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:
Working to Create Jobs for New Jersey
- Committed to getting the state's economy moving again, the Senate cleared several pieces of legislation out of the Budget and Appropriations Committee that will spur job creation and help small businesses grow in New Jersey.
- Press of Atlantic City: New Jersey Senate committees approve 10 job-creation bills.
- A bipartisan bill which would create the "Grow New Jersey" program to provide tax incentives for New Jersey-based companies which maintain existing employment levels and create new jobs was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today by a unanimous vote of 12-0.
- Legislation that would promote job creation among our nation's servicemen and women cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today. The bill, S-1015, would permit businesses that hire National Guard or reservists mobilized to active duty service to receive either corporation business tax or gross income tax credits. The amount of the credit would be equal to 20 percent of the employee's salary and wages paid during the privilege period, but would not exceed $2,000 for each qualified employee.
- Senate President Sweeney: "We are not waiting for the governor to come up with a plan on this issue. We are moving full steam ahead to get people in New Jersey back to work."
- Senator Madden: "The figures we keep seeing on unemployment are obviously discouraging. I know how hard this economy has hit the people of New Jersey, particularly those in South Jersey. We must act."
- Senator Cunningham: "We have to get our economy moving again by focusing on attracting new investment in our cities and allowing small businesses to grow and create jobs. This means encouraging investment in urban enterprise zones, and ensuring that programs are available to businesses that want to expand their ventures."
- Senator Greenstein: "It is important that we create new economic opportunities not only for businesses, but also for New Jersey's working families. Too many of our men and women are stuck in a cycle of unemployment and without aggressive job creation are unable to find their way out. We must give our unemployed residents the resources they need to find and resume employment. We must move forward on innovative programs that will put our unemployed back to work such as the 'Back to Work NJ' program which will offer on-the-job training for many of New Jersey's unemployed."
- Senator Gordon: "The folks of the 38th district who have lost their jobs are good, ambitious, determined people. They are seeking opportunities that just aren't there right now and the longer they have to search, the more disenchanted they become. We need to correct that and fast. Both sides of the aisle are working in this regard. Now, we hope the governor will join us as well."
Where's the Governor and Who's in Charge?
- AP: In the 20 months since being elected, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno has formally assumed power at least 26 times. What the records don't show is how often Gov. Chris Christie has left the state, or what the circumstances were when he did. Christie admits some record-keeping has been inconsistent, but insists he's the governor all the time — even when he doesn't have one foot here.
- Chairman Wisniewski: "He is a commodity in right-wing, conservative circles and that spells dollars. His entire playbook has become about getting onto the Republican national stage, raising money and flirting with presidential ambitions. That has nothing to do with what's best for the people of New Jersey."
- BradBlog: After Koch, NJ Bill Introduced to Require Governor to Notify Legislative Leaders When Leaving State.
- Senator Weinberg said it was important for residents to know whether the governor is meeting with influential and deep-pocketed political fund-raisers, as he did in Colorado in June with David and Charles Koch. "He's invited on these trips because he's Gov. Chris Christie, not Mr. Chris Christie," Weinberg said. "So it seems to me, because he's invited as Gov. Chris Christie, unless he's ashamed about the event he's going to, he would be open and transparent about where he's going and why he's going."
- Star Ledger: Weinberg said his political activities belonged in a separate category from family vacations. "What I'm talking about are political trips, or the trips he's taking because he's the governor. He was not invited to Vail, Colorado, because he is Chris Christie, husband and father. He was invited to Vail, Colorado because he is the governor of the state of New Jersey, and we the residents have a right to know that."
- More Senator Weinberg: "I called attention to the Governor's Office promoting political events in New Jersey — not out of state — to hype up fundraising," she said. "That's an entirely separate issue. When he is out of state, the residents of New Jersey have a right to know."
- LTE: Christie heats up tea with big oil pals.
- Editorial: New Jersey taxpayers want to know he isn't selling out the state's interests. For instance: In May, months after his first meeting with billionaire oil tycoon David Koch in New York City, Christie pulled the state out of an agreement to lower greenhouse gas emissions — a move Koch praised. The governor insists Koch did not lobby him, but secret meetings make the move suspicious.
Christie Targets Friendly Audiences with Town Hall Meetings
Star Ledger: A look at the demographics of where Christie holds town halls as he roams New Jersey shows that while the zip codes change, the audience members consistently remain the same. Most are white. Many are senior citizens. And they're generally watching the governor in towns that are richer, less racially diverse and more friendly to Republicans than the rest of the state, according to a Star-Ledger analysis.
