Jon Corzine

Sunday, September 4, 2011

The NJDSC Week In Review For September 2, 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:

Recovering From Irene

The Record: President Obama will go to Paterson on Sunday to view damage caused by Hurricane Irene, the White House announced.
New Jersey Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration for Irene.
NJ Today: The declaration makes the state eligible for federal grants, low-interest loans and other programs through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help with the cleanup and rebuilding process.
Senators Lautenberg and Menendez applauded President Obama’s prompt disaster declaration for areas in New Jersey severely damaged, which will help thousands of affected families and businesses recover from the effects of Hurricane Irene.
Chairman Wisniewski and Congressman Pallone toured the flooding in Middlesex county: Flooding underscores need for relief in Sayreville.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency visited New Jersey for a first-hand look at the damage wrought by Hurricane Irene.
Senator Menendez and Congressman Sires took an aerial tour of towns damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Irene, including places like Paterson and Lincoln Park that remain partially submerged.
Speaker Oliver: "I want to thank each and every single public safety and emergency management official, volunteer and charitable organization who showed true dedication over the last few days to make sure New Jerseyans would be safe from the storm. Their devotion to duty and willingness to put themselves in harm's way is remarkable. Their expertise and compassion is priceless.
Congressman Holt spoke on Irene: “All of us owe our deepest gratitude to the public servants who worked through the storm to keep our communities safe."
The Record: Wallington Mayor Walter Wargacki led U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman, D-Fair Lawn, on a walking tour Thursday morning of some of the homes and businesses hit hardest by flooding that has swamped the lower section of the borough since Sunday.
NJ 101.5: As the Hurricane Irene cleanup continues in New Jersey Congressman Pallone is pushing for federal funds for beach replenishment. He says New Jersey's beaches could have been hit a lot harder but there are some that will require beach replenishment because of the hurricane.
Assemblyman Moriarty warned residents to watch out for price gouging: "Scary events like Hurricane Irene tend to bring the best out in people, evidenced by the rescue efforts witnessed in many towns affected by the storm, but also the worst."
Senator Girgenti has opened his Hawthorne district office as a drop-off location for donated items for Hurricane Irene victims.
Star Ledger: How you can help victims of Hurricane Irene.
Donations are needed, emergency food providers are seeing an increase in need for supplies due to the effects of Hurricane Irene.
Tips for filing insurance claims.
Star Ledger: How you can help victims of Hurricane Irene.
New Jersey's Health and Senior Services Department has opened a call center to field questions about health concerns stemming from Hurricane Irene like how to prevent and treat mold, dispose of spoiled food and whether the water is safe to drink. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and during the weekend and Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is: 866-234-0964.
State business assistance available for those affected by Hurricane Irene: The NJ EDA is expanding the size of a line of credit that it will guarantee from $250,000 to $500,000, and is expanding the number of banks from 15 to 48. The EDA board is holding a special meeting Sept. 6 to approve the expansion. Businesses in need of state assistance should contact the New Jersey Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789

The Right Is Wrong On Irene

Chairman Wisniewski Op-Ed: When a Republican Governor and Democratic state party chairman find agreement on an issue, as Governor Christie and I do on federal assistance for those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, you would hope our representatives in Washington would take heed. Unfortunately, As New Jersey's residents and communities attempt to recover from the devastation with the welcome assistance of emergency responders from all levels of government, the Tea Party and its Republican allies are, once again, taking advantage of a national crisis to pursue their own narrow political agenda. Worse yet, with every passing day the fringe philosophy that would rather destroy government than fix it is inching its way into the mainstream of Republican thinking.
PolitickerNJ: After touring flood sites in Little Falls along the Passaic River and in Pompton Lakes where the Ramapo, Pequannock, and Wanaque rivers run by, Senator Lautenberg told reporters that he was agitated that U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor was putting the brakes on emergency funding.
Congressman Pascrell: "Whether it was a big fire on the West Coast or a calamity in one of Northern states during a snowstorm, America’s always been there, Congress has always been there. Mr. Cantor can’t even run his own caucus. I don’t know how you can expect him to say anything reasonable or sane. This storm isn’t hitting Democrats, it’s not hitting Republicans, it’s hitting all of us,"
Congressman Pallone on the Rachel Maddow Show: GOP strangling FEMA funding (Video).
Senator Codey: “It is unconscionable to me that while large portions of the east coast are still underwater and millions don’t have power, we have people deciding now is an opportune time to play politics. Congressman Garrett’s comments, as well as those of Eric Cantor, that relief assistance be tied to budget cuts is inconsiderate to those whose livelihoods have been ruined by this storm. Right now people have no power, people have lost their homes, people are stranded in flood submerged areas. But these guys, instead of getting these folks help now, want to make some sort of policy wonk argument. It is completely ridiculous."
Paramus Post: Senator Gordon, Assemblywoman Wagner and Mayor Eustace called upon their tea party opponents to denounce calls by Rep. Scott Garrett and other radicals to hold hurricane disaster relief hostage to draconian budget cuts. Garrett stated that he would oppose disaster relief unless it was accompanied by massive spending cuts – a political calculation that would effectively paralyze relief efforts at a time when they are most needed.
Kazmark: No time for politics.
Gannett Editorial: Politics and Relief Efforts don't mix - Ideologues in Washington shouldn't play political games with aid to states hit by hurricane.
Trenton Times Editorial: Don't play politics with Hurricane Irene disaster aid.
NJ Spotlight Opinion: Hurricane Tea Party, an Ill Wind - "There's something very wrong when the extreme right comes out against trying to save lives."

