The NJDSC Week In Review For June 10, 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: Weekend Watching Chairman Wisniewski appeared on News 12's Power and Politics and NJN's On the Record this weekend to discuss Pension and Benefits Reform, the State budget and Legislative elections. Check your local listings for viewing times in your area. You can view the NJN On the Record segment here. (Video) Coptergate questions still remain Criticism continues over "Coptergate" (Video) Governor Christie's surprise landing on the fields of St. Joseph's wasn't completely unexpected. Montvale's police were notified the Friday before the Tuesday afternoon landing. Montvale Chief Jeremy Abrams had suggested to the governor that he land on LaTrenta Field instead, because the field is flat and obscured by trees, instead of by the crowds at St. Joseph's, but Christie wanted to be closer. Chairman Wisniewski asked what Christie is hiding and called on him to stop stonewalling public records requests from media outlets. Protesters were waiting with their own helicopter to welcome the Governor's high flying act, but Christie was a no show for the Bergen Republican Fundraiser. NJ Taxpayers are outraged over "Coptergate" (Video) Courier Post: "The copter issue isn't surprising when you consider Christie can owe the state money for his out-of-state travel, penalty-free. According to records through April, the governor owes $2,488 for personal expenses and upgrades earmarked for reimbursement either during his November travels or during a Sept. 24 trip to Chicago for his appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The administration claims he owes nothing but can't provide proof he has repaid what he owes. At least 179 pages of Christie's out-of-state travel records have been redacted." Philly Mag: How Chris Christie should handle "coptergate."  Charles Stile with the Record: "Finally, as many privately predicted, Christie was tripped up by his own hypocrisy. He was being punished by the inevitable law of political physics, which dictates that the ferocity of criticism a politician endures is directly proportional to the amount of criticism he dishes out. If some of it seemed over the top and partisan — the demands for special hearings, special prosecutors — it’s because Christie has been over the top and partisan for a long time." The Record: "While the governor probably needs to be in many places at the same time, unlike the president and his chief of staff, national security is not at stake when the governor is stuck in traffic. For a governor who has demanded sacrifice by others to not understand why public perception might not be working in his favor borders on mind-boggling. And for the State Police director to claim there was no cost because the chopper would have been flying for training is laughable. That suggested the aircraft and crew could have been doing something far more constructive." Congresman Andrews on Christie's use of a state police helicopter for personal and political travel: "We should practice what we preach." WSJ: State releases Christie's Helicopter Travel Logs... "At least three locations appear to be redacted... the number of passengers and their names were also redacted." Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Matt Katz said of the release: "I just got a heavily redacted flight log of Governor Christie's copter rides."  Hey Christie, What is it about women? The Star Ledger: Even with the abrasive standard Gov. Chris Christie has established with his routinely tough talk, he has reserved some of his comment for female state Legislators. Check out diagram laying out the Governor's attacks. Blue Jersey: The Star-Ledger's editorial board illustrates - perfectly - the hostility Gov. Chris Christie has shown to New Jersey women legislators who dare to disagree with him. And, at the same time, an depiction of the gender gap between how men view the way Christie's doing his job, and the way women do. Star-Ledger's graphic is titled: Hey, Christie, what is it about women? With Governor Christie scheduled to fundraise for Republicans in Teaneck, Bergen County Chairman Lou Stelatto called for an apology:"Governor Chris Christie has demonstrated that when challenged on an issue he responds by attempting to intimidate his critics. His attacks on Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle are inappropriate and I find it disturbing that a sitting Governor would use such rhetoric. This governor has chosen to act like a school yard bully and I consider his statements an attack on women. Today, I am calling on the Governor to use his fundraising trip in to the 37th district as an opportunity to apologize to Senator Weinberg and Assemblywoman Huttle."  