The NJDSC Week In Review For August 12, 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: The Jury Is No Longer Out Chairman Wisniewski Op-Ed: The jury is no longer out. The cut and hope policies of the current crop of tea party conservatives simply doesn't work in the real world, and neither does their delay and obfuscate strategy for derailing the Obama Administration. The recent downgrade of America's sovereign debt should serve both as evidence of this, and warning for future fiscal cycles. Republicans can stomp their feet and scream their ideology all they want, but facts are stubborn things. The fact is that America cannot cut its way out of debt. It must use a balanced approach that prioritizes our spending, controls runaway expenses, and enhances our ability to pay our bills. That isn't my conclusion: it's what Standard and Poor's told us. Senator Menendez Opinion: An unfair deal for middle-class families. Politico: A Standard & Poor’s director said for the first time Thursday that one reason the United States lost its triple-A credit rating was that several lawmakers expressed skepticism about the serious consequences of a credit default — a position put forth by some Republicans. Talking Points Memo: Who’s Really Responsible For U.S. Debt Downgrade. Christie's Healthcare Hypocrisy Tour The Bray: Christie's Healthcare Hypocrisy Tour. NJ Assembly Democrats: Gov. Christie's health care record - a quick review as he signs a proclamation. Senator Weinberg blasted Governor Christie’s ceremonial signing of a National Health Center Week proclamation in Burlington City, saying that women deserve access to health care, not meaningless proclamations. Assemblywoman Stender: Nothing epitomizes the governor’s out-of-touch, let-them-eat-cake attitude than his signing a proclamation on health centers after he’s spent 20 months restricting access to health care for women, senior and disabled citizens and working families. Little Progress on Property Taxes Under Christie As Homeowners are Frustrated ‎A Monmouth University poll released Friday showed 49% of residents believe the state has made a little progress on property taxes. Asbury Park Press: New Jersey homeowners are frustrated over steep hikes in their tax bills. Editorial: "Christie says he will never sign tax increase on the wealthy. And w/ his GOP bobbleheads in Legislature afraid to challenge him on anything, his vetoes will stick. But if you're angry about the budget cuts he’s imposed, you should know it didn’t have to be this bad. The governor & Republican legislators are protecting the wealthy from sharing in the sacrifice. And that makes it harder on everyone else." Q&A: Policy expert on tax flight myth. Christie claims no knowledge of Toll Hikes as Communters Face Long Delays Star Ledger: Gov. Chris Christie won't rule out toll hikes on Port Authority bridges and tunnels. Source: Christie, Cuomo knew to expect toll hike proposal. Chairman Wisniewski on Christie trying to act surprised by the proposed toll hikes: "You don’t have to be a PhD in gubernatorial politics," to decipher the plot. "The people appointed to the Port Authority by Gov. Christie kept him in the dark? Is he calling for their resignation?" Former NY Gov. David Paterson lambasted New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for saying he had no idea in advance that the Port Authority was going to seek significant toll hikes. The Record's Charlie Stile on Twitter: Does PA need to build new span to stretch across @GovChristie's credibility gap? The Record: Port Authority's proposed toll hikes raise hackles. Senator Menendez called for an audit of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the wake of last week's proposal to hike bridge and tunnel tolls by $4 and raise PATH fares $1. More Menendez: “I think it is time to call for an audit of the Port Authority and look at all of the budget and look at whether or not this is an agency that is operating efficiently. Those hikes as they are proposed . . . are unacceptable.” Chairman Wisniewski on NJ Transit delays: "A second rail tunnel under the Hudson River to Manhattan would have been able to absorb the chaos caused by Tuesday’s derailment with minimal effect on transit users. And it would have helped take much of the burden off of the century-old North Jersey Corridor line. Instead, the governor chose to put politics over policy, losing $3 billion in federal dollars promised to the state, forgoing thousands of temporary and full-time jobs and forcing commuters and transit users to continue to pay more for less reliable and less frequent service." Senator Lautenberg on NJ Transit Delays: "Unfortunately, these delays are only going to become more commonplace in the future as a result of Governor Christie's cancellation of the ARC tunnel project, which would have included another two tracks under the Hudson River to relieve congestion and prevent disruptions for New Jersey commuters. The existing tunnel is over a century old and not capable of handling the increased traffic we will see in the future.  