Hurricane Exposes Consequences of Kicking Transportation Can Down The Road

Chairman Wisniewski: "From a transportation policy standpoint, New Jersey has been kicking the can down the road for years. On a day like this, we can glimpse how those policies play out. When you cut back so much that you don't have enough staff to regularly clean all the catch basins, you're going to get flooding. When doors on trains won't close because the weather's too hot or too cold, it means you're only spending enough to get by. Things could be a lot better, but right now our transportation policy is just getting by."
Kris Kolluri: With a new round of investment, we would have an opportunity to not just fix our existing bridges and roads but advance “design-ready” projects that can make America more competitive. Design ready is the phase before shovel ready, and it is where the creativity and innovation of the U.S. civil engineering community can be tapped. Today, transportation agencies around the country are planning for critically important infrastructure projects but lack the funding to advance them to the design phase. Whether the goal is to design a new tunnel, bridge, high-speed rail system or airport runway, these projects are about enabling American competitiveness, economic growth and, ultimately, the creation of jobs for a variety of workers.

New Jersey revenue figures closer to Democrats' estimates

Star Ledger: Final revenue figures for last year’s budget were more in line with Democratic projections than those used by Gov. Chris Christie, according to an Office of Legislative Services memo obtained by The Star-Ledger. The competing revenue estimates were a key budget dispute between Democratic lawmakers and Christie this past June. Democrats wanted to use higher revenue estimates offered by the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services to increase funding for social service programs and education, along with property tax relief.
Senator Sarlo: “It’s clear to everyone now what we knew months ago – that the governor’s revenue projections were inaccurate and that the Democratic budget plan was based on solid footing. New Jersey residents can clearly see that the governor’s right-wing ideology is blinding him to the economic realities in front of his eyes. We could have had a budget that prioritized middle-class property tax relief, aid to suburban schools, investments in high-tech industries to create jobs and restored senior rebate programs. Instead, we’re left with a budget that protects only the richest people in the state while leaving everyone else out in the cold.”

Women Mark Their Progress

Philadelphia Inquirer: N.J. women politicians mark their progress in Legislature.
You can see more photos from the NJDSC Women's Equality Event at the Bray.

Judge dismisses Tea Party suit over new legislative map

New Jersey Newsroom: N.J. judge tosses Bayshore Tea Party lawsuit challenging new state legislative district map.
PolitickerNJ: A Superior Court Judge dismissed all 10 counts in a complaint filed by a Tea Party group hoping to invalidate the recently adopted legislative map. Judge Linda Feinberg ruled that the group did not make its case that the map was unconstitutional.
Star Ledger: In an 80-page opinion, Feinberg wrote the group's method of calculating the population of legislative districts, which they used to show South Jersey districts were overpopulated compared to northern districts, was "flawed." "Quite simply, the formula is mathematically incorrect," she said. The 1.3 percent population difference between the northern and southern districts, she said, is "nowhere near that needed to support a cognizable legal claim for voter dilution." And on the question of splitting counties, Feinberg wrote "suffice it to say here that the New Jersey Supreme Court has made clear that splitting counties is no longer a basis to invalidate a map."
Chairman Wisniewski: “We commend the court’s decision to dismiss the Tea Party’s litigation over the current map. Not a single count in the Tea Party’s complaint was found to have merit and rightfully so. The map adopted during Legislative apportionment is fair, constitutional, and the product of unprecedented public input. We are proud of the opportunities provided for the public to have their voice heard during the process.”