Christie's Popularity is sliding New Jersey Newsroom: If the Iowa Republicans who flew to New Jersey to urge Gov. Chris Christie to seek their party’s presidential nomination next year had known the results of a Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Public Mind nationwide poll, they could have saved their money and time.The poll made public Friday finds that Americans’ opinion of Christie is slipping as their opinion of President Obama grows. Chairman Wisniewski said, "since the Governor is already reimbursing people for this episode, maybe he'd Iowans for their trouble." Monmouth Poll: Concern for New Jersey’s middle class is the key perception that appears to explain the Democratic Party’s success among New Jersey’s electorate. Democrats Scrutinize and Question Christie's Giveaway of NJN Wall Street Journal: Lawmakers hold hearing over fate of NJ TV station. Senator Lautenberg asked the Federal Communications Commission to examine the deal between the state and WNET that gives the New York broadcaster the right to operate New Jersey public television to determine if the deal is "consistent with the public interest and with FCC rules governing broadcast licenses." New Jersey Newsroom: "Designed Ignorance" and the dismantling of NJN. Asbury Park Press: No deal? TV stations could go dark. Assemblyman Greenwald: "Ensuring employees received equitable and fair consideration was also vital, and I'm not convinced that's happening under this proposal..." Assemblywoman Quigley to the state Treasurer: "There is no Plan B? You have your hands around our throats," Senator Weinberg: "We are giving away one of the greatest assets that the state of New Jersey has." Assemblyman Coutinho: “It’s imperative that we try to maintain something similar to what’s going on because effectively there are stories that are covered in that newscast that expose smaller parts of New Jersey, that help with tourism as an example, that will never be covered..." Asbury Park Press: Pull the plug on NJN deal. Vineland Daily Journal: NJN debate should focus on local programs. NJ Spotlight: The push to privatize. FoxNews: N.J.'s Christie Compares Public Broadcasting to Soviet Union Before Announcing Deal. Courier Post Editorial: Dems Right To Seek Answers About NJN - "potentially setting it up for failure when the network is of value to many New Jerseyans is wrong. That's what may be happening here and legislators are justified in wanting to put the brakes on this and demand more information about why WNET was chosen over other bidders." Christie's Medicaid Cuts Continue to Draw Criticism NPR: New Jersey seeks to shrink Medicaid. Asbury Park Press: Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed changes to New Jersey’s health care safety net programs will hurt residents already struggling to pay bills and receive crucial medical care, advocates told a state Senate panel on Monday. Senator Weinberg: “New Jersey should never be balancing its budget on the backs of the economically disadvantaged, the sick, the elderly and people living with disabilities. Governor Christie’s Medicaid proposals would cut out the main supports of our State’s health care safety net, and would put people at risk simply because they cannot afford health insurance. It’s time to stop putting our most vulnerable people in the crosshairs, and craft a balanced budget that holds harmless New Jerseyans who have nowhere else to turn for access to health care.” Burlington County Times: New Jersey nursing homes stand to lose as much as $140 million in government funding as a result of Medicaid cuts proposed by Republican Gov. Chris Christie, according to a coalition of health care providers and nursing home caregivers. NJ Spotlight: New Jersey's FamilyCare Program: Gov. Christie's Unkindest Cut? Asbury Park Press Editorial opposed Christie's Medicaid cuts and said that we need to avoid shredding the health safety net: These proposals could end up costing the state much more than Christie’s projected savings in the long run. A state-funded actuarial study four years ago determined that it costs $900 a year more to leave people uninsured than to insure them. Mother Jones: Chris Christie Set a new low for Medicaid. Senators Lautenberg and Menendez were joined by Congressman Pallone voiced opposition to Governor Chris Christie's plan to dramatically restructure the state's Medicaid program because the draconian cuts would result in the loss of medical care for tens of thousands of state residents. They urged the governor to reconsider what is still an ill-defined proposal.  Congressman Andrews said he would protest an attempt by the Governor to reduce income of qualifying for Medicaid to $6,000: "I find that unconscionable." Chris Christie, The Koch Brothers, RGGI and Clean Energy NJ Spotlight: Revamped Energy Master Plan casts shadow on solar. Philadelphia Inquirer: Christie rolls out energy plan, rolls back renewable energy goals. Asbury Park Press Editorial - Too soon to quit pollution pact: Just declaring the whole thing a failure prematurely and bowing out to win brownie points with the cap-and-trade haters of the world is the wrong move. Senate Majority Leader Buono: "Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to withdraw New Jersey from the 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is a troubling display of ideological flip-flopping and special-interest kowtowing." Senator Smith said that the progress of generating solar power would be endangered if the new plan “sends a signal that we’re not quite as serious as we used to be. If you make the numbers more aggressive, you’re going to see more renewables,” Assemblyman McKeon: “It’s more corporate welfare and not a surprising development in light of general philosophies of the administration..." NJ Spotlight: Democrats to Christie - "Hands Off Clean Energy Funds" Blue Jersey: Koch brothers come to Jersey, love Christie. DailyKos: NJ's RGGI Pullout: the Latest Christie-Koch Wink-Nod. Chris Christie Reduces New Jersey's Renewable Energy Targets. Chris Christie systematically destroys all environmental progress in New Jersey. The Record Editorial: A step backwards. Opinion: Gov. Chris Christie and