- As Christie resumed his town hall meetings, Chairman Wisniewski welcomed him to Sayreville: "It is always an honor to host a Governor, regardless of party. While he's here, I hope the Governor explains to the hard working men and women of Sayreville why, since coming to office, he chose to reduce their property tax rebates, reduce municipal aid to Sayreville by $2,290,033, and reduce education aid to Sayreville public schools by $2,252,464, while cutting taxes for New Jersey's millionaires," said the state party chairman. Sayreville residents could have spent that money on pressing needs, and given our economy a boost. Meanwhile, millionaires simply stash the cash in their bank accounts. I believe it reflects misplaced priorities as, I suspect, do most residents of Sayreville."
- Senate President Sweeney: "I will not be able to make the governor's town hall meeting today, so I will miss the details of his plan for getting New Jersey's economy moving again. I am assuming that is the reason he is having this town hall. After all, there is no way the governor could possibly continue to ignore New Jersey's 9.4% unemployment rate or inability for small businesses to grow. I realize that the governor's idea of a plan on the economy is sending the Lieutenant Governor criss-crossing New Jersey, glad-handling and doing photo-ops. But the only businesses that is helping to grow are the gas stations where the Lieutenant Governor has to keep refueling her car. And while creating even one new job is worthwhile in this climate, it's not really a comprehensive plan, so I welcome whatever the governor presents."
House GOP Should End Political Games Over Disaster Funding
- Chairman Wisniewski said that Christie should call on House Republicans to stop playing political games with federal disaster funding: "We have families across New Jersey still struggling to recover from the devastation of the recent storms. There are residents who lost all their possessions in the floods and are simply trying to rebuild. But instead of working to help them, Republicans in Congress are playing politics with federal disaster relief. I agree with Chris Christie when he said that the people of New Jersey can't wait for Congress to figure out budget cuts before sending federal disaster aid. I hope the Governor will encourage the national network of Republicans he's been courting to stop playing games with federal disaster relief."
- Congressman Pascrell said he had been told that Democrats on the appropriations committee have been promised FEMA would get additional money after the temporary budget resolution expires in November. He is worried there could be lingering environmental or health issues that have to be addressed. "No one's being hurt who's applying now, and we're encouraging people to apply to get themselves on the list. But in another three or four months, there's absolutely going to be an effect because the money we need to put into FEMA fund isn't just for Irene, it also has to go to help with the tornadoes in Missouri and fires in Texas."
- Congressman Rothman delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives advocating for immediate disaster relief for New Jersey.
- Star Ledger Editorial: Congress, don't let disaster relief become another political hostage.
Christie's Latest Failure To Protect Women's Access To Healthcare.
- Senate President Sweeney and Senator Weinberg criticized the Governor for failing to include family planning language in the state's Medicaid waiver: "While the governor was busy ranting about his refusal to comply with even the simplest bit of transparency, he completely forgot to tell people at his town hall meeting about his failure to protect women's access to healthcare. While thankfully he changed his position on income eligibility, his right wing ideology has skewed his priorities and will only serve to hinder New Jersey women's ability to obtain high quality healthcare. The governor's need to appease those on the far right will prevent New Jersey from getting a 9-1 federal match on our commitment to women's health and family planning centers. These centers currently help thousands of women across the state and who knows how many more could have been helped if the governor's cuts hadn't already forced six centers to close."
Malloy Comes to Middlesex
- Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Peter Barnes unveiled the first Democrat elected governor of Connecticut since 1986 as decidedly a unifying figure.
- Governor Malloy: "Our president didn't ruin this economy. George Bush and the Republicans ruined it. This president has inherited this economy. The Republicans are saying all we have to do is trust them again. It is, in fact, trickle down economics (that guides them). They intend to dismember the safety net. They don't care about working men and women and working families. The Republican play book is all about cutting the safety net and tax cuts for the rich. They don't believe in shared sacrifice.This is no longer than Republican Party of Lincoln. It is a party following the lead" of the Tea Party."
Chairman Wisniewski compared Governor Malloy to Governor Christie: "He shows the way it should be done. The contrast couldn't be more striking."
- PolitickerNJ: Congressman Sires appeared at the head of the high table tonight in a packed Pines Manor to address his fellow Democrats, along with Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy and former Gov. James Florio, who introduced Sires.
- PolitickerNJ: Wisniewski's wife introduces him at Middlesex dinner.
- Chairman Wisniewski: "This is a governor who belittles his constituents and then berates them so he can have a Youtube moment for the benefit of his right wing friends."
