| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Gov. Murphy used to say say he wanted "a stronger and fairer New Jersey.” No longer. Now it’s “the Next New Jersey.” Following his January “State of the State” speech, which is where I believe he introduced us to this phrase, Murphy repeatedly used it in his budget address Tuesday while outlining some highlights of his $53 billion spending proposal. In fact, according to his prepared remarks, he said it 16 times. I know what you’re thinking: This means he’s cutting a tax break to MTV to shoot a revival of its dating show “Next,” which ran from 2005 to 2008. But no, the “Next New Jersey,” according to Murphy, is “here and happening right now.” But that seems temporally impossible! It seems to Murphy the “Next New Jersey” is roughly the same thing as a “stronger and fairer New Jersey” — as he put it, “a New Jersey where every family can afford to make their American Dream come true.” It’s a budget full of increased property tax relief, increasing the child tax credit, a medical debt elimination fund and a huge $10 billion surplus. More on what’s in it below. This is a flush budget drawn up in good economic times. But “Next New Jersey” implies a radical departure from past practice. And I don’t see that. We’re talking about property tax rebates, but not fundamental reform of how the state funds schools and local government. Or even something that would be less difficult, like codifying a dedicated revenue stream for NJ Transit. TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Joe Signorello apologized for looking like a douche.” — New Jersey Monitor’s Terrence McDonald describing his breakfast meeting with Roselle Park mayor/U.S. Senate candidate Joe Signorello HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Jay Webber, Virginia Long WHERE’S MURPHY? In New Milford for an 11 a.m. announcement | | | | 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. | | | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
A FISCAL AND POLITICAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET — Murphy outlines $53B plan for 'Next New Jersey' in budget speech, by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday outlined a $53.1 billion budget that supports what he calls the “Next New Jersey” as the state faces the prospect of a recession after recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Loaded with billions to cut another round of rebate checks to taxpayers, stockpile savings and pay down debt, the spending plan is once again the biggest in state history, but does not include new taxes or fare increases for NJ Transit riders.
It doesn’t include any notable new programs, either, but instead builds on the foundation the Democratic governor laid in budgets past with an eye on what he called affordability, responsibility and opportunity. “This entire budget is purpose-built to help you find your place in the Next New Jersey by securing your place in the New Jersey of right now,” Murphy said in a roughly 50-minute speech. “Indeed, this is a budget focused on the pocketbooks of our families." With all 120 seats in the Legislature on the ballot in November — the first election since Democrats lost several seats in a surprisingly strong Republican cycle in 2021 — it wouldn’t be surprising to see another year of padded spending to arm incumbents with arguments for reelection. And Democrats already have one perk to show off to voters: the ANCHOR property tax rebate checks hitting mailboxes this spring. —“N.J. to renew property tax relief, double child tax credit under Murphy’s budget plan” —“New Jersey State treasury officials anticipate a 'mild' recession. This is why” —“Murphy promised stable NJ Transit fares. How does the math work without dedicated funding?” —“Murphy budget plan makes helping seniors a priority” —“Murphy's proposed budget would impact the affordability of NJ colleges. Here's his plan” —“Republicans review Murphy’s budget: Too big, too much unused surplus, too many gimmicks” —Stile: “Murphy budget address less about NJ than about polishing his White House appeal” OLD BOYS CLUB — New Jersey is solidly in the middle of the pack when it comes to women’s representation in state legislatures, according to the Rutgers Center for Women in American Politics. The Garden State is ranked 21st, with 11 out of 40 senators being women and 31 of 80 Assembly members. About twice as many of the women lawmakers are Democrats than Republicans. The state with the highest percentage of female state lawmakers is Nevada, and the state with the lowest percentage is West Virginia. Read more here.
THE SPACE UTILIZATION COMMITTEE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH PARKER — “Remote work demands state give up office space, Senate president says,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Nikita Biyrukov: “Senate President Nicholas Scutari said he wants to force the state to cut down its real-estate footprint amid continuing declines in the state government workforce and a shift to hybrid and remote work spurred by the pandemic. Scutari (D-Union), who chairs a legislative panel that oversees state leases, said in an interview Monday that New Jersey is ‘moving into a new phase of work’ that does not require the kind of rented office space the state once needed. Roughly 40% of state workers are no longer required to show up in person to their offices, Scutari said … The panel, called the Joint State Leasing and Space Utilization Committee, met Monday for the first time since December 2021 to approve five notices for proposed leases submitted by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration, but the committee deferred consideration of 23 others.”