the Myth of Solar Subsidies. ThinkProgress Green: Christie continues Koch binge, slashes renewable targets. Chris Christie's 25% Toll Hikes On Bridges And Tunnels Star Ledger: Gov. Christie says he would consider raising tolls 25 percent on Port Authority bridges, tunnels. Chairman Wisniewski said a toll hike to help the Port Authority pay for the Pulaski Skyway and other road improvements amounts to a shift in the burden of repairing them onto the shoulders of toll payers, allowing the governor to claim that he avoided increasing the gas tax or some other state revenue source. "He’s doing it in a way that I think is despicable, hoping that people won’t notice. He creates this elaborate fiction where he says, ‘Well it’s Port Authority money it’s not New Jersey money.’" New Jersey Newsroom: Christie concedes he would consider hiking Hudson River bridge and tunnel tolls to $10. NY Post: Hudson Cro$$ to bear. Report: Toll hike floated on Hudson River crossing. NJ is #1 In High School Graduation Rate Despite constant demonizing by Governor Christie, a new report shows that New Jersey has the highest high school graduation rate in the nation and saw an 11.1% increase from 1998 to 2008.  Congressional Corner Senators Menendez and Lautenberg, Congressmen Pascrell and Rothman applauded the Obama administration announced that the United States would not participate in the Durban III World Conference Against Racism, scheduled to take place in New York City in September, during the U.N. General Assembly opening session Senator Menendez introduced legislation on cyber security that calls for more research and development on federal networks as well as for more collaboration between the government and the private sector. Senators Lautenberg and Menendez,Congressman Payne and Newark City Council President Donald Payne Jr. announced a $3.4 million grant by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to clean up toxic industrial sites Congressman Andrews met with students in Washington to advocate for a health bill that would hold hospitals accountable for implementing reliable nurse staffing plans. Congressman Holt discussed national security, anti-terrorism efforts and what the country is doing to help protect its citizens in Seabrook. In addition, Congressman Holt talked about other topics, including debt and the closing of Fort Monmouth. More than 100 residents from the continuing care retirement community asked excellent questions about how the government is working to keep its citizens safe. Congressman Pascrell helped honor a Pivotal World War II unit at a Paterson luncheon. Congressman Pallone and 2 colleagues are asking that a hearing be held on the outbreak of a rare type of E. coli bacterium that has sickened and killed Europeans. Congressman Rothman on Pride Month 2011: I am proud to stand with the LGBT community as an ally for equal treatment under the law for all regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Cuban-born Grand Marshal Frank Moran, 72, a sales representative at Goya Foods of Secaucus — which was celebrating its 75th year in business — marched with a gaggle of elected officials in the North Hudson Cuban Day Parade, including Congressman Sires, Senator Lautenberg, Senator Stack, and Assemblyman Ramos. Under the Dome Negotiations and discussions continued over the state budget and potential benefits reform. Senate President Sweeney plans to introduce his proposed legislation.Speaker Oliver is proposing a compromise that would allow workers to negotiate health benefits. Chairman Wisniewski said that he believes "this is a Democratic issue and we need to be standing up for collective bargaining." AC Press Editorial supports moving Presidential primary. Legislation to push the state toward providing enhanced visibility and accessibility to food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey, and baked goods made with products grown or raised in New Jersey was approved 37-0 by the Senate. Legislation that would cut the unemployment insurance (UI) tax rates that will be imposed on employers during fiscal years 2012 and 2013 cleared the full Senate.  The reduction will save employers $652.9 million total and an average of $208 per employee over the two year period. A package of bipartisan bills that would provide direct grants to numerous communities for the direct preservation of open space, farmland and historic properties was passed by the Senate. A bill which would change existing State law governing local rent control ordinances in order to protect senior tenants was approved by the Senate by a vote of 21-14. NJ 101.5: Will Dems introduce their own budget? Legislation to drastically reduce penalties associated with the new free state fishing registry – implemented as a way to collect information from recreational saltwater anglers for research purposes – was recently approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Legislation to allow taxpayers to make voluntary contributions on their income tax returns to provide support to our state’s National Guard members and their families cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Assemblywoman Watson Coleman called on the Christie administration to halt bid proceedings to fill in the historically significant Petty's Run archeological dig site at the Statehouse complex until various measures have been considered. Assemblymen Albano and Milam issued a multimedia package discussing their latest efforts to