Chris Christie's political tips to student council candidate: What he should have said
- Star Ledger Editorial: If Christie had been a little more practical, and honest, here's what he would've told the kid: "Get a bunch of rich friends to form a secret committee. Don't tell anyone who they are. Have them pool their allowances and lunch money, maybe even get money from their parents. Have them make a slick video about what a great student council rep you'd be. And then, if you're elected, you could give them all student council jobs if you wanted, because no one would know who they are. Now, the whole time you're doing this, you could make a lot of hypocritical playground speeches about the need for ethics reform, maybe even throw some dirt on your opponents."
1st Congressional Redistricting Public Hearing
- Chairman Wisniewski said the loss of a seat makes continuity more important. "With the loss in the number of members in our delegation, seniority is going to become an ever more important factor in deciding how New Jersey fares in Washington."
- Former Assembly Speaker Roberts: "The map should be one that reflects the geography, the diversity, and perhaps the political history of New Jersey."
- Blue Jersey: Dean Farmer spoke with Blue Jersey after the session.
- The commission's web site is njredistrictingcommission.org.
Christie's Pals Start New Secret Group and make $1.5 million Ad buy
- A new group called Committee For Our Children's Future popped up, pledging a $1.5 million TV ad campaign to support the gov's policies and posting a slick new web site. Christie's pals from the University of Delaware are running the organization. Bob Teeven, who sits with the governor for Delaware Blue Hens football games, is the treasurer, and Lynn Grone, who served with Christie in the University of Delaware's student government, is the secretary.
- News 12: Chairman Wisniewski responded to Christie trying to claim he knows nothing about the group. (Video)
- The Record: Ad for Christie leaves out key facts.
- Blue Jersey: Chris Christie's Political Football- Let's take a closer look at who is behind the Committee on Our Children's Future.
On the Trail
Other Democrats, including Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, have called Christie's veto of the Democrats' millionaires tax a political dividing line. "Everyone is paying more over the last couple of years, more property taxes, getting less in rebates. Everyone had to give more, including state employees,"
- Meet Damon Tyner. (Video)
- PolitickerNJ: Consistent with his commitment to making the LD11 a competitive race, state Senate President Steve Sweeney, (D-3), West Deptford, will host a breakfast fundraiser for the 11th Legislative District candidates in Trenton on Oct. 6.
- Times of Trenton: Campaigning for the 14th legislative district is not cheap, state report finds.
- Noting Freeholder John Driscoll's avowed support for the Tea Party, which currently is holding essential relief for flood victims hostage to Washington politics, Senator Bob Gordon pointed to the irony in Driscoll's recent statement that the federal government needs to provide flood relief.
- More Senator Gordon: "With his uncanny ability to speak out of both sides of his mouth with a straight face, John Driscoll would fit in perfect with Trenton's Republicans. But people don't want empty words, they want action. They don't want to hear politicians pandering and kicking the can to someone else, they want to see officials working to solve the problem. And, most importantly, they don't want politicians who toss their finger into the political wind before talking, they want honest brokers who stand on principle to help our communities.
- PolitickerNJ: Police release their legislative endorsements.
- New Jersey Newsroom: 65 women running for N.J. legislature sets new record.
Congressional Corner
- Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced that $2 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation (DOT) will be made available immediately for the New Jersey Department of Transportation to pay for the cleanup and repair of roadways damaged during Hurricane Irene.
- Senator Lautenberg: "Ending the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy moves our military forward into a new era of equality. No American should be barred from serving their country because of sexual orientation, and the elimination of this policy will make our country and our military stronger. I am proud to have been part of this effort to advance civil rights in America."
- Senator Menendez clashed with Republicans on the floor of the United States Senate, objecting to their attempts to block renewal of the Autism Act.
- Senators Lautenberg and Menendez introduced legislation to reauthorize New Jersey's Coastal Heritage Trail through 2016. The bill would allow the National Park Service to continue to manage the trail and provide support to help visitors access the trail's many attractions.
- Amtrak would get $15 million for preliminary engineering of two new Hudson River tunnels next year despite tight budget controls on overall transportation spending in a bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Lautenberg said, "this funding would allow Amtrak to get to work on a new tunnel that will create jobs, increase access to commuter trains for a growing population of transit riders, and bring real high-speed rail to New Jersey and the Northeast Corridor."
- Senator Menendez invites you to the Second Annual Celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month with special guest U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. Click here to view the flyer for this exciting event.
- Congressman Pallone said that the Sandy Hook park service had "responded to his request to hold a public session on the proposed fee increases."