ASKING FOR A RISE, GETTING A RISE — “Codey pitches pay hike for legislators, but gets no support,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “The longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history thinks it’s time for legislators to get their first pay raise in nearly 20 years. Richard J. Codey (D-Roseland) suggested an increase during a closed-door meeting of Senate Democrats on Monday. ‘I talked about the need eventually for a pay raise,’ Codey told the New Jersey Globe. ‘I’m not saying do it now, but at some point, it’s time.’ Legislators have been paid $49,000 annually since 2002 when the Legislature approved a 40% increase from the previous $35,000-per-year salary during the 2001 lame-duck session … Several senators said that Codey, who made his pitch during a Democratic caucus discussion on a controversial bill to raise limits on campaign contributions, was quickly rebuked for suggesting a raise, especially in an election year. ‘He’s crazy,’ one senator said. ‘We’re not going to do that.’” — “How bad is NJ’s bullying problem?” —“Edna Mahan guard can return to job after acquittal on sexual assault, misconduct charges” | | BIDEN TIME | |
MENENDEZ NOW KNOWS WHO SIGNORELLO IS AND WON’T FORGET HIM — 'You're crazy': Small town mayor launches 2024 primary campaign against Bob Menendez, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: “Roselle Park Mayor Joe Signorello III announced Tuesday that he will challenge U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez in next year’s Democratic primary. A press release announcing Signorello’s candidacy prominently mentions that Menendez is once again under federal investigation, more than five years after the senior senator survived a lengthy corruption trial that ended with a hung jury. But in a phone interview, Signorello said that’s not the only reason he’s running. “Obviously, I think the opportunity’s there, to be blunt, because he’s under federal investigation. But the hypothesis is the same,” Signorello said. “We’re a very blue state and we have one senator [Cory Booker] who’s very representative of those values. I think the other one represents Bill Clinton-eque Democrats, which I don’t think we are as a party, especially in New Jersey.” … Asked about the reaction in Democratic circles to his candidacy, Signorello said about “65 percent of it has been ‘Wow, good for you. You’re crazy.’” “The rest has been, ‘You’re really just setting the table for someone else to do this who’s higher profile,'” Signorello said.
THE PROBLEM CAUSERS CAUCUS — @kadiagoba: “George Santos just dropped a bill in the hopper. It’s apparently legislation to raise the SALT (state and local tax) deduction cap from $10K to $50K. It's a popular cause among NY/NJ pols.” —“Congressman calls for helicopter ban over Liberty State Park after federal flight plan is finalized” —“Abbe Lowell built ties to Trump World. Now he’s one of Hunter Biden’s lawyers” | | LOCAL | |
STUDENT STABBING — “Perth Amboy school officials criticize teachers’ union for student walkout after stabbing,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jeff Goldman: “The Perth Amboy school district took aim at the district’s teachers’ union on Monday, saying it “encouraged” a student walk-out at the high school Monday, days after authorities say a sixth-grade student stabbed another 11-year-old near a city middle school. ‘We are extremely disappointed that our teachers’ union leadership would encourage such a blatant disregard for school rules,’ the unsigned statement from Perth Amboy schools said. ‘Anyone who took advantage of this unfortunate situation and our students in this way to further a self-serving or political cause should be held accountable.’ … The district again reiterated that the stabbing with a kitchen knife that sent a Samuel E. Shull Middle School fifth-grader to an area hospital didn’t take place on school grounds. The statement added that it supports freedom of speech but that “students should not do so during school hours … Perth Amboy Federation teachers’ union president Patricia Paradiso has said that there are frequent fights in the school and that several students have been caught with knives.”
