of December, according to the Department of Treasury. But the numbers also come with some looming concerns. Treasury officials are already planning for a slowdown during the second part of the July-to-June fiscal year, taking into account factors such as recently enacted tax cuts that are soon expected to take a bite out of income-tax collections … And despite Murphy's very rosy take on New Jersey finances and the trajectory of the state economy during recent high-profile public addresses, documents his administration submitted for a recent state bond sale were less bullish." BUT FOR SACCO'S GIRLFRIEND'S SON, WOULD THIS EVEN BE AN ISSUE? — "Judges side with A.G. on waiving mandatory minimum prison sentences," by New Jersey Monitor's Dana DeFilippo: "A New Jersey appellate panel weighed in this week on a yearslong battle over mandatory minimum prison sentences, affirming the state Attorney General's directive last year ordering prosecutors to waive mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses. Superior Court Judge Carmen Messano, writing for the three-judge panel Tuesday, rejected a lower court's argument that the directive wrongly set out to do what the Legislature had failed to do. Messano let the directive stand, while cautioning that every case deserves a judge's 'considered judgment, not some rubber stamp.' Messano's ruling comes more than two years after the state's Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission recommended the Legislature eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug and property offenses, saying they contribute to mass incarceration and racial disparities." IMMIGRATION — "NJ reallocates $34 million of Excluded NJ fund money, leaving immigrants stunned," by The Record's Mary Ann Koruth: "Immigrant workers and their advocates are angry that most of the funds intended to assist New Jersey's undocumented population and others excluded from COVID-related aid will be reallocated to pay for state expenses instead. The Murphy administration has shifted $34 million of the $50 million federally-funded Excluded NJ Fund toward expenses, likely to payroll and various department costs incurred due to COVID to avert a 'use it or lose it' situation. The move has left the state's immigrant community stunned." — " Court: Police must face life-threatening danger to search with no warrant" — "NJ COVID hospitalizations drop below 5K as Murphy hints at lifting school mask mandate" — Hale: " Channeling the Boss: Phil Murphy the progressive patriot" — "Advisors to independent redistricting tiebreakers funded by major Democratic donors" | | | | JOIN NEXT FRIDAY TO HEAR FROM GOVERNORS ACROSS AMERICA : As we head into the third year of the pandemic, state governors are taking varying approaches to public health measures including vaccine and mask mandates. "The Fifty: America's Governors" is a series of live conversations featuring various governors on the unique challenges they face as they take the lead and command the national spotlight in historic ways. Learn what is working and what is not from the governors on the front lines, REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | BIDEN TIME | | SOUTH JERSEY NATIVE TRAVELS TO NORTH JERSEY, IMMEDIATELY DISAPPOINTED BY QUICKCHEK — First lady, education secretary visit New Jersey to announce federal funding for colleges, by POLITICO's Carly Sitrin: First lady Jill Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona applauded Bergen Community College's child care program on Thursday while announcing $198 million in new federal funds for higher education. The new American Rescue Plan Act funding is the last tranche from President Joe Biden's Covid relief package and will be primarily distributed to community colleges and rural institutions nationwide. Cardona and Biden highlighted BCC's use of federal funds throughout the pandemic to expand space for child care, build up their counseling services and discharge some $5 million in student debt. CD3 — The once-crowded Republican primary field to take on Andy Kim is getting narrower. Will Monk, a member of the Mount Holly Board of Education, has ended his campaign and will seek reelection to the board. The district, which used to be among New Jersey's most competitive, got drawn to become much more Democratic in last month's redistricting. — Gateway Program eligible for federal funding with new rating boost — "Cory Booker and Tim Scott clash over voting rights, meaning of 'Jim Crow'" — " Amtrak is reducing service, including on Northeast Corridor serving N.J. Here's why" | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners:   | | |
| | LOCAL | | AND YOU DON'T GET TRAFFIC TICKETS — "The true cost of policing," by NJ Advance Media's Riley Yates, Katie Kausch and NIck Devlin: "State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan oversees New Jersey's largest law enforcement agency, with 4,000 employees and a budget in the hundreds of millions of dollars. For responsibilities that span the breadth of the state, he earned $190,000 in 2019, pay that places him in the upper echelon of public officials in New Jersey. Yet nearly 1,500 local cops and 115 state troopers actually made more money that year than Callahan. They did so largely under the radar of public scrutiny, in departments with as few as 11 officers. Among them was a lieutenant in Clifton who pulled in nearly $200,000 in overtime, doubling his salary; a police chief in Bernards Township who added $105,000 to his pay by manning traffic details paid by utility companies; and a Teaneck officer who made $8,300 for hours he didn't