- This week, Senator Menendez led the introduction of the Livable Communities Act of 2011, marking an important step forward in transforming the federal government into a better partner for communities as they work to achieve their goals. The bill promotes good planning and good governance by saving taxpayer dollars through coordinated public investments in infrastructure. Seventeen Senators co-sponsored the measure.
- Congressman Holt spoke about the need for government to invest in science on the Dylan Ratigan show. (Video)
- Congressman Rob Andrews said Pennsylvania Governor Corbett is making a mistake and in his words, "throwing money into a hole" by dredging the Delaware: "The problem with dredging is it's not going to increase business on the Delaware River," said Andrews. "The future is 50 foot ships, not 45 foot ships. The experts show if we build more rails, more piers more warehouses, we are going to get more business with the 40 foot channel. That's what we should be doing rather by risking water pollution and dumping on the shores of New Jersey."
- Congressman Rothman: Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Makes America Safer.
- Congressman Andrews talked about the impact of offsetting spending to deal with the devastation from the storms.
- During a briefing by the Cuban bar association, Congressman Sires listened as lawyers in Cuba said there will be a peaceful pro-democracy movement on the island that will lead to the same change that took place this year in Egypt and Tunisia.
- Congressman Payne said that justice was denied in the Troy Davis case.
- Congressman Rothman introduced the Help Emergency Responders Operate Emergency Systems (HEROES) Act to ensure that First Responders have the communications equipment to do their jobs and that the already overburdened local taxpayers do not have to unfairly pay for an unfunded federal mandate.
- Congressman Holt Opinion: N.J.'s manufacturers have reinvented themselves as industries evolve.
Under the Dome
Star Ledger: N.J. Senate panel tries to block Christie's environmental waiver rule.
- The Record: Three Bergen County state lawmakers announced legislative proposals to combat future flooding, including a bill that would allow municipalities to establish open-space funds to purchase flood-prone properties for recreation or conservation purposes.
- Legislation which would create a "Small Business Loan Program" to provide low interest loans to small businesses that commit to increase their workforce was approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee by a unanimous vote of 7-0.
- A bill which would permit counties to create identification cards for veterans living within the county, in order to allow them to more easily access special discounts and other offers extended to individuals who have served in the military, was unanimously approved by the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
- A bill l which would require that all health insurers in New Jersey cover orally-administered cancer medications under similar terms and conditions used in the coverage for intravenous or injected cancer drugs was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee by a vote of 5-0.
- In an effort to address a current and worsening physician shortage in New Jersey, a bill which would establish a Physician Loan Redemption Program for both primary care and specialty physicians who pledge to work in underserved and physician shortage areas was approved by the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 5 to 0.
- Legislation that would ensure children under the age of 18 arrested for and engaging in prostitution or who are victims of human trafficking are treated as victims of sexual exploitation rather than as criminals unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Assemblyman Gary Schaer submitted a Letter to the Editor: "Opposing Christie's drug policy for seniors."
- Legislation that would require the Department of Child and Families to develop and adopt a statewide youth suicide prevention plan cleared the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
- A bill which would permit counties to create identification cards for veterans living within the county, in order to allow them to more easily access special discounts and other offers extended to individuals who have served in the military, was unanimously approved by the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
- Legislation that will provide an incentive for investment groups and individuals to invest in the state's emerging technology businesses was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Upcoming Events
- September 26
Stand Up to the Tea Party at the State House
11:00 AM
Meet at 196 West State Street, Trenton
RSVP: 609-392-3367 or response@njdems.org
Union County Victory 2011 Fundraiser
6:00-8:30 PM
Suburban Country Club, 1730 Morris Avenue, Union