Attempt To Fix Something That Isn't Broken Should Alarm Anyone Who Believes In The Rule Of Law

Press of Atlantic City: In an attempt to fix something that isn't broken, Gov. Chris Christie's administration in March proposed a rule that would give the state Department of Environmental Protection wide discretion to waive environmental regulations. The rule would allow individuals, municipalities, developers and other businesses to ask for waivers from regulations under four conditions: if a regulation conflicted with other state or federal rules, if there is a public emergency, if there would be a "net environmental benefit" or if a rule is considered "unduly burdensome." The vagueness of that last phrase sounded alarms among environmentalists. It should also be alarming to anyone who believes in the rule of law.

Congressional Corner

Senators Lautenberg and Menendez released the response they received to a June 15 letter sent to Attorney General Holder urging the Justice Department to “do everything in [its] power to obtain information regarding and hold responsible the parties accountable for the bombing of Pan Am 103 and other terrorist acts perpetrated by Libyan officials,” including pursuing former Libyan officials that may have crucial information about Qaddafi’s terrorist activities. The Justice Department acknowledged in its letter that “other individuals responsible for the murders may have escaped prosecution” and noted that media reports have indicated that former Libyan justice minister Mustapha Abdel-Jalil has claimed to have documents and other evidence implicating Qaddafi directly. Senators Menendez and Lautenberg have also urged the Administration to press the TNC for access to other Libyan officials, including former Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa.
Congressman Andrews shared with some Campbell Soup employees his views on jump-starting a sour economy. Andrews' suggestion to ramp up tax credits for companies that create jobs was also relevant. In February, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved $41.2 million in tax credits to Campbell Soup over 20 years for investing $52 million in an upgrade of its world headquarters.
Two days after Hurricane Irene’s passage, Rutgers University received an anxiously awaited $587,190 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that will fund studies on the impact of storm water in coastal areas and the threat of sea level rise, Congressman Pallone announced.
Congressman Holt is worried that complacency and lack of funds weaken U.S. defense against bioterrorism, "I'm not real confident that our investigative or our preventive agencies are prepared for—in fact I'm pretty sure they're not prepared for—the next bioterrorism attack," said Holt.
Congressman Payne was part of a visiting Congressional delegation that toured Butaro Hospital, in Burera District Rwanda.
Congressman Holt praised President Barack Obama's nomination of Princeton professor Alan Krueger to chair the White House Council of Economic Advisers, “I know Alan Krueger to be one of the best informed and most thoughtful economists in the country. I look forward to seeing the results of the new perspective and ideas that he will bring to the White House.”

Under the Dome

New Jersey Newsroom: N.J. Assemblymen Wisniewski, Pallone call for $1M in state aid to halt flooding by South River.
Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle discussed the need for the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights on PIX 11 Morning Show. (Video)
Assemblyman Schaer said Christie has failed to provide new employment opportunities: "But to take credit for people’s unemployment without creating a meaningful job where they can go to suggests that he’s only won half the battle."

Senator Beach, Assemblyman Greenwald and Assemblywoman Lampitt announced they will host a job fair for area residents. This event will bring together a diverse mix of local employers looking to hire, as well as helpful state services for unemployed individuals and struggling families on September 8, 2011 from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the Cherry Hill Community Center at 820 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, 08002.
Senator Norcross, Assemblyman Fuentes, and Assemblyman Wilson were on hand to support the United Way of Camden County and the Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church of Camden City as they distributed school supplies at their back-to-school giveaway event.
Assemblyman Coutinho will be honored with a Legislator of the Year Award in September by the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce.
Assemblyman Diegnan said that NJTV was missing in action when it came to coverage of Hurricane Irene and called for the state to revisit the contract to ensure adequate coverage for future emergencies. Assemblyman Burzichelli also questioned the lack of coverage and said, "At a time when New Jerseyans needed to have a focus on New Jersey, we had to rely on New York and Philadelphia to fit us in where it was convenient for them."
A bipartisan measure to help small businesses establish and flourish by cutting through red tape when applying for financial assistance has been signed into law.
A new piece of legislation seeks to send extra cash to municipalities that are home to State Police barracks and state-owned safety buildings.
A recent announcement by the NJSIAA that all state sectional championship games in football would be played at neutral sites in 2011 raised the ire of Assemblyman Burzichelli, who attacked the move as an attempt by the association to circumvent a law he wrote limiting what the association is permitted to charge at its state tournament and championship events.
Senator Whelan put out a list of items for the "Stuff The Bus" program school supplies donation drive.
Assemblyman DeAngelo spoke with Blue Jersey for their focus series about a variety of issues. (Video 1) (Video 2)
New Jersey’s newborns are now the first in the nation required to have a painless test to ensure they don’t have serious heart defects. The Newborn Screening for Congenital Heart Defects law went into effect Wednesday requiring hospitals and birth centers throughout New Jersey to test the blood oxygen level of all new infants before they go home.
Assemblywomen Vainieri Huttle and Wagner issued a multimedia package on their law repealing obsolete and derogatory state statutes pertaining to the status of women.