Instead of accepting $3 billion in federal funding for New Jersey to advance the ARC project, the Governor turned down the money and settled for the status quo – leaving New Jersey commuters and our economy to suffer." Star Ledger Editorial: On toll hike, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie is playing commuters. The Record Editorial: Untimely tolls. New Jersey Newsroom: Port Authority toll hike exposes Christie as a flip-flopper. Mulshine: Looks like Christie's going to break that no-tax-hike promise. Tri-State Transportation Campaign: New Jersey’s Shrinking Commitment to Transit. Christie's Energy Plan a Step Backwards Atlantic City Press: Critics say Gov. Chris Christie's 2011 Energy Master Plan will have the opposite effect than what is intended. The Daily Record: Christie gets 'F' on Highlands. Commentary: N.J. Gov. Chris Christie weakening water protections. NJDSC Women's Equality Event Please join the New Jersey Democratic State Committee for our 3rd Annual Women’s Equality Event honoring County Chairs Charlotte DeFilippo, Elizabeth Muoio, Marguerite Schaffer and Lois Zarish at the home of Marcia Marley on Thursday, August 25th from 6 to 8 pm. Contributions are $91 commemorating 91 years since women received the right to vote. To purchase tickets please click here or to RSVP or for more information, please email Heather at hdejong@njdems.org or call 609-392-3367. You can view the full invitation here. Census Data Reveals Further Population changes WNYC: The number of same-sex couples who call New Jersey home increased significantly over the last 10 years, according to the latest census figures. There are 24,112 same-sex couples living in New Jersey — a 45 percent increase from 2000, according to the 2010 Census. By comparison, New York City has 32,972 same-sex couples. The census also revealed that the Asian population grew by nearly half — by 275,862, or 52 percent. Nearly half that growth came from the Asian Indian community, which added 130,353 people, a 72 percent increase from 2000. The state's Chinese population grew by 35 percent, or 36,470, while the Korean and Filipino count each grew by a little over 31,000. The state’s Latino population grew by 39 percent. The greatest demographic shift, among Latinos, took place within the state's Mexican community, which added another 114,786 residents, more than doubling its numbers. That makes it half the size of the state's Puerto Rican population, which is 434,092. Garden State Equality noted the “stunning 45 percent increase” in the number of same-sex couples living in New Jersey since the 2000 Census.  They released the top 83 municipalities in New Jersey ranked by the number of Garden State Equality members and chose 83 as symbolic of just having surpassed 83,000 members.    Congressional Corner Senator Lautenberg, Senator Menendez, Congressman Pallone and Congressman Holt slammed the Defense Department decision to close Ft. Monmouth commissary. Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez unveiled a new video calling on Americans to come together as a nation at 1 p.m. on September 11, 2011 to memorialize the September 11th terrorist attacks across the country, at the same time, w/ one minute of reflection marked by the ringing of bells, sounding of sirens & other actions to remember the lives lost that day. U.S. Senator Menendez and State Senator Whelan convened on the future site of the NextGen Aviation Research and Technology Park today to urge stable funding of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and denounce the recent deadlock in Washington, D.C. that left 4,000 FAA employees, including 640 working locally, on furlough and without pay. During National Health Center Week, Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $816,667 to New Jersey’s Zufall Health Center.  The funding, made available through the Health Care Reform Law, will be used to open a new satellite facility in Hackettstown to provide free or low-cost health care services to low-income community members. Courier Post: Menendez promotes sustainability in N.J. President Obama’s Middle East Adviser, Dennis Ross, met with Congressman Rothman and several others on Capitol Hill for a morning briefing.  Ambassador Ross brought them up to date on the latest developments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as events in Iran, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and Iraq.  Congressman Pascrell announced that sixteen agencies that help people infected with the HIV/AIDS virus in Passaic and Bergen counties will get $3.7 million in federal funds. Congressman Sires opposes closing the Post Office Branch on West Side Avenue and Union Street in Jersey City. Congressman Andrews said President Obama has a chance to build enough public support for his jobs plan to alter the political atmosphere and win passage. The policies could be included in a larger deficit deal when the bipartisan committee established under the debt-limit law issues its report on debt reduction in November. Congressman Rothman inserted a speech into the Congressional Record last month noting the Prudential Center in Newark, the Izod Center in East Rutherford and the New Meadowlands Stadium are suitable venues for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Congressman Payne joined President Obama as he honored Muslim Americans on Wednesday night at the White House’s annual Ramadan dinner. Under the Dome Senate President Sweeney urged the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission to investigate the Elizabeth Board of Education to demonstrate, in Sweeney's words, that the state will not condone any political activity that threatens the delivery or education or the integrity of teachers. Assembly Speaker Oliver shot back at GOP claims that they have aggressively pursued ways to create better business conditions, pointing out in a statement that Christie vetoed Democratic efforts to promote women- and minority-owned businesses, create business-education partnerships and bolster job training programs. Senator Norcross was interviewed by Jill Horner on Comcast Newsmakers. Assemblywoman Quijano Commentary at NJ Newsroom: Much is being done to battle ‘food deserts’ in New Jersey. More support for legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Conners and Assemblyman Moriarty to help veterans. Hunterdon County Democratic candidates denounce