| | | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Anbaric Development Partners | Good Wednesday morning! Sure, the governor's State of the State address was broadcast last night and the Legislature formally began its new session with many new members, but if you're an incurable New Jersey politics junkie, you're probably most interested in former Justice John Wallace's justification for selecting the Democrats' congressional district map, as requested by the Supreme Court. You'll recall Wallace said the Democrats' map better met his standard of "partisan fairness" but that "In the end, I decided to vote with the Democratic map simply because in the last redistricting, the map was drawn by Republicans." Republicans sued and the Supreme Court and the court asked Wallace to elaborate. Yesterday, after delving further into his measure of partisan fairness and why he felt the Democrats' map did it better, Wallace said that "upon reflection, I realize I mistakenly failed to consider my team's evaluation of Partisan Fairness of the maps. I should have been more concerned with the fairness to the citizens of New Jersey. Simply put, I should have stated that the Democrats' map better satisfied the standard for Partisan Fairness. I do that at this time to further support my vote in favor of the Democrats' map." Wallace wrote lots of other stuff, too, including a claim that he unsuccessfully sought to get the Republican and Democratic delegations to share their maps (contrary to reports at the time that it was his decision) and some indirect rebuttals of Republican redistricting chair Doug Steinhardt's accusation that he was the "seventh Democrat" on the 13-member commission. You can read the whole thing here. Steinhart responded that the "notion that the Democrats' map is better on political fairness is as ridiculous as it is indefensible," citing Planscore data, and called Wallace's new statement "an anemic attempt to backtrack on a clear statement he read from a script." More from Carly Sitrin here. WHERE'S MURPHY? Making an "offshore wind development announcement" with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler at 10 a.m. (More on that below). No location listed so presumably it's virtual QUOTE OF THE DAY: "This entire speech was slanted to deliver his message the way he wants people to hear it." — Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio, who was then mocked by Murphy's comms staff HAPPY BIRTHDAY: NJYD's Aimee Focaraccio, Hunterdon Commissioner John Lanza and Squarepoint's Eliza McDonald TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com PROGRAMMING NOTE — I'm off for the rest of the week. Katherine Landergan (klandergan@politico.com) will be your Playbook author for the next two editions. | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners: It's a New Year and the need for swift action to address climate change is clearer now than ever. Anbaric believes in New Jersey's clean energy goals and stands ready to work together to accelerate the growth of the state's offshore wind industry. That's why we were thrilled to submit a robust bid package to deliver an efficient, cost-effective transmission system that protects the environment and the ratepayer. Learn more. | | |
|  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
THE NEVERENDING STORY — Murphy reinstates public health emergency to battle Omicron 'wave,' by POLITICO's Daniel Han: Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday that he's reinstating New Jersey's public health emergency, a move that will allow him to maintain broad powers over the state's response to the pandemic and keep intact measures that would have otherwise expired Tuesday. The reauthorization means a litany of measures Murphy enacted through his emergency powers will remain in place. They include executive orders establishing the state's school mask mandate and vaccine-or-test requirements for state employers, teachers and state contracted employees, as well as more than 100 administrative directives, waivers and orders that have given health care providers flexibility in staffing and operation space as they face a surge in Covid-19 cases. The new orders — issued about two hours before the governor was to deliver his State of the State address — do not impose any new rules or restrictions.
EXCEPT NJ 101.5 — Murphy, in State of the State, credits New Jerseyans' handling of pandemic, by POLITICO's Katherine Landergan and Ry Rivard : Gov. Phil Murphy, in his annual State of the State address Tuesday, credited New Jerseyans for their perseverance in dealing with the ongoing pandemic, declaring they have done the work to stop the spread of the virus by wearing masks, getting vaccinated and postponing family celebrations. —Highlights from Murphy's State of the State address —"As COVID hospitalizations continue to rise in New Jersey, ventilator use is up 71%" GILL GETS NO OXYGEN — Scutari sworn in as Senate president as new two-year legislative session begins, by POLITICO's Dan O'Connor and Carly Sitrin : New Jersey's new two-year legislative session began Tuesday with the swearing-in of 16 new lawmakers, though Democrats will continue to control both chambers. Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) was sworn in as Senate president, overcoming a challenge by Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex). "I am truly humbled that a poor kid from Linden could grow up someday and be the president of the New Jersey Senate," Scutari, who replaces former Senate President Steve Sweeney, told his colleagues. Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) was sworn in as majority leader, replacing Loretta Weinberg, who retired. Ruiz, the former chair of the Senate Education Committee, is now the highest-ranking Latina in the Legislature's history. IN THE YEAR 2420 — "NJ marijuana dispensaries want to sell legal weed. So what's the hold up?" by The Asbury Park Press' Mike Davis: "Nearly one year after marijuana was legalized in New Jersey and officials are still mum on when adults 21 years or older will be able to purchase legal weed — and one key group of stakeholders is losing patience. New Jersey medical marijuana operators are chomping at the bit for the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to give them the all-clear to 'flip the switch' and begin selling cannabis to anyone 21 years or older, not just registered patients with a medical marijuana card … 'Everyone thinks they have a better mousetrap,' said Patrik Jonsson, northeast regional president for Curaleaf, one of the world's largest marijuana growers, manufacturers and retailers, including three locations in South Jersey. 