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:
Republicans Continue To Play Politics As Democrats Fight To Create Jobs
- A majority of U.S. Senators voted to proceed with consideration of the American Jobs Act. However, despite the fact that this legislation incorporates ideas that Republicans have previously supported, there was not a single Republican who voted for the bill tonight. Rather, they voted to block consideration of the American Jobs Act. Leading economic experts have stated that the bill will lead to economic growth and create almost two million
jobs – and that’s why Americans are supporting the bipartisan, reasonable ideas in the American Jobs Act.
- Chairman Wisniewski on the American Jobs Act vote: “It’s essential that we get people back to work and put money back in the pockets of middle class families and small businesses. The Senate must take this critical step forward and pass the American Jobs Act to help middle class families get ahead, keep teachers in the classroom and police and firefighters on the beat, and put construction workers on the job rebuilding America’s crumbling schools, bridges, and roads. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to vote for what’s best for the country, not their political party because for Americans looking for work, there is no time for delay.”
- Senator Lautenberg slammed Senate Republicans for filibustering legislation to create jobs and grow the country’s economy. Majority Leader Reid brought up President Obama’s American Jobs Act for a vote in the Senate, but Republicans voted it down and prevented the Senate from even debating it. “Instead of standing with middle-class Americans who are struggling to find work, Republicans have abandoned them by voting down this common-sense job creation bill. It is outrageous that Republicans continue to protect the wealthiest Americans from sharing in the sacrifice that is necessary to lift the economy. This bill would put millions of Americans back to work and reduce taxes for individuals and small businesses that hire workers. It’s time for Republicans to stop blocking progress and join Democrats in our mission to create jobs now.”
- Senator Menendez offered this reaction to the Republican obstruction: “While an overwhelming majority of Democrats stood up for middle class families who are struggling, not a single Republican was willing to put aside partisan politics on behalf of
their futures. And while I’m incredibly disappointed, I’m really not surprised. The GOP has made only one job their main target – President Obama’s. Their political strategy to oppose anything related to the president – at the expense of our economy -- makes no sense. "
- Congressman Holt joined The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC to discuss the promise of federal R&D for creating new jobs. (Video)
- 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. In the coming weeks, the Senate will be examining further measures that can help get New Jersey’s economy moving again.
- Senator Linda Greenstein has re-introduced legislation that would allow New Jersey's unemployed to receive on-the-job training to learn new skills and find employment. The "Back to Work NJ Program Act" would pair unemployed workers with New Jersey businesses in a six-week training program.
Christie Property Tax Rhetoric Can’t Change The Facts Of His Record
- Chairman Wisniewski reacted to Chris Christie's campaign property tax tour: “Chris Christie may be entitled to his own opinion, but he certainly is not entitled to his own facts. And no matter how strong his rhetoric, he can’t change the facts of his record. As governor, he gave a tax cut to New Jersey’s 16,000 millionaires while middle class, senior, and disabled homeowners saw their property taxes rise. Media reports have highlighted how the typical property tax bill in many South Jersey municipalities increased by more than 25%. Homeowners need relief from their increased tax burden, not politically motivated press conferences by the Governor.”
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Democrat Troy Singleton, a former Assembly staff member running with Assemblyman Herb Conaway, said Christie, as leader of his party, had the right to campaign in the district. But he referred to a 2010 budget proposal by Keenan that he said raised taxes in Mount Laurel. It was therefore "a bit peculiar that the governor was in Mount Laurel talking about this very topic," Singleton said.
- If you're not yet registered to vote, visit this link to make sure you get your application in before the October 18th deadline. Election Day in New Jersey this year is Tuesday, November 8 for state, county, and local offices.
- In New Jersey, any voter can now vote by mail in any election. You do not need a reason to Vote by Mail. Don't feel like going to the polls? Simply vote by mail. Now there is "no excuse" not to vote! The deadline to Vote by Mail is November 1. You can get a vote by mail application here.
On the Trail
- Press of Atlantic City: New Jersey Democrats confident they can keep control of state Legislature.
- The Record: Christie won't stick his neck out in a losing effort.
- Poll: More than half of New Jerseyans consider next month's elections a referendum on Christie.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 1.
- Star Ledger -
N.J. ethics panel: Atlantic County official acted inappropriately in hosting GOP fundraiser.
- Press of Atlantic City: Republican Assemblyman John Amodeo said that during the summer he and his Assembly running mate, Chris Brown, separated their campaign from that of their state Senate running mate, Assemblyman Vince Polistina, because of a disagreement over the negative tone.
- Video: In LD2, it's about priorities.
- Gloucester County Times: Washington Township Chamber connects voters with Fourth District Legislative, Gloucester County Freeholder candidates.
- Gloucester County Times: NJ's Fourth District state Senate and Assembly candidates talk top issues.