combat illegal ocean dumping off New Jersey's coastline. (Video) Assembly committees on Monday will consider legislation to reform and make stronger the state’s Urban Enterprise Zone program, require online transparency from local authorities and commissions, allow people to better handle end-of-life care issues and expand the care options for those with Huntington’s Disease. A panel will also take testimony on the governor’s decision to withdraw New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. New Jersey’s assault on a methamphetamine-style drug known as "bath salts" continued, as legislation criminalizing six chemicals used to make the powders cleared the state Senate. Upcoming Events June 12: Ocean County Dems Candidates and County Committee Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM 630 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9), Bayville For more information contact oceancountydems@yahoo.com June 14: Middlesex County Democratic Committee Meeting The Pines Manor 2085 Route 27, Edison Passaic County Democratic Committee Meeting 6:30pm Elks, 775 Clifton Avenue, Clifton June 15: Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik Caribbean Night 6:00-10:00 PM Westmount County Club, 728 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park $150pp Atlantic County Dems County Committee Meeting 6:00 PM UAW Hall 470 Albany Ave, Atlantic City June 16: Monmouth County Democrats Summer Kick-Off Cocktail Party 7:00-9:00 PM Parker House, First Avenue, Sea Girt, NJ $65/per person. Sponsorship opportunities available. To RSVP or for more information please call 732-739-8888. The Somerset County Democratic Committee Present Comedy and Cocktails With comedian Jeff Kreisler 185 Madisonville Rd, Basking Ridge 6-7pm VIP Reception with Jeff Kreisler, Cost: $500 including a one hour open bar 7-9pm General reception and performance, Cost: $100 General Admission For more information, please contact Joseph Kostecki at (908) 953-9300 Ext.24 or at joseph.kostecki@gmail.com Fundraiser for Doug Dickinson, Candidate for Atlantic County 5th Dist. Freeholder 6:00-8:00 PM Knights of Columbus Hall 243 St Louis Ave., Egg Harbor City $20.00 pp 609-418-5887 June 17: Fundraiser for State Senate Candidate Raymond Santiago, Esq. 7:00-9:00 PM $150 Individual/$300 Patron/$600 Sponsor/$1,200 Co-Host To RSVP and for event details please call 732-294-7149 or email rsantiagoesq@aol.com June 18: Reception for Congressional Candidate Ed Potosnak 7:30 PM Home of Arnold and Roberta Krumholz, Warren, NJ Special Guest Congressman Barney Frank $100.00/pp For More Info Contact Becky Moore at 908-691-4770 or becky@edpotosnak.com June 22: Morris County Democratic Committee Annual Spring Gala Fundraiser Honoring Senator Richard Codey, Assemblyman John McKeon and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey 7:00-9:00 PM The Villa, 90 US Route 46, Mountain Lakes $100/pp, $175/couple, $75/students and seniors 973-984-8080 Cocktail Reception for Assemblyman Joseph Egan 5:30 PM Due Mari Restaurant, 78 Albany Street, New Brunswick $1,000/pp June 23: Wall Democrats JFK Valor Awards honoring Monmouth County Chairman Vic Scudiery, Majority Leader Joe Cryan, Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik and NJ State Senate Candidate Raymond Santiago 6:30-9:00 PM The Mill at Spring Lake Heights, Old Mill Road, Spring Lake Heights $80/per person June 24: Sunset Reception for Senator Bob Menendez 5:00 PM Home of Tracy and Nick Brown, 104 Wigwam Road, Locust, NJ Co-Host $5,000/Sponsor $2,500/Friend $1,000 For more information or to RSVP please contact Samantha Maltzman at 973-732-0756 or smaltzman@menendezfornj.com June 26: Fundraiser for Congressman Pallone Gerzberg Home, Lincoln Ave, Highland Park For More Information: (732) 571-4141 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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The NJDSC Week In Review For June 3, 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: Christie flies "Hypocrisy One" for staff, personal and political travel Philadelphia Inquirer: High-flying Christie draws fire over ‘Coptergate.’ Bloomberg: Christie slammed for chopper ride to son's game. Chairman Wisniewski reacted to news of the Governor's trips on Hypocrisy One:  “He’s a governor who as U.S. attorney would rail against elected officials blurring the line. But this governor has defective memory and selective outrage.” More from Wisniewski in the Wall Street Journal: “He took the helicopter for no other reason that he could go to meet his donors in an impressive style.” Senate Majority Leader Buono: "This is a serious breach of public trust and necessitates a full accounting of his use of government resources, particularly, the state police helicopter. The Attorney General and U.S. Attorney should demand all records of the governor's travel to ensure that he has not made a habit of using taxpayer dollars for personal or political travel." Senator Weinberg appeared on the Ed Show to discuss Coptergate. (Video) You can see more video coverage of the Governor's joyride here, here and here. NY Times: Woe to the politician who claims to be fiscally responsible, in touch with regular folk, and turns out to have some pricey habits. LA Times: Under fire, Christie will reimburse state for use of police helicopter. AP Video: ‎"He's wasting money we aren't supposed to have." Bloomberg: “It’s contrary to the image he’s created as an average guy. Many parents may like to helicopter to their kids’ game, but they can’t.” Chairman Wisniewski responded to the Governor's press conference where he admitted guilt and tried to pass blame: “Chris Christie has now taken his arrogance to the next level, first trying to claim he was assisting the police by helping them with training time, then attacking those who questioned his use of the state helicopter as ‘hacks’ and finally concluding that all his travel was professional because ‘the line is blurred.’ The fact is, it’s the Governor himself who has blurred the line and today admitted that he used taxpayer resources to attend personal and political events. The bottom line is, people realize that this is an inappropriate use of public property and the Governor has finally acknowledged his guilt by agreeing to pay for his inappropriate use of state taxpayer resources.” Star Ledger Editorial: This issue is hypocrisy. This is a gov who holds a press conference every time he catches a public official eating lobster on the public dime, or getting free rides on E-ZPass. As prosecutor & governor, he's given speech after speech telling public officials they should stay a mile away from even perception of self-dealing. NY Times Editorial: Mr. Christie has built his image on tough talk about protecting the ordinary taxpayer. Does that taxpayer now need protection from the highflying governor? Courier Post Editorial: To impose austerity on such levels across state government, asking tens of thousands of public workers and millions of New Jerseyans who've lost their property tax rebates to share in the sacrifice, means the person asking has to lead by example. Trenton Times Editorial: The people, however, do not have recourse to a $12.5 million aircraft to get to their kids’ games or a limo waiting to transport them 100 yards to a ball field. Those are luxuries more befitting the state’s wealthiest residents, whom Gov. Christie continues to protect from the so-called “millionaires tax.” Asbury Park Press Editorial: this should be a wake-up call to the governor to practice the “shared sacrifice” he preaches. New Jersey Newsroom: Editorials take a bat to Gov Christie for using state police helicopter to fly to high school baseball games. Assemblyman Moriarty asked: Where do we line up for our free helicopter rides? Stile: Fiscal warrior Christie flies into enemy's sights. Media Matters: Busy Cheering Chris Christie, Fox News Ignores His Helicopter Debacle. Messaging Matters: It's the Hypocrisy Stupid. What is Christie Hiding? WSJ: Christie Holds Back on Helicopter Travel Records. Courier Post: Legislator calling for hearing into Christie's helicopter use. Atlantic City Press: State Police asked to explain Christie's helicopter use. AP: "Based on the limited information released from your office, it appears one of the flights was for the governor to attend a charity event at his wife's employer, one flight appears to be just for the lieutenant governor, a couple flights were apparently for TV appearances, and lastly, a couple of flights appear to be for transporting support staff to Atlantic City and the Meadowlands." Christie continues Verbal Assault on Women The latest female legislator to be targeted by Christie's verbal assault was Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle, who the Governor called a "jerk." This latest outburst follows the Governor calling Speaker Oliver a liar, accusing Assemblywoman Watson Coleman of being responsible for a murder and calling for "the bat" to be taken out on Senator Weinberg. Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle: "I'm disappointed that the governor resorted to name-calling but I'm not surprised given his pattern of abusive language towards those who disagree with him." Assembly Majority Leader Cryan: "This governor needs to learn some decency. He instinctively resorts to insult when legitimately criticized. Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle is an effective and caring legislator who has called attention to the governor's abuse of taxpayer resources. Unfortunately, he is unable to discuss things like a grown up." Patrick Murray: "Chris Christie's female troubles." Democrats Continue to Fight Christie's Medicaid Plan which says family making $6,000 per year too rich Chris Christie: $6,000 a year is too much income to qualify for Medicaid. Assembly Speaker Oliver: "Do we accept . . . slashing Medicaid? That is not where we should be going here." The Hill: Menendez says Dems won't back Medicaid cuts. The Ed Show spoke with a NJ Medicaid recipient who stands to lose her health benefits under the cuts planned by Gov. Christie. Atlantic City Press: The New Jersey proposal would sharply reduce the income threshold needed for new enrollees to qualify for Medicaid, dropping that from 133 percent of the federal poverty threshold to between 25 and 30 percent. For a family of three, that translates into lowering the yearly income eligibility ceiling from $24,645 to between $4,633 and $5,559, and from $39,887 to between $7,498 and $8,997 for a family of six. Assemblyman Burzichelli called the proposal to lower the threshold “pennywise and pound-foolish. The income threshold essentially shuts the program down to a large group of people who need it,” The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee will meet to conduct a roundtable discussion with invited stakeholders on the impact of the Governor’s proposed Medicaid Comprehensive Waiver, which will dramatically