$300/pp
RSVP: Joe Bodek at 908-693-8056
- September 27
Fundraiser for Senator Bob Smith
8:30 AM
Radisson Hotel, 21 Kingsbridge Rd, Piscataway
$26 to $2600/pp
RSVP: Christine Mosier at 732-752-3100
Dennis Munoz for Sheriff Fundraiser
6:00-8:00 PM
Scales Grill, Gardner's Basin, Atlantic City
$20.00/pp
More info: info@atlanticdemocrats.com
Fundraiser for Assemblyman Barnes
72 Buchanan Road, Edison, NJ 08820
5:00pm
$700/pp
More info: pjbnews@aol.com
Mercer County Democratic Committee Annual Fall Fundraiser
With Honored Guests Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Robert Menendez
6:00-8:00 PM
Mercer Oaks Golf Club, 725 Village Road West, Princeton Junction
$150/pp, $50/County Committee Member
RSVP: Evan Crumiller at 609-392-3367X36 or evancrumiller@gmail.com
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano's 3rd Year Anniversary Fundraiser
6:00-8:00 PM
Home of Senator Ray Lesniak
$295/pp
RSVP: Joe Bodek at 908-693-8056
James LaCorte for Surrogate Cocktail Reception
6:00-8:00 PM
Costa's Restaurant, 120 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park
$150/pp
RSVP: Arthur Kobitz at 908-403-6248
Jun Choi for Congress Cocktail Reception with Bill Bradley
6:00-8:00 PM
15 Central Park West, New York, NY
$250/pp
RSVP: 732-662-5153 or junchoicampaign@gmail.com
- September 28
Dennis Munoz for Sheriff
6:00-8:00 PM
Sofia's Restaurant, Amherst Ave, Margate
More info: info@atlanticdemocrats.com
- September 29
Forum on the Future of Legislative District 35
Come Hear Candidate Benjie Wimberly's Platform
on Law, Public Safety and Education
6:30-9:30 PM
The Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson
Contribution: $250
- September 30
Fundraiser for Assemblyman Chivukula
Royal Albert's Place, 1050 King George Post Road, Fords, NJ 08863
6:30pm
More info: chivukulaforassembly@yahoo.com
- October 1
Chairman's Team Travels to LD38 to Canvass for Bob Gordon, Connie Wagner and Tim Eustace
Meet at 9:00 am Sayreville Shop Rite Plaza Bus Will Return at 4:00 pm
For More Information Contact Adam Sherman: amsrangers@gmail.com
Assemblywoman Nellie Pou's 14th Annual Woman's Breakfast
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson
$50/pp
Democratic 24th Breakfast at the American Legion
20 Yates Ave, Andover
9:00-11:00 AM
$30/pp
RSVP: Diane Wexler at 973-764-5446 or dianewexler@yahoo.com - October 2
Senator Menendez Second Annual Celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
Featuring Special Guest Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis
New Jersey City University, 2039 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Space is limited. Please RSVP by September 30th by calling 973-645-4623 or click here.
Meet and Greet for the 16th District Legislative Candidates
6:30-8:30 PM
27 Woods Way, Princeton
October 5
New Leaders Council Institute Info Session and Happy Hour
6:00-8:00 PM
Tumulty's Pub, 361 George Street, New Brunswick
RSVP: Jackie Cornell-Bechelli at jcornellbechelli@gmail.com
Middlesex County Federation of Democratic Women Meet the Candidates Night
7:00-9:00 PM
Mike Baker's Barn, East Brunswick
$25/pp
RSVP: Cathy Nicola at seababa@aol.com - October 4
Morris County Democratic Committee Fall Gala "Triple-Crown" Fundraiser
Special Guest Speaker: Senator Barbara Buono, LD-18
7:00-9:00 PM
Hyatt Morristown, 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
$125/pp, $200/couple, $100/pp for Seniors and Students
RSVP: Dave Cochran at 973-540-9042 or davecochran00@hotmail.com
- October 6
Somerset County Democratic Committee Gala
Cocktail hour: 6:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM
Live Auction by John Graf
The Dolce at Basking Ridge, 300 North Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge
VIP Patron -$500.00, Benefactor -$250.00, Patron -$100.00
Checks can be made out to Somerset County Democratic Committee: 150 Morristown Rd. Suite 105. Bernardsville, NJ 07924.
To purchase tickets online or receive more information, go to somersetcountydemocrats.com
Assembly Candidate Shavonda Sumter Fundraiser
6:00-9:00 PM
218 Heywood Avenue, Orange
$250/pp
A Night in Spain on the Toledo for Surrogate Campaign
Featuring Flamenco Dance Troupe, Sangria, and Dinner
6:30-9:00 PM
Paris Inn, 1292 Alps Road, Wayne
$100/pp
RSVP: Maria at 973-278-6700 - October 8
Meet and Greet for 40th District Assembly Candidate Sandi Lazzara
Hosted by Eda Ferrante, Wayne Education Association
7:00-9:00 PM
7 Van Vleck Street, Unit 3, Montclair
Donations Accepted - October 11
Golf Outing with Assemblyman Wisniewski
Sea Oaks Golf Club, 99 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor
RSVP: Mary Lou McCormick at 732-525-1400 or mmccormick4@aim.com
Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee
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
New Jersey Democratic State Committee Releases National Convention Delegate Selection Press Kit
WhiteHouse.gov