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Senate candidates in New Jersey Fifth District emphasize jobs, education.
- PolitickerNJ: In LD 6, outraged Lampitt tells twittering Mitsch to get out of the race. You can see video from the press conference here.
- Blue Jersey: GOP DoubleSpeak in LD7.
- Press of Atlantic City: Democratic Assembly candidates for 9th District discuss pension reform, Governor Chris Christie, health of Barnegat Bay.
- Asbury Park Press: 11th District candidates talk taxes, marriage equality, Fort Monmouth.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 11.
- PolitickerNJ: LD14 - Labor will be front and center.
- Stephanie Pratico was facing an uphill battle against her insurance company over her daughter's medical care. She turned to Senator Linda Greenstein and in this video; you can listen to her story of how Linda helped.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 16.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 17.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 23.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 26.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 27.
- Asbury Park Press: 30th District candidates spar over taxes, ways to save money.
- A municipal prosecutor and community leader, 36th District Assembly Candidate Marlene Caride knows there is nothing more
- important than protecting our kids and preparing them today for the jobs of tomorrow. (Video)
- In LD38, JoAnn McKay has known Mayor Tim Eustace for many years. By the strength of his character, he continues to merit her trust and confidence. (Video)
- When faced with serious problems with the MVC, Fred Berninger never expected the kind of attention and follow through that he received from Connie Wagner.
- The Record: The Wayne League of Women Voters canceled a debate between candidates in the 40th state legislative district because the Republican slate turned down the invitation, a league officer said. The rest of the Oct. 27 event, which features debates between candidates for Passaic County freeholder and surrogate, is expected to go on as planned.
Congressional Redistricting Public Hearings Continue
- NJ Spotlight: Remapping New Jersey's Congressional Districts.
- The Record: N.J. congressional redistricting panel holds hearings.
- Courier Post: Diverse advice on new districts.
- Star Ledger: Racial, ethnic representation dominates talk at N.J. congressional redistricting hearing.
- Patrick Murray at New Jersey Newsroom: Thoughts on New Jersey's Congressional redistricting.
- Press Of Atlantic City: Top New Jersey Democrats rally for 2nd District candidates.
- Chairman Wisniewski: “We need three Democrats representing the district.”
- Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Patrick D’Arcy encouraged people to talk to friends and neighbors, saying many people, focused on presidential candidates, remained unaware there was a state election planned this year.
Congressional Corner
- Senator Lautenberg addressed a group of veterans at the USS New Jersey, now the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, and received a collection of hundreds of recorded histories to add to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. After being presented with the recordings, the New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) awarded Senator Lautenberg the Congressional Legislator of the Year Award for 2011.
- Senator Menendez praised the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s approval of $33.8 million in funding to New Jersey through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), calling it “an incredible opportunity to boost private sector lending, invest in small businesses and create good jobs throughout New Jersey.”
- Senator Lautenberg recently coordinated the recording of five New Jersey veterans’ stories for the Veteran’s History Project (VHP) at the Menlo Park
Memorial Home in Edison. The VHP is a federal Library of Congress initiative to preserves the stories of veterans throughout the nation. The participants included World War II veterans George Chapman and Walter Tenpenny, Korean War veterans David Dulak and Richard Weiss, and John Thomas who served in both wars.
- Senators Lautenberg and Menendez joined 14 colleagues in urging the Obama administration to quickly implement administrative reforms to help millions of responsible homeowners refinance and take advantage of today’s record low interest rates. With interest rates at an all-time low of 3.94 percent, the Senators encouraged federal housing regulators to take immediate steps to lower the barriers that have kept borrowers trapped in higher interest loans as well as to address other hurdles that have limited the success of current refinance programs.
- Senator Menendez called the visit of Latin American Foreign Ministers with Syria’s President Assad an endorsement of “autocracy, oppression, and tyranny.”
- Senators Lautenberg and Menendez asked President Obama to issue a federal disaster declaration for 12 New Jersey counties in response to the severe damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee. Last month, the state requested a disaster declaration for some of these counties, but it recently expanded the request to include a total of 12.
- Congressman Pallone announced since January 1, 2011 he has successfully secured over one million dollars on behalf of constituents in the form of disability back pay, social security payments, mortgage modifications, hurricane disaster aid and more. Pallone’s constituent outreach representatives over the past 10 months have made it possible for constituents to cut through the red tape to receive money that is rightfully owed to them.
- Congressman Payne met with ATAA representatives at his Washington D.C office. ATAA was represented by Past President Gunay Evinch, Trustee Oya Bain, Civic Engagement Director Yenal Kucuker and Ridvan Sezer – representing the New Jersey Turkish American community. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the Congressman, who is also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, about ATAA’s regional and national activities.
- Congressman Pascrell announced that Passaic schools have won a nearly $1.2 million federal grant to add guidance counselors to elementary schools that haven’t had any in four years because of budget constraints.