Upcoming Events

September 4
Vella For Senate FAMILY FUN DAY At Monmouth Race Track
Gates open at 11:30 am
First race at 12:50 pm
$30/pp campaign contribution and entrance to park. Children 12 and under are free

September 5
The Democratic 24th Campaign Committee Labor Day Rally
10:00am- 12:00pm
‘On the Square’ , Newton, NJ
Meet our candidates-Ed Selby for State Senate, Leslie Huhn and Jim Nye for General Assembly
Special guest speakers will include: Carol Gay, President of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council; Mike Kruczek, President of the Warren County Education Association; and New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader, Joe Cryan.

September 7
LD 14 Campaign Office Opening
5:30-8:00 PM
LD14 HQ, 1970 Route 33, Hamilton

Freeholder Terry Duffy Beefsteak
Brownstone, Paterson
Details to follow

September 8
Middlesex County Democratic Organization Fall Cocktail Reception
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Novita Restaurant Bistro & Grill, 25 New Street, Metuchen
$1,000/pp
Contact Everett Falt at (732)-906-3680 or efalt@mcdonj.org

9-11 Memorial Service -10th Anniversary
Passaic County Public Safety Academy, 300 Oldham Road, Wayne
7:00 PM

Bound Brook Campaign Kick-off for 23rd District and Bound Brook Candidates
889 E Meadow Drive, Bound Brook
6:00pm

September 9
Remembering 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
NY Susquehanna Railroad Plaza, Ward St., Paterson
8:00am

Haledon 9-11 Memorial Service 10th Anniversary
Braen Memorial Park, Roe Street, Haledon
7:00pm

September 10
Assemblywoman Elease Evans 4th Annual Community Recognition Breakfast
Brownstone, Paterson
$60/pp

September 11
Woodland Park 9/11 10th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
Location TBD
8:30am

9/11 Memorial Service City of Clifton
Clifton City Hall, Clifton Ave., Clifton
6:00pm

Borough of Prospect Park Community Service of Remembrance & Prayer
Remembering the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Candle Light vigil & Freedom Walk
Hofstra Park (Struyk Ave.) to Municipal Building, Prospect Park
6:30pm

Edison 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Papaianni Park, Edison
10:30 AM

Old Bridge 9/11 Memorial event
Old Bridge Waterfront Park, Laurence Harbor
6:30pm

East Brunswick 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
East Brunswick Municipal Complex, Ryders Lane, East Brunswick
6:30pm
Contact Info: (732) 390-6797

September 12
Old Bridge 9/11 Memorial Service
Municipal Complex, Old Bridge
10:00-11:00 AM

Fundraiser for Senator Linda Greenstein
Trenton Marriott, 1 W Lafayette St, Trenton
8:00-10:00 PM

September 14
Fundraiser for Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo
Rat’s at Grounds for Sculpture, 17 Fairgrounds Way, Hamilton
5:30-7:30 PM
$500/pp
RSVP: lizmeyersnj@gmail.com

Senator Joe Vitale’s Charity Softball Game
Warren Park, Florida Grove Road, Woodbridge
7:30 PM
$5/pp, make checks payable to “Habitat for Humanity”
Info: 732-636-4040

Passaic County Freeholder Candidate Theodore TJ Best, Jr.
Cocktail Reception
Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse, Paterson
$150/pp
6:00pm-8:00pm

September 15
Honorable Jeff Jones Annual Mayor’s Ball – Black Tie
Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson
6:00pm-11:00pm
Contact Info: call 973-816-8300 or 973-816-8305
$125/pp

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver “Road to Victory” Reception
Nanina’s in the Park, 540 Mill St., Belleville
6:00pm-9:00pm