change eligibility criteria for New Jersey’s health care safety net programs, Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare. Calls for Christie to return raided clean energy funds Reuters: Call for NJ Governor to Repay $65 Million to Carbon Fund. Baltimore Sun: NJ's exit from greenhouse pact a step backward. Senate Majority Leader Buono and Assemblywoman Stender: NJ must stay on target in environmental efforts. Honoring Sacrifice on Memorial Day Chairman Wisniewski: “As many enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember and honor our Veterans and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They were willing to give up all the things we associate with home and family because they saw the importance of preserving what our nation stands for. Our servicemen and servicewomen have a long and proud history that we should honor every day, but particularly on this one.” Reacting to Sarah Palin's bus tour traveling on Memorial Day, Chairman Wisniewski said: "Today should be about honoring the service of our veterans, not celebrating the political ambitions of Sarah Palin. At a Press Conference on Memorial Day, Senator Menendez discussed his efforts to update a Defense Department policy on women in ground combat units  to make sure female service members are given the same recognition and opportunities as men. The Senator said the policy, known as the “combat exclusion policy,” blocks women from being assigned to ground combat units and from being recognized as combat troops. You can see VIDEO of Congressman Pascrell speaking at a Memorial Day ceremony in Belleville. Congressman Pallone met veterans of Iraq & Afghanistan who re-enlisted in Marines and said there was a huge display of patriotism at the Sayreville Memorial Day Parade. Congressman Rothman delivered Memorial Day Addresses in Englewood, North Arlington, and Teaneck. Christie Administration continues to ignore facts in their stories Asbury Park Press: Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno said "private-sector jobs are being created — 31,000 of them in the last two months.” Not exactly. Labor statistics show that the net number of private-sector jobs created in New Jersey in the last two months was 17,300 — 13,400 in April, 3,900 in March. To get to 31,000 jobs, you would have to ignore private-sector jobs that were eliminated. Democrats Fight To Protect Medicare From GOP Plans To End Program Senator Lautenberg told a roomful of seniors "We want to send a message to the Tea Party Republicans in Washington: keep your hands off Medicare." Chairman Wisniewski: “We as a country, as a society, are judged by a lot of standards, but I think the most important one that any society is judged by is how we treat our most vulnerable, how we treat the folks who have nowhere else to turn.” Assemblyman Diegnan: “The difference between Republicans and Democrats is that the Republicans go after Medicare and Social Security first, whereas we look at them is as the last thing that should be touched.” Blue Jersey: Menendez vows to defend "Medicare as we know it." The Senator told reporters that Republicans' plan to turn Medicaid into a block grant and slash the program by more than $700 billion is just as unpalatable to Senate Democrats. Congressman Andrews pointed out how the Ryan proposal would double healthcare spending for the typical 65 year old. The Congressman said the Republicans have to drop their demand to destroy Medicare and work with Democrats to find reasonable spending cuts instead. (Video) You can see more video of Congressman Andrews discussing Medicare here. (Video) Congressional Corner Senator Lautenberg called for higher bus safety standards on Good Morning NY. (Video) PolitickerNJ: Menendez says he wants oil company subsidies on table. Congressman Holt announced that three area organizations will share $3.4 million in federal AmeriCorps grants to place and compensate volunteers in soup kitchens, elementary schools and environmental education programs. A floor fight led by Congressman Pascrell led to a bipartisan 333-87 vote Wednesday to restore $320 million of the $460 million that Republicans wanted to cut from grants for local fire departments. Congressman Pallone announced that Monmouth Beach’s eroded shoreline will receive a much-needed restoration later this year when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins an extensive beach replenishment project. An amendment from Congressman Holt would provide $20 million for Veterans Outreach efforts: “On an average day, America loses 18 of our veterans to suicide. These tragic deaths can be prevented, but only if veterans can access the trained, compassionate counseling they need and deserve. This new funding will help the VA convey a crucial message to America’s veterans: You are not alone. If you have suffered such trauma in service to this country that you are considering suicide, America stands ready to help you.” The Hill: Congressman Pallone is pushing back against proposals to curb medical imaging tests paid by Medicare, arguing that they could restrict access to "life-saving medical tools. Congressman Andrews said there was not a competitive bidding process in this area of defense procurement. The Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors (EBCBOR) recently discussed local real estate issues with Congressman Rothman during the National Association of Realtors Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Congressman Sires introduced the Safe Building Codes Incentive Act, H.R. 2069 which would provide additional post-disaster relief in the aftermath of a severe storm for those states with strong statewide building codes.  