'No state has perfected this, so thinking you'll get a perfect 10 on day no. 1 is asinine. All you want is a program that's 90% there — the medical program with some common sense tweaks.'" —"'Crisis situation': Mental health services in NJ stretched thin as pandemic boosts demand," by The Record's Scott Fallon: "New Jersey's mental health system has been stretched so thin over the course of the pandemic that getting help is a months-long wait for many. For almost two years, most mental health counselors have been inundated with increased caseloads by people suffering from depression, anxiety and a host of other ailments brought on or exacerbated by the pandemic. Now the new, highly contagious omicron variant is causing further problems. As has been seen in other health care settings, omicron has begun to deplete some mental health professionals who were still giving in-person counseling. Those seeking help in New Jersey are seeing a 30- to 60-day wait for a private practice counselor — if they can get in at all — and a three- to five-month wait to see an agency therapist, said Jennifer Thompson, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers' New Jersey chapter." 'I'M READY FOR YOUR NOT-SO-CLOSE LOOK AT MY TAX CREDIT APPLICATION, MR. DEMURPHY' — "Major expansion of film, TV tax incentive makes its way to Murphy," by NJBIZ's Daniel J. Munoz : "Both the state Assembly and Senate on Jan. 10 approved another major expansion of New Jersey's film, television and digital media incentive program, as the state eyes how to boost its sluggish economic recovery amid 22 months of the pandemic. The proposed Senate Bill 4094 was approved in a 31-2 vote by the state Senate on Monday and a 65-12 vote by the state Assembly. It's now headed to Gov. Phil Murphy's desk, where he has until Jan. 18 to sign the bill or pocket veto it, exercising a rare power he can wield for the week following the latest voting session. Murphy has been widely supportive of the film tax credit program, baking it into many of his economic development strategies for the state. Under the film tax break program, the state compensates producers for filming scenes in New Jersey and buying in-state goods. Murphy signed one expansion in January 2020, and another as part of the $14.5 billion economic subsidy program he approved a year ago." BURLINGTON TURNCOAT FACTORY — "Addiego will become new Burlington superintendent of elections" by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Gov. Phil Murphy will nominate former State Sen. Dawn Addiego (D-Evesham) to serve as the Burlington County Superintendent of Elections [Tuesday] the New Jersey Globe has learned. Addiego left office at noon today after losing her bid for re-election last November to Republican Jean Stanfield, ending her fourteen year stint in the New Jersey Legislature. She will replace George Kotch in the full-time, $94,320-per-year post. Addiego's nomination requires Senate confirmation, but as a former senator she is not subject to senatorial courtesy and Stanfield cannot block her." KIP'S PAY — "Murphy to name Bateman to Horizon board," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein : "State Sen. Christopher Bateman (R-Branchburg), who will leave office at noon today after 28 years in the legislature, will be named to the Board of Directors of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey by Gov. Murphy today. Bateman will become the second former senator to join the Horizon board; Senate President Steve Sweeney appointed Loretta Weinberg, the outgoing Senate Majority Leader, last week. The part-time board post pays $82,000-per-year." — Murphy plans to renominate Wainer Apter to state Supreme Court —"It's a day of change. These longtime N.J. lawmakers are leaving — and here are the new faces" —" Diversity in N.J. Legislature improves in 2022, but still doesn't reflect the state" —Legislature approves bills to address teacher shortage, Covid spending, special ed petitions —Mulshine: " Republicans rigging redistricting? Not in New Jersey" —"N.J. may ban police at election polling places. Lawmakers say it would curb voter intimidation" —" Bill allowing cops to get early view of body cam footage clears Legislature" —"NJ Transit agrees to settlements for ex-employees. We calculated what it cost taxpayers" —" NJ Transit OKs $11M for work on 2 transit stations. It's a perfect chance to go green, advocates say" —"New Jersey lawmakers pass recycled-content requirements for plastic, glass containers" | | | | BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we've got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don't miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now. | | | | |
| | BIDEN TIME | |
NJ PROPOSES RENAMING THE AREA 'NY BIGHTS' — Sources: Biden administration set to announce first offshore wind lease auction, by POLITICO's Kelsey Tamborrino: The Biden Interior Department is preparing to announce its first auction for offshore wind power leases, according to industry and congressional sources — a move that represents a significant milestone for the administration's plan to grow the nascent offshore wind sector and eliminate carbon emissions from the power grid. Details: The Interior Department is expected to soon announce the lease auction in the New York Bight, an area of shallow water located offshore New York and New Jersey, according to four people in the offshore wind industry and on the Hill who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