September 19
2011 MCDO Campaign Kick Off Dinner Rally
The Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27, Edison
Special Guest Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy
$40/pp
Contact Everett Falt at (732)-906-3680 or efalt@mcdonj.org

Assembly Candidate Sandi Lazzara “Kickoff to Victory” Cocktail Reception
Master of Ceremonies: Chairman John Currie
Location: Brownstone, Paterson
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Cost: $75 per person

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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

Saturday, August 27, 2011

The NJDSC Week In Review For August 26, 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:

Extreme Weather Warning

A state of emergency has been declared ahead of Hurricane Irene. For more information on hurricane preparedness, you can click here.
American Red Cross' hurricane safety checklist, a quick and practical guide
Ready.gov has more information on how you can protect your family and property from the hurricane.
Star Ledger: Hurricane Irene survival guide: How to prepare, what to do, other useful tips.
The National Hurricane Center continues to be the official source for Hurricane Irene forecasts and updates, which you can find at www.hurricanes.gov.
Senator Menendez has put up a Hurricane Irene resource center.
NJ Transit rail service will be suspended beginning noon Saturday. All NJ Transit bus service, light rail and access link service will be suspended starting Saturday at 6 p.m.
Senator Menendez and Congressman Pascrell met with local officials from Passaic County and Pompton Lakes to survey preparations for the hurricane.
How to keep pets safe during a hurricane.NJ pets welcome at hurricane evacuation centers.

Celebrating Women's Equality: The 91st Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

Over 90 people attended the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's 3rd Annual Women's Equality Event in Montclair. Chairman Wisniewski, Congressman Pallone and Congressman Holt joined special guest Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and honorees included County Chairs Charlotte DeFilippo, Liz Muoio, Peg Schaffer and Lois Zarish.
Chairman Wisniewski: “Today we celebrate the 91st anniversary of the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote. The lessons of history are unfortunately too easily forgotten. The struggle for equality did not end 91 years ago, but continues on to this day. Women are not only entitled to the right to vote, but equal pay for equal work and to be treated with dignity and respect. It is a struggle we all need to associate ourselves with and work for its success.”
Congressman Rothman: This Women’s Equality Day, I encourage all Americans to reflect on the real progress we have made, and to recommit to the goal of achieving full equality for every member of our society.
MsMagazine: Top Ten Historic Advances for Women Now at Risk.

NJDSC Hosts Ramadan Iftar

Over 100 people attended the first NJDSC Ramadan Iftar, which was held at Istanbul restaurant in North Brunswick. The dinner was an opportunity for friends, neighbors and colleagues to share traditions and come together as a community. Elected officials in attendance included Prospect Park Mayor Mohammad Khairullah, Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith, Essex County Freeholder D. Bilal Beasley, Princeton School Board member Afsheen Shamsi, North Brunswick Councilwoman Cathy Nicola and former East Orange Councilman Jimmy Small.

The Next Step to Providing Healthcare

A bill which would create the New Jersey Health Care Reform Implementation Council in order to position the State to comply with new rules and regulations and reap additional federal assistance from national health care reform was approved by the Senate by a vote of 22-17.
Chairman Wisniewski: “The single biggest domestic challenge facing America today is the escalating cost of health care. Many of us who understand this challenge supported President Obama and Congress in their enactment of the federal Affordable Care Act. The New Jersey Health Care Reform Implementation Council is the next step in the process of providing coverage for New Jersey residents. This council will help develop a marketplace to promote competition among health insurance companies and provide consumers with the opportunity to purchase the best plan at the best price. Not only will this benefit New Jersey by increasing access to affordable health care, but it will help reduce treatment disparities, control costs, and improve the affordability, quality and effectiveness of health care.” 
Senator Weinberg: “The federal health care reform law has the potential to dramatically reshape the administration of health care in this country and ensure that all people have access to decent, affordable health care. We have a responsibility to cooperate and comply with the federal law, and we have an opportunity to leverage the expertise of our residents to achieve increased federal financial aid for the working poor and uninsured. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by.”
According to a report by the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy, implementing this milestone healthcare program will decrease the number of uninsured New Jersey residents by 14.5% by extending health insurance to 440,000 New Jerseyans. You can view the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy report here.

