The NJDSC Week In Review For July 15, 2011

Welcome to the latest installment of the NJDSC's week in review.  Here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and toward the end, some of the upcoming events around the state next week: Republican Fail To Stand Up To Christie And Strand NJ Families Star Ledger: Republicans failed to join Democrats standing up to Christie's vetoes today including $139 million in aid for struggling cities, $3 million for an after school program for inner city children, $6 million for child care for low-income residents, $48 million in tuition aid grants and $50 million in public safety funding for municipalities. Video: After two days in which Senate Republicans walked in lock-step with the governor against Democratic attempts to override his most dangerous vetoes, Senate President Sweeney and Senators Norcross, Rice, Sarlo and Whelan commented on the cuts, proclaiming that the resulting decimation of urban public safety will cost lives. While all 24 Democrats voted to restore the cuts, no Republicans joined them, making them fall short of the 27 votes needed to override the governor’s vetoes. One vote after another, the overrides failed along party lines 24-15  with one exception when state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) broke ranks and voted with Democrats to restore funding for family planning clinics. NJ 101.5: GOP lawmakers freely admit many of the programs that were cut in the budget are very worthy. New Jersey Newsroom: One in six New Jerseyans will be adversely affected by line-item vetoes of the Earned Income Tax Credit and NJ Family Care in the budget Governor Christie signed last week. Star Ledger: N.J. Republicans refuse to restore $139M in aid to struggling cities. Asbury Park Press Editorial: Incredibly, Republicans have said that cities should find ways to raise additional money. With what? A bake sale? Tax increases? Talk about trying to get blood from a stone. Star Ledger Editorial: Budget cuts to Wynona's House outrageous - Slicing a half-million dollars from Wynona’s House, a center that treats physically and sexually abused children in Newark, was an outrageous budget cut that can’t be allowed to stand.  Senator Lesniak at PolitickerNJ: Governor's actions weaken protections for children. Capitol Quickies: The New Jersey After 3 program could be shuttered because Christie eliminated state funding. PolitickerNJ: Senator Lautenberg vowed he would fight any attempt by the Christie administration to drastically alter qualifications for FamilyCare, a program that provides health insurance to low-income residents. Speaker Oliver on Christie budget cuts: "We're not talking about political hacks here. We're not talking about pork spending. We're not talking about special interests. We're talking about abused children. We're talking about traumatized children. We're talking about protecting and healing the most innocent amongst us..." Senators: 'If Left Unchecked, Governor’s Rule-Change Would Decimate Health Care Safety Net.' Codey-Sarlo Efforts To Reverse Cuts To Mental Health System Victim Of Republican Partisanship. Video: Senator Whelan gathered with Freeholders and AARP representatives at the Meadowview Nursing Home in Northfield to discuss Governor Christie's new cuts to Medicaid funding. Christie's $29 million cut will be matched by an equivalent federal cut resulting in a $58 million total that will affect nursing home residents immediately.  Read Senator Gill's editorial on the Wynona House. Assemblyman Barnes: The cuts to education, municipal aid and other programs to our most vulnerable residents have slowly weakened the foundation of our state. Some believed that drastic cuts would solve our problems. In reality, the cuts have caused more problems. Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle: "The Governor's budget was a reflection of his priorities, and I'm sorry to see New Jersey's most vulnerable children are not on that list. Residents throughout our state are reeling from the Governor's cuts, but these children especially have no means to fend for themselves. Abused, sick, disabled and poor children deserve better and we've got to find a way to help..." Christie's Cuts Jeopardize Bond Ratings for Six Cities Bloomberg: Six New Jersey cities including the capital, Trenton, have their credit ratings under review for possible downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service after losing aid in Governor Chris Christie $29.7 billion budget. The company report called the aid loss a “credit negative” to those municipalities. State Street Wire - Moody's: Christie's Transitional aid cuts credit negative. The GOP rule, not the exception  Charlie Stile in The Record: Now the Republicans want to bring relief to their own "victims," including that narrow class of millionaires Christie