even work. … Today, NJ Advance Media is publishing a first-of-its-kind database that captures every dollar earned by each of the state's 21,000 local police officers and 2,900 state troopers, an effort that involved more than 700 public records requests and a team of reporters." MASK ERA — " Lacey school board leader filed charges against maskless parents. Now they want him to resign," by The Asbury Park Press' Amanda Oglesby: "The new Lacey school board president has filed court charges against a group of parents and a fellow board member who allegedly refused to wear a mask during a meeting — and that's prompted them to seek his ouster. Board president Frank Palino filed disorderly conduct charges against fellow board member Salvatore Armato and a group of residents because they allegedly did not wear masks at a meeting earlier this month. Palino could not immediately be reached for comment. Parent Jessica DeLucca told the Asbury Park Press she faces charges in municipal court after the board president filed a police report the day after the Jan. 6 school board meeting, alleging she did not wear a mask. DeLucca said she wore a mask to the meeting, but people near her did not. … The charges each carry a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months of jail time. … DeLucca said she feels harassed and violated by Palino's actions." NOT ON THE LEVEL — "Two challengers to Team Bhalla not reappointed to rent leveling board; Western Edge amendment OK'd," by The Jersey Journal's Teri West: "Mayor Ravi Bhalla did not reappoint two members of the rent leveling board who ran for City Council against his slate last November, including one of the city's most prominent tenant advocates, Cheryl Fallick. Criticism of his decision and urges for the council to challenge it were one of the hot topics at Hoboken's City Council meeting Wednesday. … Bhalla made the decision not to reappoint them as a way to bring new voices and perspectives to the board and increase its diversity, said city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer. Some members of the public who spoke in the pair's support, however, said it was an act of retribution." WALL OF SILENCE — "Wall football hazing: Lawyers for accused students slam prosecutor over publicity," by The Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: "Attorneys for the Wall Township High School students recently charged in the alleged abuse scandal that has rocked the football team say their clients are being unfairly portrayed and blame the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office for releasing information on the investigation that involves accused juveniles. 'The acting prosecutor's recent press releases have put juveniles in the spotlight of public opinion,' said Tara Breslow-Testa, who is representing one of the charged students. 'Prosecutors typically do not confirm the existence of juvenile investigations as minors are supposed to be afforded the benefits of confidentiality. This action is inconsistent with juvenile justice reform and condemns these juveniles before they have their day in court.'" — "8 surprising police contract quirks" — "Jackson parents plead with board for buses to Lakewood private schools" — "Six former Monmouth Council Boy Scouts file sex abuse lawsuit" — "NJ legal weed: Garden State Dispensary wants to add recreational sales in Eatontown" — "Another [Sussex County] homeowner's dog killed in suspected bear attack in N.J. town, police say" — "National organization helps 10 places around the country. Newark just became the 11th" — "Board of Ward Commissioners propose new Jersey City map ahead of Saturday's meeting" | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | EVERYTHING ELSE | | MAY THE SCHWARTZ BE WITH YOU — "Owner of nursing home empire based in N.J. failed to pay $29M in taxes, feds say," by NJ Advance Media's Ted Sherman : "Joseph Schwartz — whose nursing home empire collapsed more than three years ago amid widespread financial problems and allegations of mismanagement —was arrested Thursday on sweeping federal charges of tax evasion and fraud. The 62-year-old New York man, who was criminally charged last month by the Arkansas attorney general in a separate $3.6 million Medicaid fraud, was indicted in New Jersey by a federal grand jury on 22 counts that include a failure to pay employment taxes." — " Fire that closed Garden State Parkway for hours was arson, state police say" R.I.P. — "Bonita Stanton, founding dean of Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, dies at 70" — " N.J. prison inmate quickly recaptured after early morning escape" | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners: With a goal of 7500MW by 2030, New Jersey is leading the way on clean energy, but these ambitious goals require bold solutions and steadfast partners. As the lone industry advocate for a planned transmission approach, Anbaric has long understood the importance of delivering wind energy to New Jerseyans efficiently and responsibly. With a transmission-first approach that protects ratepayers and marine life, Anbaric is proud to provide solutions to meet the needs of the clean energy economy today and well into the future.
Submitted in response to the state's first-in-the-nation transmission solicitation, Anbaric's bid package offers transmission solutions that are cost-effective and environmentally sound. Read more about how Anbaric is working to achieve clean energy goals across the east coast. | | | | | | | 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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