CANNIBALISM IN BAYONNE — “Bayonne settles 2 lawsuits with ex-employee, including Davis ‘sexting’ case, for $450k,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “The City of Bayonne has settled two lawsuits with a former employee, including a ‘sexting’ case against Mayor Jimmy Davis, for $450,000, public records show. Each settlement is dated January 24th of this year and is for an amount of $225,000 … The first case, which named the city, Joe Waks, and Richard Censullo as defendants, was filed in U.S. District Court back in June 2014. Stacie Percella, a former deputy registrar for the Bayonne Health Department who worked for the city for 15 years, alleged that one of her prior bosses and colleagues subjected her to a hostile work environment and sexual harassment …The other, much more publicized case, filed in January 2018, alleged that Mayor Jimmy Davis offered help settle Percella’s aforementioned case for $150,000 in exchange for a sexual relationship. She also alleged that Davis sent her sexually suggestive text messages like ‘I would eat you alive!!!!’” ANGUL BITING — “Cherry Hill Dems dump Angulo, back Fleisher for mayor,” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox: “Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Shin Angulo will not get party support for a second term this year, with local Democrats instead choosing to back Council President Dave Fleisher, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed. Angulo, a former county freeholder, was elected mayor in 2019 to succeed incumbent Chuck Cahn, who decided not to run for re-election. But in Angulo’s first term as mayor, many local Democrats apparently felt that she had not distinguished herself enough as a strong leader. Fleisher is starting his campaign with the endorsements of every member of the township council, County Commissioner Melinda Kane (D-Cherry Hill), and four former mayors, including Cahn and former Mayor Susan Bass Levin.” DEVELOPER MUST FIRST BUILD FOUR HOUSES OF THE SAME COLOR — “Ocean City mayor opposed to boardwalk hotel proposal,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Eric Conklin: “Chances of a new, lavish hotel being built along the boardwalk are appearing to be in jeopardy without the mayor's support. Mayor Jay A. Gillian on Tuesday said he is choosing not to support a proposed project by hotel mogul Eustice Mita to build a 400,000-square-foot hotel between Fifth and Sixths streets near the high school and Gillian's Wonderland Pier. Mita tried appealing to City Council at its Feb. 23, touting the hotel as a way to transform the city. ‘I told Mr. Mita that while I understand the need for hotel rooms in Ocean City, I cannot and will not support his proposal to the Council,’ Gillian said in a statement released Tuesday. The envisioned seven-story hotel would include 325 rooms and cost about $175 million.” HOBROKEN — “Hoboken heads toward 48 hours with no water/low water pressure as repairs drag on,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: “Schools were closed. Businesses and municipal buildings were shuttered. Even the local hospital was evacuated. What started as what most people expected to be your run-of-the-mill Hoboken water main break Monday at noon has exploded into a critical situation that includes the implementation of more than a dozen water buffalo stations and ‘port-a-john’ facilities across the city. Yes, in Hoboken. In the year 2023.” NO BUENA — “Buena Borough Council seat goes unfilled, deepening row with Atlantic County Democrats,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Christopher Doyle: “A vacancy on the Borough Council will remain unfilled after a man was appointed who is not interested in the position, setting off more partisan turmoil. The council voted Monday to appoint Mark Dixon to fill the vacancy left by former Council member Gina Andaloro. After the council members voted, they discovered Dixon was not present at the meeting and a person in the audience said Dixon was not interested in the position. The meeting proceeded without the swearing of Dixon into office, leaving further confusion over how the seat will be filled.” — “Former longtime Sayreville police chief appointed to slain councilwoman’s seat” —“As Paterson faces an $18.6M budget gap, this is how the city may raise revenue” —“N.J. AG investigating death of county fire marshal K-9 ‘Ember’ left in vehicle” —“Prospect Park PBA votes no confidence in mayor amid proposal for police director” —“Bergen steps in with countywide EMS services amid shortages of volunteers” —“Ethics complaints filed against four Newark Board of Education members” | | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
AFTER A CENTURY, REPUBLICANS ARE SUDDENLY ONCE AGAIN THE CONSERVATIONIST PARTY — “Why 23 dead whales have washed up on the east coast since December,” by The New York Times’ Tracy Tulley and Winston Choi-Schagrin: “In all, 23 dead whales have washed ashore along the East Coast since early December, including 12 in New Jersey and New York, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The pace of the deaths is worrisome to federal scientists, even if the total numbers are below some prior years … Scientists believe the mortality rate may be tied to an unlikely confluence of factors. The population of humpbacks, hunted legally until 1985, has rebounded, thanks in part to decades of efforts to clean the Atlantic Ocean and heavily polluted tributaries like the Hudson River. As the climate changes and oceans warm, whales and a favored prey, menhaden, are migrating and feeding in new locations, often closer to shore. Online pandemic buying habits are also fueling a record-setting surge in cargo shipments that last year made ports in New York and New Jersey the nation’s busiest … As a result, more whales appear to have found themselves in the direct path of more ships …
"This winter’s quick succession of stranded whales also coincides with work being done in advance of the installation of roughly a dozen large offshore wind farms from Massachusetts to Virginia … though NOAA and the Marine Mammal Commission say there is no evidence that this is true." —“Seal pup saved while crossing Route 35 in Brick” —“Murphy’s budget address silent on financial lifeline for NJCU, but long-term fiscal plan could change that, source says”
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