refuses to tax. The old suburban wealth-distribution pipeline to the cities is closing down — even if it means closing the doors to after-school program and sending thousands of low-income parents in search of some other way to keep their kids off the streets while they work. Streets, mind you, guarded by fewer police following steep layoffs this year. "You want the program? Wonderful. Pay for it yourselves," How much school aid did Christie cut for your town? Chairman Wisniewski and Assemblyman Coughlin released data from a nonpartisan analysis showing Governor Christie's budget vetoes will cost the 19th legislative district over $39 million in school aid. Assemblyman McKeon Commentary at New Jersey Newsroom: Thanks to Gov. Christie, New Jersey’s suburban school districts are getting $492 million less. Assemblyman Schaer:  "It’s wonderful that Abbott districts got $484 million. They got what they need but we also need funding for suburban schools. It should not be either/or. We hope the governor understands..." The 6th Legislative District will lose significant funding thanks to Gov. Christie’s cuts to the Democratic budget. The governor’s cuts will slice local school aid by 19.8 percent, or $38.39 million, compared to the Democratic plan. Assemblymen Fuentes and Wilson said Christie's line-item vetoes that will cost 5th Legislative District taxpayers $33.5 million in school aid. Assembly members Caputo and Tucker noted that Christie's budget vetoes will cost the newly configured 28th Legislative district roughly $21 million in school aid. Assemblyman Moriarty said that schools in the 4th legislative district will lose out on approximately $32.6 million because of Governor Christie's line-item budget vetoes. Assemblymen Conners and Conaway said that Christie's budget vetoes will cost 7th Legislative District taxpayers more than $27.6 million in school aid. Assembly members McKeon and Jasey noted that Christie’s vetoes will cost the 27th Legislative district $22.7 million, a 36.5 percent cut from the Democratic plan. Paramus Post: School districts in the 38th district saw a 38.4 percent decrease in school aid in governor’s budget. NJ Republicans Twist the Truth on Women's Health Star Ledger Editorial: "Who pays the price for the overheated rhetoric and defunding [of women's health]? Low-income women and teens who need contraceptives, breast cancer screenings, Pap smears, and tests for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. In short, people acting responsibly." Senators call for Murdoch Investigations The Record: N.J. senators call for investigation of Murdoch-owned companies. Senator Lautenberg asked the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether News Corp., the United States company Murdoch chairs that also owns Fox News Channel and the New York Post, violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Senator Menendez called on the Attorney General to investigate allegations that reporters for News International, a subsidiary of News Corp., hacked into the voice mail of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks: “The U.S. government must ensure that victims in the United States have not been subjected to illegal and unconscionable actions by these newspapers seeking to exploit information about their personal tragedies for profit,” You can see video of Senator Menendez and Senator Lautenberg talking further about the issue. Senator Lautenberg was on the Today Show about his call for an investigation into possible violations of U.S. law by News Corp. media group.  Real Clear Politics has the transcript from Senator Menendez's appearance on CNN in the Situation Room. Philadelphia Inquirer: The FBI has begun a preliminary inquiry based on concerns in Congress over a report that media mogul Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. sought to hack into the phones of Sept. 11 victims, a law enforcement official said Thursday. Chairman Wisniewski To Push For Caylee's Law In NJ Star Ledger: In wake of Casey Anthony trial, N.J. lawmakers push Caylee's Law. AP News: NJ lawmakers back new law to aid missing children. (Video) My9: Push For "Caylee's Law" in New Jersey. Chairman Wisniewski: “We know the first hours are crucial in finding a missing child. Prompt notification would help police with their search and, in the awful case that tragedy strikes, would help them determine the cause of death, get a guilty conviction and bring justice (for) the victim.” Senator Sacco: "I cannot think of any situation in which the parents of a young child would be justified in not calling the police immediately if their son or daughter went missing. Hopefully, this law will prevent other children from befalling the same sad, tragic fate as Caylee." Star Ledger Editorial: Caylee's Law, if done right, could salvage justice from controversial