BRETT BUTLER: GRACE UNDER FIRE — "Florio and Trump: Grace and gracelessness under pressure," by Carl Golden for InsiderNJ: "In the aftermath of the closest gubernatorial election in state history and the first and thus far only one subjected to a recount, Florio resumed his career in the U. S. Congress, never questioning the legitimacy of the Kean victory or insisting that he'd been cheated. (Eight years later, Florio successfully sought the governor's office.) I was in a unique position in 1981, able as a participant to gain insight not only into the dynamics at play in the campaign but to come away from it with an understanding and appreciation for the demeanor of the candidates themselves under enormously trying circumstance. The contrast between my 1981 experience and the 13 months since the 2020 presidential contest could not be more vivid nor offer a starker contrast between the responses and actions of the two men who lost nearly 40 years apart. Like a great many others who possess backgrounds in the media, politics and government service, I have followed the ex-president's borderline unhinged rantings, marveling at the embarrassment it has inflicted on the Republican Party and dismayed at the lack of any serious pushback from party leaders." | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners:   | | |
| | LOCAL | |
ENVIRONMENTALISTS CALL FOR A DOLLAR TREE INSTEAD — "They tried to stop Dollar General from setting up shop in a rural cornfield in South Jersey," by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jason Nark: " The Salem County community of 8,777 residents, about 35 miles south of Philadelphia, is mostly made up of farmland, schools, small businesses, and forest. It's home to a picturesque, 465-acre state park. Nick Mesiano, a 27-year-old web developer who grew up on a horse farm in Pittsgrove, wants to keep things that way. He created a web site, savepittsgrove.com, and rallied residents to help defeat an industrial trash facility proposal there last year. 'Sprawl development scars rural landscapes with haphazardly placed and culturally eroding box stores,' Mesiano said … But Dollar General is a juggernaut … Dollar General recently received preliminary approval from Pittsgrove's planning board to construct a 10,640-square-foot store on Centerton Road, near the public high school. Matt Ritter, the attorney for the township's planning board, said the location is zoned 'neighborhood business.' … Mesiano said the goal, now, is to urge Dollar General to agree to certain aesthetic features which would make it meld better with local, historic buildings, like Ye Olde Centerton Inn, a restaurant which opened in 1706. 'What they proposed was a metal box,' Mesiano said."
OPPONENTS: SEWERAGE COMMISSION IS FULL OF IT — " NJ groups plead with Murphy to stop plans for new $180M power plant as vote draws near," by The Record's Scott Fallon : "Community groups and environmentalists are asking Gov. Phil Murphy to stop a plan to build a $180 million gas-fired power plant along the Passaic River in Newark that is scheduled for a vote this week. The proposal comes from the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, whose members are set to vote Thursday on a contract to build the backup power plant, which would keep its massive sewage treatment facility running during a prolonged power outage like the one it suffered during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Opponents say the power plant would pump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and exacerbate the strength and frequency of storms like Sandy, which caused the treatment plant to spew 840 million gallons of raw sewage into Newark Bay and surrounding waterways when power was disrupted." —"Paterson's ward boundaries set to change to reflect latest census changes" —" New Pinelands member from Ocean County brings 'critical expertise': environmentalist" —"Paterson drug arrests of out-of-towners rose by 77% in 2021, police department says" —" Murphy signs anti-bullying bill inspired by Rockaway girl, boosting penalties for parents" | | | | 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 | |
ON TO THE MOTHERSHIP — "Calvin Simon, original P-Funk and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, has died," by The Asbury Park Press' Chris Jordan: "Calvin Simon, whose voice gave harmony to the sound of Parliament-Funkadelic and landed him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, passed away Jan. 6 in San Antonio, Fla., said his assistant Bobbi Vickers. He was 79. 'We lost another Original member of Parliament/Funkadelic,' wrote long-time P-Funk bassist Bootsy Collins on Instagram … Simon was a member of the original five-man crew that formed in a Plainfield barbershop … 'Rest in peace to my P-Funk brother Mr. Calvin Simon,' wrote Clinton on Facebook. 'Longtime Parliament-Funkadelic vocalist. Fly on Calvin.' Simon was part of the group as they transitioned from matching suits to spaceships and entered the orbit of hit records, sold-out arenas and music stardom. His singing is featured on classics like 'Mothership Connection,' 'Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome,' 'Maggot Brain,' 'Cosmic Slo' and more."
—Moran: "Hospitals are bursting, and need our help" —" Employees at N.J. Starbucks location launch unionization effort" —"After a string of suicides, N.J. university, lawmakers search for solutions" | | | | A message from Anbaric Development Partners: Anbaric is proud to be a leading developer of electric transmission projects and the primary advocate for a transmission-first approach to offshore wind – in New Jersey and across the east coast. Anbaric has the experience needed to deliver offshore wind energy across New Jersey with an efficient, cost-effective transmission system.
That's why Anbaric was thrilled to submit a robust portfolio of projects to achieve New Jersey's clean energy goals in response to New Jersey's first-in-the-nation solicitation for offshore wind transmission. Anbaric's proposal will efficiently deliver wind power to shore, protect the environment, coastal communities, and the ratepayer, and can be developed to accompany the growth of the offshore industry. Anbaric is proud to be working with incredible partners, including Ferreira Construction, a seasoned New Jersey utility and civil contractor, to make this vision a reality.
Read more about what Anbaric's bid package means for the future of clean energy. | | | | | | | 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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