Remembering John Adler

Courier Post: Adler family establishes memorial fund for Veterans' Affairs at Harvard's Kennedy School.
Burlington County Times: Family of late congressman establishes memorial fund for veterans' affairs.
The John Adler Memorial Suited Up and Ready To Go Drive.
Senator John Kerry at Huffington Post - Remembering John Adler: "But there's something more I keep thinking about when I remember John. And that's the urgency his life and his death underscore for all of us in politics, which is that because you never know when it's going to end, you better spend every day leaving behind something you're proud of. The word legacy is almost too high fallutin.' It's simpler than that. It's just about being a good public servant and trying to get something good done, no matter how bitter or difficult the times. John did that. He never let any grass grow under his feet. He wasn't just a young man in a hurry, he knew where he was going -- he knew what he wanted to get done for people, and people respected that about him which is why he was the first Democrat elected to represent his traditionally Republican congressional district in New Jersey since the late 19th century."

Christie and Republicans Turning New Jersey into the Giveaway State

Star Ledger Editorial: New Jersey was becoming the Giveaway State. We punted unprecedented billions in federal funds for the ARC Tunnel, which the governor killed. We blew hundreds of millions of dollars with a botched Race To The Top application. We lost millions more targeted for charter schools. And, for a while, we had a giveaway mole in our midst – Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen tried to ship $450 million, intended for electrical upgrades (among other things) on the Northeast Corridor Line, to the Midwest for flood relief. Imagine that: Money slated for New Jersey, intended to help the state’s working stiffs get to their jobs, nearly sabotaged by a Congressman from New Jersey.

Christie's Negativity Rating Jumps 21%

PolitickerNJ: More New Jersey registered voters say their opinion of Gov. Gov. Chris Christie has worsened than improved since he took office, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released today, in which 45% of voters have a favorable impression of the governor, compared to 47% who say they feel unfavorable.
Star Ledger: Opinions of Gov. Chris Christie have "gotten worse" since he took office, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released today. Of those polled, a plurality, 38 percent, said their opinion of the governor have slipped since he took office in January 2009.
The Bray: Christie's Negativity drops 21 points.
New Jersey Newsroom: Gov. Christie's voter appeal dropping faster.

Investigation Expands into the Elizabeth School Board

Star Ledger Investigation: Elizabeth school officials' kids don't pay full meal costs, records show.
In a letter to federal and state officials, State Senator Lesniak, Assembly Majority Leader Cryan and Assemblywoman Quijano requested an investigation into the alleged abuses of the national school lunch program operating within the Elizabeth School District.‎
Star Ledger: The state attorney general has opened a criminal investigation into allegations that three Elizabeth school officials abused a taxpayer-subsidized lunch program, sources briefed on the matter said Wednesday. Officials of the embattled school district and the state Department of Agriculture, which oversees the federal program, confirmed they had received subpoenas seeking records on who receives free or reduced-price lunches. The investigation was prompted by an article in The Sunday Star-Ledger that said the president of the Elizabeth Board of Education, a school principal and the head of custodians signed their children up for the lunches even though they earn too much money to qualify.

Christie's Toll Hike - Not The Fix We Need

NBC New York - Port Authority Toll Hikes Not the Fix we need: When gamblers pay off members of a team to control the score, it’s called a fix. Now the question for commuters from New York and New Jersey is: when the Port Authority raised the tolls on bridges and tunnels, was the fix in? There’s a suspicion in some quarters that it was.
New Jersey Newsroom on Christie toll hikes: He keeps shifting the burden to commuters — not all commuters just some of them. He had no problem w/ NJ Transit fare hikes last year & he no problem w/ Parkway & Turnpike toll hikes that go into effect in a few months. And now he has no problem with letting the trans Hudson commuters pay more. Is such a policy fair? Hardly.
Senator Lautenberg: "This is just the latest assault in Governor Christie’s war against New Jersey commuters. Make no mistake, these toll hikes are a tax on commuters that will disproportionately hurt New Jerseyans."

Kids In New Jersey Aren't Better Off Under Christie And Republican Policies, They're Poorer

Star Ledger: "The typical poor family is a single mother with children, working a low-wage job. Gov. Chris Christie has only made their lot harder. Last year, he took $45 million from the meager paychecks of the poor by reducing the earned income tax credit. This year, Democrats voted to restore that money. But Christie vetoed that restoration. What sense does that make? As the governor pushes to improve student outcomes in inner-city schools, he’s simultaneously undercutting these kids at home. Children who are hungry, who move around a lot because of struggles to find housing or jobs, don’t do well in school. Parents who grapple with unemployment are distracted and depressed."