verdict. Ritacco Ties in Toms River Continue to Cause Conflicts Asbury Park Press: Federal agents showed up today at the of former Toms River Regional school district engineer Pravin H. Pate, a business associate of former school Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco, who was indicted last October on federal charges of taking up to $2 million in bribes from the district's former insurance broker. Blue Jersey: Ritacco Lives! FBI, IRS Back in Ocean Count. Asbury Park Press: Two long-time Board of Education members whose relatives work in the school district have admitted they mistakenly voted last month to approve the contracts of administrators who supervise their relatives. Congressional Corner Senator Lautenberg: Any deficit reduction plan must protect our country, not just millionaires. (Video) Burlington County Times: Senator Menendez seeking funding for missing person alert. Senator Lautenberg is fighting back against a House Republican effort to eliminate all funding for the Department of Justice’s successful Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program that helps communities hire local police officers. Congressman Pascrell held a bi-partisan news conference with seven other Congress members and representatives of law enforcement organizations to oppose the proposed elimination of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. Senator Menendez and Congressman Sires continued to push for a resolution on $20 million that the administration had ticketed for a program to promote democracy in communist Cuba. Congressman Pascrell in The Hill: Time to invest in our water infrastructure. Congressman Holt Guest Opinion in the Times of Trenton: Health care access should not be left to chance. Moroccan Ambassador Aziz Mekouar came to visit Congressman Rothman and they discussed the current turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East, along with the U.S.-Morocco relationship. Congressman Rothman and Ambassador Mekouar also discussed Morocco’s historic reforms that were recently proposed to establish a constitutional monarchy and a democratic parliamentary system of government.  Congressman Pallone met with NJ Citizen Action on Federal Paid Family and Medical Leave initiative. He said that the NJ program is a model. The Congressman will meet with senior citizens at the Keyport Senior Center on Monday noon to discuss the threat posed to Medicare and Medicaid from the negotiations on the budget deficit and the debt ceiling among the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Video: Congressman Andrews talks about the need for disclosure from secret fundraising efforts so people can't hide in the shadow of the American political process. Congressman Rush Holt wrote at The Huffington Post to shine a light on the truth behind the BULB Act (H.R. 2417), which seeks to repeal important energy efficiency standards. Congressman Andrews in The Hill: Now is the time to put aside politics and create jobs our people so desperately need. Congressman Payne urged his Republican colleagues to put aside their partisan politics and support efforts to protect senior citizens and the Social Security Program. Under the Dome Atlantic City Press: Legislation would allow brewpubs to sell kegs to area bars, restaurants and casinos. Legislation to promote voluntary donations to help New Jersey fish and wildlife conservation management was recently approved 78-0 by the Assembly. Assemblywoman Wagner on long MVC waits under Christie: Governor has taken one of the "remarkable success stories in recent New Jersey government history and essentially trashed it in 18 months..." Assemblywoman Watson Coleman plans to introduce a bill that would return live New Jersey Lottery drawings to television. The bill would require NJTV, the station that replaced NJN earlier this month, to televise lottery drawings for free. A measure designed to ensure that women- and minority-owned businesses in New Jersey have access to the same opportunities as other businesses was recently approved by the General Assembly. Legislation to help boost enrollment in New Jersey's Senior Gold prescription drug program recently received final legislative approval. 7th District Assembly Candidate Troy Singleton in the Times of Trenton:  N.J. education budget cuts endanger the future of our children. Legislation to combat the lack of basic online information about many state, regional and local boards, commissions and authorities recently received Assembly approval. 