- Congressman Rothman spoke to hundreds of senior residents at the annual Fort Lee Senior Picnic. The event was hosted by the Richard A. Nest Senior Center which provides social, educational, and recreational programs to Fort Lee residents 55 years and older.
- Congressman Pallone joined with workers' unions in opposition to 3 significant China trade bills and support for the plan to fight currency manipulation by China.
- Congressman Pallone joined a group of congressional democrats from the House Energy & Commerce Committee urging GOP lawmakers to hold hearings on the safety and regulation of brain stents and metal-on-metal hip implants.
- Officials with a handful of Trenton-area nonprofits are hoping that 15 new workers hired thanks Congressman Holt, who recently announced $303,500 AmeriCorps grant will be a catalyst to help reduce the city’s unemployment rate.
- Congressman Andrews is working with Congressman Barney Frank to develop a plan that aims to rein in the 40 percent increase in Pentagon spending since 2001 that is not related to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “The Joint committee is sorting through a large stack of policy proposals that have been well vetted and well reasoned for years."
Under the Dome
Chairman Wisniewski joined state, county and local officials to celebrate the expansion of the Middlesex County Community Shuttle Program and said the commitment to intracounty mass transit provides a convenient service to residents, while reducing road congestion and air pollution.
- With rising tuition costs and a stagnant economy, Assemblywoman Wagner is sponsoring two pieces of legislation that she hopes will help make college more affordable for working and middle class families in New Jersey.
- Just a few blocks away from where one of the largest pre-Hollywood film studios once stood, state Senators Paul Sarlo and Loretta Weinberg called on Governor Christie to restore the state’s digital media and film tax credit program.
- Assemblyman Schaer discussed his committee’s recent hearing on proposed changes put forth by the state Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) portion of New Jersey’s auto insurance laws. The committee took over four hours of testimony on the DOBI proposals from a variety of stakeholders, including auto and health insurance representatives, health care professionals, lawyers and concerned residents. (Video)
- Assemblywoman Wagner touted legislation that would protect children from exposure to potentially harmful pesticides at schools, playgrounds and recreational fields.
- Assemblyman Burzichelli submitted a letter to the editor and said that Assemblyman Polistina's Sept. 28 letter, claiming sponsorship of casino deregulation legislation crucial to Atlantic City's future, failed to tell the full story. He said It's understandable the assemblyman would want to avoid the facts, considering he opposed the bills for several weeks and signed on only after it became clear they were going to pass with overwhelming support.
- Philadelphia Inquirer: New Jersey bill seeks to expand domestic-violence restraining orders to protect animals.
- Assemblyman Gusciora Opinion: Where has all the PILOT gone?
- Senator Norcross, Assemblymen Fuentes Wilson announced legislation aimed at assisting Camden residents impacted by the city’s recent revaluation, and their plans to host a public hearing to review the revaluation process. The legislation would permit all property owners – in certain cities that have not undergone a municipal-wide property revaluation in at least 15 years, but have implemented a revaluation within the past year – with the opportunity to appeal their assessments.
- Senator Madden hopes returning jurisdiction over ShieldAlloy to the state will lead to complete removal of the waste, which would be a positive for the environment, public health and even the borough's economic outlook.
- A proposal to allow New Jersey towns to buy flood-prone properties using open space funds advanced after its first legislative hearing. The legislation permits municipalities to establish Blue Acres programs to complement the state's open space preservation efforts.
- Legislation that would officially create the New Jersey Business Action Center cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
- Legislation that would provide incentives for banks to give loans to minority owned and small businesses cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
- Two pieces of legislation that would assist those who own flooded homes or homes in potential danger of flooding, as well as areas hit by Hurricane Irene were approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
- Sen. Loretta Weinberg joined the ranks of the organizations on the Campus of Rutgers to speak out against domestic violence.
- Assemblywoman Huttle paid a special visit to the Demarest Middle school with Christopher Gagliardi, the state's Special Needs Coordinator, to view the school’s anti-bullying initiatives, commend students on their efforts and encourage continuity.
- A bill sponsored 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 Budget and Appropriations Committee by a vote of 10-1.