Congressman Payne and members of the Congressional Black Caucus are visiting Hartford for a three-day celebration of the 200th birthday of noted author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Under the Dome Legislation to return the date of the February presidential primary election to June, saving millions of dollars in elections-related costs, was approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee. New Jersey became the first state in the nation to mandate every newborn will be screened for congenital heart disease under a bill signed into law The new law is the first of its kind to pass on a national scale, mandates pulse ox testing - a simple, non-invasive, low-cost measure to help detect the most common birth defect, congenital heart disease, in newborns. Star Ledger: N.J. lawmakers, union officials ask Christie to reconsider NJN management transfer plan. Assembly-approved legislation to prohibit the Christie administration from burying a historic archeological dig alongside the State House was advanced by a Senate panel. School board members in New Jersey will be required to pass criminal background checks under legislation signed into law. The new law disqualifies anyone convicted of certain crimes from serving on a board of education or charter school board. Legislation requiring the state to provide an online clearinghouse of information for nonprofit organizations that provide services in New Jersey has now become law. Legislation to ensure unemployed New Jerseyans can understand and obtain their jobless benefits continues advancing toward law. Gasoline retailers in New Jersey would be able to offer discounts, coupons and premiums under legislation advancing in the Assembly. Senator Whelan introduced legislation designed to close a loophole under current law that prohibits eligible veterans who purchase a new home after October 1 from receiving the veteran’s property tax deduction for which they are entitled on their new home. Upcoming Events June 5: Jersey Gay Pride Festival 2011, Asbury Park 12:00 PM The Park in front of the Convention Center, Ocean & Sunset, Asbury Park June 6: Fundraiser for Denise Farina Candidate for Atlantic County 3rd Dist. Freeholder 6:00-8:00 PM 3117 Jasmine Court, Mays Landing $25.00 pp 609-677-5536 June 7: Fundraiser and Campaign kickoff for 24th District candidates Ed Selby for Senate, Leslie Huhn and Jim Nye for Assembly.   8:00 PM St. Moritz on White Deer Plaza in Sparta, NJ. Monmouth County Democrats and Hazlet Democratic Club Primary Day Dinner. 7:00-9:00 PM Matawan Italian American Club, Airport Plaza, 1374 REAR Rt. 36, Hazlet, NJ 07730 (In the Rear of Airport Plaza adjacent to the MVC - look for the double doors) This is a free event. WHELAN - COOPER - TYNER 2nd Legislative District Campaign Kick Off 5:30-7:00 PM Atlantic City Country ClubShore Rd., Northfield $500.00 Sponsor, $250.00 Patron, $100.00 Supporter 609-910-0010 June 8: Assemblywoman Elease Evans Birthday Fundraiser 6:00pm Brownstone, Paterson Fundraiser for Dennis Munoz Candidate for Atlantic County Sheriff 3:00-7:00 PM Ducktown Tavern, Atlantic City $20.00 pp 609-418-5887 June 10: Fundraiser in Support of Freeholder Mallet 6:30-8:30 PM Home of Gordon Gemma, 68 Seneca Place, Oceanport, NJ Suggested Donation: $50 per person For more information or to RSVP please email gngemma@yahoo.com or call 973-975-7826. June 11: Coastal Monmouth Democrats Ice Cream Party 2:00-4:00 PM Fireman's Field, Oakhurst (off of Larkin Park) For more information or to RSVP please contact Michael Lee at info@coastalmonmouthdems.org or 908-433-1383. Campaign Training for Candidates 10:30 AM Passaic County Democratic Committee Headquarters, 668 McBride Ave., Woodland Park June 12: Ocean County Candidates and County Committee Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM 630 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9) Bayville, NJ 08721 For more information contact oceancountydems@yahoo.com June 14: Middlesex County Democratic Organization Reorganization Meeting The Pines Manor 2085 Route 27, Edison Passaic County Committee Meeting 6:30pm Elks, 775 Clifton Avenue, Clifton June 15: Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik Caribbean Night 6:00-10:00 PM Westmount County Club, 728 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park $150pp June 16: Monmouth County Democrats Summer Kick-Off Cocktail Party 7:00-9:00 PM Parker House, First Avenue, Sea Girt, NJ $65/per person. Sponsorship opportunities available. To RSVP or for more information please call 732-739-8888. Somerset County Democratic Committee Comedy and Cocktails With comedian Jeff Kreisler 185 Madisonville Rd, Basking Ridge 6-7pm VIP Reception with Jeff Kreisler -Cost: $500 including a one hour open bar 7-9pm General reception and performance -Cost: $100 General Admission For more information, please contact Joseph Kostecki at (908) 953-9300 Ext.24 or at joseph.kostecki@gmail.com Fundraiser for Doug Dickinson Candidate for Atlantic County 5th Dist. Freeholder 6:00-8:00 PM Knights of Columbus Hall 243 St Louis Ave., Egg Harbor City $20.00 pp 609-418-5887 June 18: Reception for Congressional Candidate Ed Potosnak 7:30 PM Home of Arnold and Roberta Krumholz, Warren, NJ Special Guest Congressman Barney Frank $100.00/pp For More Info Contact Becky Moore at 908-691-4770 or becky@edpotosnak.com 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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Christie Flies "Hypocrisy One"