11th District Senate Candidate Ray Santiago spoke  about pension reform, the governor's line item vetoes, his background, and his campaign on My9. (Video) Assemblywoman Quigley on Christie administration failure to earn what they predicted on sale of aging state helicopters: "It’s fantasy budgeting..." Two measures that proponents say would make end-of-life care decisions easier for New Jerseyans and their families have been sent to Gov. Chris Christie's desk. Assemblyman Conners: DOD’s commitment to unaccounted soldiers is MIA. Upcoming Events July 16 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Pompton Lakes Democrats Meakem, Gazafari, Baranco Election Kick-Off Party 60 Howard St., Pompton Lakes 9:00PM Please join 35th District Democratic Assembly Candidate Benjie Wimberly & HOPE to support Good Brothers & Good Sisters Charity Bowling Event Wallington Lanes, 299 Paterson Ave., Wallington $25pp July 17: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM BBQ Fundraiser in Support of Marie Corfield Home of Sue and Pete Vala, 244 Skillman Rd, Skillman $200/pp https://secure.actblue.com/page/17julybbq or corfield4assembly@gmail.com or 856-803-4526 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Middlesex County Young Democrats Support the Troops BBQ Avenel Park, Tappen Street, Avenel Free Event RSVP: middlesexyoungdems@gmail.com 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Warren County Unity Picnic 135 Willow Grove Street,  Hackettstown, NJ 07840 July 18: Colin Bell for Freeholder Meet and Greet Ventnor For more info email: info@atlanticdemocrats.com 7:00 PM Wall Democratic Club Meeting Friendly Sons of the Shillelaghs, 16th Avenue, Belmar For more information or to join the club please call Eric at 732.528.0061 6:30 PM -9:00 PM New Leaders Council - New Jersey 40 under 40 Awards Reception The Spot, 45 Commerce Street, Newark NJ $30 advance $40 at the door/general ticket, $100/friend, $250/host, $500/small business or non-profit sponsor and $1,000/corporate sponsor Tickets can be purchased at www.newleaderscouncil.org/40under40/tickets/nj July 19: 9:00 AM -10:30 AM DCBC Chairman Lou Stellato’s First Chairman’s Breakfast Coffee with Governor Dick Codey The San Carlo Restaurant, 620 Stuyvesant Ave, Lyndhurst $25/pp RSVP by July 15th to Jeanne: 201-487-0001 5:30 PM Assemblyman Coughlin’s Bowling for Hunger Charity Event Woodbridge Bowling Center, 346 Main St, Woodbridge For More Info: 732-855-7441 July 20: 6:00-8:00 PM Dennis Munoz for Sheriff Fundraiser Sofia's Restaurant, Amherst Ave., Margate $25.00/pp July 21: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Democrats 2000 5th Annual Beach Bash The Parker House, 8-12 1st Avenue, Sea Girt, New Jersey Ticket Price: $50 includes food and two hour open bar For more information or to RSVP please contact rachel@democrats2000.com. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. July 23: 5:30 PM Wes Ifan Meet and Greet The Ifan Residence, 44 White Meadow Road, Hillsborough Price: Free but there will be requested donations. Finger Food will be served. 4-7 PM Old Fashioned Fish Fry in Support of Red Bank Councilmembers Ed Qipprich and Juanita Lewis Home of Jean Malloy, 80 West Westside Avenue, Red Bank, New Jersey Suggested Donation: $35/per person July 24: 12:30-4:30 PM 7th Annual Benson Backyard Blast The home of Assemblyman Benson, 81 Hempstead Road, Hamilton, New Jersey Suggested Donation Levels: $20.11/$53.50/$80.00 Please RSVP to 609-613-4030 or fodb@att.net Rain Date: Sunday, July 31st 2:00 PM Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal Marriage Equality Rally Pier A Park in Hoboken www.Facebook.com/GardenStateEq​uality  July 27: 5:30 PM Cocktail Party for Re-election of Assemblyman Craig Coughlin Maxwell’s 35, 1159 St. Georges Ave, Colonia, NJ $500/person July 29: 7:30 PM An Evening Reception in support of Senator Bob Menendez 808 Main Street, Asbury Park NJ Suggested Contribution: $1,000/friend, $2,500/sponsor and $5,000/co-host For more information or to RSVP please call Samantha Maltzman at 973-732-0756 or smaltzman@menendezfornj.com July 31: Haskell Invitational Fundraiser in support of Bill Shea for Freeholder Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey $65/supporter, $120/sponsor, $250/gold sponsor Please make checks payable to Friends of Bill Shea for Freeholder, P.O. Box 155, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730 Please RSVP to Maryellen Principe at 732.720.9597 10:00 AM Democrats for Hawthorne Breakfast fundraiser Puzo’s Restaurant, 4 Garfield Place, Hawthorne, $30pp / $15pp Children RSVP to Mary Lou Frankel @ 973-427-8756 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Little Falls Democratic Committee Annual Barbeque The Huggins Home, 545 Main Street, Little Falls Contact Jay Sisti, 973-256-1307 by 7/26 $20pp Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee                   Follow us Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.     We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend. Sincerely,  John Wisniewski, Chairman New Jersey Democratic State Committee Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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