closing of Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital. Assembly Environment Chairman McKeon called for renewed efforts to strengthen Highlands water protection and planning, on the seventh anniversary of the Highlands Act. Atlantic City Press: Dealing with minor crimes / Extend pre-trial program. Assemblywoman Wagner has reached out to Congressman Steve Rothman regarding the possible closing of the Hasbrouck Heights post office saying the elimination of the branch will be a disservice to the citizens of Hasbrouck Heights. Legislation to allocate voter-approved open space preservation funding to help local governments in acquiring and developing lands for recreation and conservation was signed into law. Legislation to create a council to oversee Veterans Haven, a state operated facility for homeless veterans serving veterans from all over New Jersey, was recently approved by the Assembly. State Senator Gordon and Assemblywoman Wagner presented borough of Hasbrouck Heights officials with a check Tuesday night in the amount of $17,271.90 for the borough’s continuous recycling efforts.    The New Jersey Senate Democratic Majority unveiled a new website that uncovers the facts behind Assemblyman Vince Polistina's longstanding practice of milking taxpayers for millions of dollars in no-bid government engineering contracts – even while he earns a paycheck and benefits from public office. Assemblyman Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Riley helped open the 2011 Salem County Fair. Assemblyman Chivukula is helping collect backpacks and school supplies. Atlantic City Press: Paperless payroll / N.J. should opt in. The Record: Alzheimer's disease, the progressive illness that affects 5 million Americans, devastates so many families that state lawmakers adopted a law this summer creating the New Jersey Alzheimer's Disease Study Commission. The 15-member volunteer board will raise awareness, study the disease's far-reaching effects and help develop community-based services for patients and families. New Media and Communications Training in Monmouth County On Monday, August 8th State Committee Communications Director Jason Springer, Congressman Pallone and John McCarthy joined the Monmouth County Democrats for a free training on how to use social-media to involve members in the party, organize around an idea and better communicate their message. Blue Jersey: Do you "Like" Making a difference? Upcoming Events August 17 Meet & Greet with 16th District Legislative Candidates Vella, Corfield, and Camarota Wednesday, August 17th, 7:30-9:30 PM Residence of Peg Mulligan 35 Wexford Drive, Monmouth Jct, NJ 08852 August 18: 7:00-9:00 PM Somerset County Democrats’ Campaign Office Opening Party 19 South Main St, Suite 3, Manville Food and Refreshments will be served Please RSVP to Joe Kostecki at joseph.kostecki@gmail.com or call 908-231-9001 6:00-10:00 PM 35th District Assembly Candidate Shavonda Sumter Ladies Night Out Comedy Showcase Brownstone, Paterson $75/pp August 19 7-11pm A Night of Comedy supporting Chris Cullen for 13th District Senate and Kevin Lavan and Patrick Short for 13th District Assembly Bayshore Senior Recreation Center, 100 Main Street, Keansburg, New Jersey $40/supporter, $75/friend and $100/co-host RSVP to Michael Morris at mikeinmiddletown@gmail.com or 732.687.0028 Cliff Sudler for Atlantic County Executive Fundraiser 7 to 9 pm Chickie's and Pete's Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp. $25.00 pp RSVP Maryslomine@yahoo.com August 20 Fundraiser for 23rd District Assembly Candidate Karen Carroll Time: Saturday, August 20th, 3:00-7:00 PM Location: The Lake-side home of Ursula Szypryt, 56 1/2 Johnson Street, Matawan, NJ Price: $100, checks made out to Karen Carroll for Assembly Please R.S.V.P. to 732-970-7226 and leave a message August 24 Doug Dickinson for Atlantic County Freeholder "Green" Fundraiser 6 to 8 pm Atlantic County Parks, Mays Landing (behind Young's Skating Rink) Light Vegan Refreshments Give as little or as much as you would like More info call 609-418-5887 Fundraiser for Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan Midori Japanese Restaurant Cesaro 1392 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854 $750/person August 25 Cocktail Reception Celebrating Governor Richard J. Codey 6-8pm Home of Mayor Ed McKenna, 36 Buena Place, Red Bank, New Jersey $500/per person Please RSVP to Stephanie at 732.674.4199 or swohlrab1@gmial.com 6-8pm 3rd Annual NJDSC Women's Equality Event Home of Marcia Marley, 139 Union Street, Montclair, New Jersey $91/per person For more information or to RSVP please contact Heather at 609.392.3367 or hdejong@njdems.org August 27 Morris County Demcrats Summer BBQ and campaign kickoff 2pm-3pm NJDSC Chairman Wisniewski guest speaker Lake Parsippany Park, 12 Elmwood Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054 $40 per person, $30 per senior/student, $75 per couple, $90 family maximum RSVP to dave cochran at davecochran00@hotmail.com Jim Schroeder for Atlantic County Freeholder BBQ Fundraiser 2 to 5 pm 1000 Elwood Ave., Mullica Twp $25.00 pp More info call 609-418-5887 August 28 Somerset County Afternoon Fundraiser with Special Guest Cory Booker in support of our State, County, and Local Races! Sunday, August 28th  VIP - 3:30-4:30 PM, General Admission - 4:00-6:00 PM Residence of Zenon Christoudoulou, 34 Fox Chase Run. Somerville, NJ 08876 Price: General Admission - $100  VIP - $1,000 RSVP by Friday, August 26th to joseph.kostecki@gmail.com Checks can be made out to Somerset County Democratic Committee & mailed to 150 Morristown Rd. Suite 105, Bernardsville, NJ 07921 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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