	Dear Supporter, On Tuesday, we saw the hypocrisy of Chris Christie reach new heights…literally.  Christie took the state’s brand new $12.5 million state police helicopter for some personal time in Bergen County on the taxpayers dime and then flew back to Drumthwacket, so he could look presidential for his wealthy Iowa contributors begging him to run for President.  After an uproar over his initial plans to stick taxpayers with the bill, Christie admitted he has taken multiple trips for personal and political activities on “Hypocrisy One.”  What it comes down to is that Chris Christie completely misses the point; this isn't about reimbursement, it’s that even he doesn't buy in to his own rhetoric about shared sacrifice. He preaches the need to tighten our belt, but families around New Jersey are working 2nd and 3rd jobs to pay for Christie's tax hikes, while he's flying around the state on the taxpayer dime for personal and political joyrides.  The Democratic Party of New Jersey has been fighting against Chris Christie’s hypocrisy and double standards and we need your help to continue the fight.  Please consider a contribution of $250, $100, $50 or even $35 to the NJDSC ActBlue® page so that we will have the resources to stand up for working families by exposing the blatant hypocrisy of Chris Christie. This is a Governor who, as U.S. attorney, railed against anyone blurring the line between public office and private benefit, but he continues to have a defective memory and selective outrage when it comes to his own activities that cross the line even more. Chris Christie always says elected officials should be held to a higher standard and it’s past time he begins to hold himself to that higher standard as well. Your support today will help us hold Chris Christie to that higher standard. Thank you for your support, John Wisniewski, Chairman New Jersey Democratic State Committee P.S. Please consider supporting the NJDSC with a contribution of $250, $100, $50 or even $35 to the NJDSC ActBlue® page so we can continue to fight back and expose the hypocrisy of Chris Christie! 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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Another Broken Promise From Chris Christie

	I wanted to make sure you saw this editorial in the NY Times criticizing the Governor's decision to abandon the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Look at how they close describing the impact on NJ: "It is New Jersey that will be the poorer, with less to invest in smarter energy programs, more carbon dioxide and a leadership vacancy at its helm." You can view the full editorial below.  -Sean Gov. Christie Abandons a Good Idea  Published: May 30, 2011 Running for governor in 2009, Chris Christie vowed to become “New Jersey’s No. 1 clean-energy advocate.” That was a hollow promise. As governor, Mr. Christie proceeded to cut all the money for the Office of Climate and Energy. He raided $158 million from the clean energy fund, meant for alternative energy investments, and spent it on general programs. He withdrew the state from an important lawsuit against electric utilities to reduce emissions.   On Thursday, he took the worst step of all: He abandoned the 10-state initiative in the Northeast that uses a cap-and-trade system to lower carbon-dioxide emissions from power plants. The program has been remarkably successful, a model of vision and fortitude. Lacking that, Mr. Christie has given in to the corporate and Tea Party interests that revile all forms of cap and trade, letting down the other nine states trying to fight climate change.  The system works by requiring utilities to either lower their emissions or buy allowances to pollute. Money from the allowances goes to states for clean-energy programs. Since it began in 2008, the system has created more than $700 million for these programs; New Jersey has spent some of its share on helping cities become more energy-efficient. Greenhouse emissions from power plants in the region went down about 12 percent from 2008 to 2010 for many reasons, including lower natural gas prices. Programs like the regional initiative are estimated to have produced more than 10 percent of that decline.  Mr. Christie has already demonstrated his disdain for the program’s goals by spending $65 million of the state’s $100 million share from the allowances to pay down New Jersey’s deficit. He claimed this week that the program was not working, a notion that was quickly refuted by five other governors. “Governor Christie is simply wrong when he claims that these efforts are a failure,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland. He said they had an equivalent effect of taking 3,500 For now, at least, the far right has killed cap and trade nationally, but the idea is far from dead. Several Western states are gearing up for a cap-and-trade program; California has been particularly aggressive. The Northeast state compact will survive Mr. Christie’s exit. It is New Jersey that will be the poorer, with less to invest in smarter energy programs, more carbon dioxide and a leadership vacancy at its helm.  ### 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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