- A bill that would help non-profit hospitals bridge the gap in financing that may be preventing them from breaking ground on an expansion or redevelopment project passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
- October 17
2011 League of Women Voters of the Princeton Area
NJ 16th District Political Debate
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Debate time: 60 minutes)
The Princeton Township Municipal Building Main Meeting Room
Evening of HOPE Awards Dinner With Assembly Candidate Benjie Wimberly
Honoring: Senator John Girgenti, Assemblywoman Elease Evans,
Former Councilwoman Maria Magda,
Former Councilman Rev. Dr. Albert P. Rowe/Pastor Calvary Baptist Church - Paterson, NJ
6:00-10:00 PM
The Brownstone - 351 Broadway – Paterson
$100/pp, $1,500 Gold Table, $2,000 Platinum Table
- October 18
Fundraiser for Senator Nicholas P. Scutari
6:30-8:30 PM
Amici Restaurant, 1700 W. Elizabeth Avenue, Linden
$500/pp
RSVP: Jim Huff at (908) 418-247
2011 Fall MCDO Breakfast Fundraiser
8:00-10:00 AM
Skylark Fine Diner and Lounge, 17 Wooding Ave, Edison
$1000/pp
RSVP: Dana Korbman at 732-906-3680 or dkorbman@mcdonj.org
The Passaic County Central Labor Council 1st Annual Beefsteak
Jason D’Errico, President
6:00-9:00 PM
Barnyard & Carriage Carriage House, 754 Totowa Road, Totowa
$70/pp
Morris County Freeholder Debate.
7pm to 8:30pm
County College of Morris Library in the Library Learning Resource Room (LCR 102)
214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869. Please park in parking lot 7.This is a free event, however seating is limited.
24th District Candidates Night Debate
Sponsored by the Ogdensburg Historical Society
7:00 PM
Ogdensburg Firehouse, 14 Highland Ave, Ogdensburg
Bridgewater Township Democrats On to Victory Dinner with Cong. Rush Holt
Cocktail hour: 6:30 PM (Cash Bar) Dinner: 7:30 PM
Somerville Lodge No. 1068, B.P.O.Elks, 375 Union Avenue, Route 28, Bridgewater
Tickets: $75 or $125 for two
Silent Auction 50/50 Raffle
Checks can be made out to Bridgewater Democratic Committee, 54 Northwood Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08874.
For more information, contact Pat Rydberg at 908. 256.3288 or pattijeanr@aol.com
- October 19
The 4th Annual Senator Raymond J. Lesniak Golf Outing
10:00 AM-2:30 PM
Metedeconk National Golf Club, 50 Hannah Road, Jackson
Times: Registration: 10am; Lunch: 11am; Shotgun Start: 12:30pm
Ticket Price: $1,250 Golf Package/pp; $250 Lunch only; $500 Dinner only
Sponsorships: Lunch, Dinner, Hole in One, Tee
RSVP: Stephanie Wohlrab at (732) 674-419
Join Representative Rush Holt for his 63rd Birthday Celebration!
5:00-7:00 PM
Hopewell Railroad Station - Two Railroad Place - Hopewell, NJ
Contribution Levels: $63 Individual, $163 Celebration Contributor, $630 Birthday Benefactor, $1063 Party Patron
To RSVP visit www.RushHolt.com/Birthday or contact Annie O'Toole at (609) 799-0800 or Annie@RushHolt.com
- October 23
Women’s Rally “We Will No Longer Tolerate Governor Christie’s Assault on Women”
IBEW 164 Hall, 65 W. Century Road, Paramus
Contact Jan Bidwell, 201-236-0046 / 201-749-3824
- October 24
Cocktail Reception for Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo
6:00-8:00 PM
Tir Na Nog, 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton
$100/pp
RSVP: 609-571-8302 or deangelofornj@gmail.com
An Evening Honoring Senator John A. Girgenti
Cocktail Reception
Brownstone, Paterson
Contact: jillshortway@aol.com $75pp, food, open bar, entertainment, gift
- October 25
Special Recognition Dinner Honoring Passaic County Chairman John Currie
6:30pm
Hamilton & Ward, Paterson, $125pp
Lazzara for Assembly Meet & Greet
7:00pm-9:00pm
Hosted by Freeholder Terry Duffy
Duffy’s Grill, Paterson
- October 26
Assemblywoman Nellie Pou’s Men’s Steak Night
6:30pm
Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse, Paterson, $150
- October 27
NJDSC Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
6:30PM
Chairman Roberto Prats of the Democratic Party for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Senator Menendez and Congressman Sires will join Chairman Wisniewski for an evening in support of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee
Seabra’s Armory in Perth Amboy
Contributions for this event are $125 per person
Please RSVP by October 24th to Heather at hdejong@njdems.org or call 609-392-3367.
- October 28
Meet & Greet Clifton’s Freeholder Bruce James & Candidates Night
6:00pm
Pasta Night – All you can eat
Mario’s, 710 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, $10pp
- October 29
Breakfast of Champions for Cassandra Lazzara for Assembly
9:00am-12:00noon
Sponsored by WEDO
Grand Chalet, Route 23 South, Wayne
- October 31
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver Breakfast Reception
8:30am-10:00am
Mastoris, 144 US Highway 130, Bordentown, $500pp
RSVP Cassandra Alessio 201-457-9034
Passaic County Freeholder Candidate TJ Best Vote & Treat
6:00pm-11:00pm
D’Classico’s, 58-60 Ellison St., Paterson, $20pp
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
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