New Jersey

Stomping Grounds: Covid report, Menendez, TikTok, and OPRA – New Jersey Globe

Published

2 months ago

March 18, 2024

Stomping Grounds: Covid report, Menendez, TikTok, and OPRA – New Jersey Globe

New Jerseyans aren’t always civil, but it’s still possible for a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican to have a rational and pleasant conversation about politics in the state. Dan Bryan is a former senior advisor to Gov. Phil Murphy and is now the owner of his own public affairs firm, and chief strategist for Tammy Murphy’s Senate campaign, and Alex Wilkes is an attorney and former executive director of America Rising PAC who advises Republican candidates in New Jersey and across the nation, including the New Jersey GOP. Dan and Alex are both experienced strategists who are currently in the room where high-level decisions are made. They will get together weekly with New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein to discuss politics and issues.

An independent report on New Jersey’s handling of the pandemic said that neither the state nor the federal government had an executable plan in place to handle the crisis and said New Jersey remains unready for another emergency. There are 33 recommendations in the report. Does this need to become a top-tier priority for the final year and a half of the Murphy administration? And how closely should the governor’s office work with the legislature and local officials on this project?

Alex Wilkes: This COVID report is essentially the document dump the Murphy Administration didn’t want anyone to see before the November elections in yet another calculated move to deprive voters of all the facts when making important decisions (Remember Ørsted, anyone?).

The proof of Murphy’s failures is in the number of people who met an untimely death as a result of the administration’s ineptitude – particularly as compared to similarly situated states, like Florida. Don’t take my word for it: look at the damning report from Joe Biden’s Department of Justice that described the despicable and constitutionally deficient conditions our veterans faced in Murphy’s state-run homes.

Murphy learned nothing, and this report will not change that. How do we know? He named a building after the very woman who ignored whistleblowers in her own agency decrying the lack of PPE and protocols that would have kept people alive. They said explicitly: “people will die.” Murphy, in his own arrogance, will never admit that he was wrong then, so how can we expect him to take the appropriate steps going forward?

Dan Bryan: The report essentially showed what we knew all along: the Governor and his Administration did the best they could under extremely difficult circumstances.

We cannot forget the elephant in the room here: every state, including New Jersey, was essentially left to fend for themselves in the face of an unprecedented abdication of duty by Donald Trump’s administration. President Trump was far more concerned with the politics of the pandemic than with the federal government’s response. So what we got was a patchwork of inconsistent advice, resources doled out at a whim, and chaotic public messaging.

Could New Jersey have been better prepared? Of course, the Governor has said so many times himself. But let’s be fair: no one was prepared for this. When the pandemic hit, Governor Murphy and his administration worked tirelessly to save lives and provide sorely-needed leadership. The rest is all politics.

NBC News has reported that Bob Menendez might try to seek re-election as an independent. Even if he’s acquitted, could he really win enough votes to cause Democrats to lose this Senate seat?

Dan: There is an extremely low probability that Senator Menendez makes it to the ballot in November, and an even lower probability that he would affect the general election in any real way.

Put it this way: in 2018, Senator Menendez, having just come off a corruption trial and with upside-down approval ratings, defeated a good self-funding Republican candidate by 12 points. I think we can safely call that the floor, or close to it. So do we think Senator Menendez, with approval ratings in the single digits and under multiple damning indictments, can register double digits in the polls, pulling solely and directly from the Democratic candidate?

It all seems like magical thinking to me. With Donald Trump leading the Republican ballot in a critical Presidential election, no Republican candidate, regardless of how good they are, will come within double digits of the Democratic candidate. Given that, Senator Menendez can certainly make some noise and make his presence felt, but he won’t have any real impact on the outcome of the election. New Jersey voters will send another Democrat to DC to take his place.

Alex: Weirder things have happened. Bob Menendez has nothing left to lose, and I think it’s dangerous to bet on his irrelevance 8 months out. Do I think he can engineer a successful sob story that fashions hiding cash and gold bars under the mattress as some quaint, misunderstood cultural difference? No. He already tried that in the Democratic primary and clearly failed.

Can he make a case that Biden’s Department of Justice unfairly targets its political enemies? Another candidate is doing so very successfully. He’d have to bring the goods to back it up, of course, but the thing people might like even less than Bob Menendez right now is Washington.

I think in the very least it makes it interesting – maybe even significant – particularly if he can use the skeletons he has left after saving his son to really turn New Jersey politics upside down.

We haven’t seen a lot of policy differences between Tammy Murphy and Tammy Kim, but they’re on different sides on banning TikTok from American app stores. In the House, the bill had broad bipartisan support, but here were are, debating it in New Jersey. Is this an issue in the Senate race, or just a one-and-done news story?

Alex: Just looking in the prism of the New Jersey senate race (as opposed to the broader debate), I think this actually is a meaningful point of contention in a contest that presents few policy differences between the candidates.

Tammy Murphy’s angle is one of the “concerned mom,” and there are plenty of suburban, college-educated moms in the Democratic caucus who are concerned about the undue influence social media giants like TikTok have on their kids. They see their kids scrolling like zombies. They see the bullying. They see the safety hazards. They see their teenage girls coming to them with extreme body image concerns and pushing them to buy hundreds of dollars of skin care products from carefully curated product placement among influencers. A lot of them are fed up and feel powerless.

Do I think this wins a primary? Probably not, but it does give Tammy Murphy a leg to stand on.

Dan: Alex is right — parents are seriously concerned not only about how much time their children are spending on social media and how it affects them, but also about their data falling in the wrong hands. I don’t know a single parent *not* concerned about these issues.

It’s important to remember that this bill doesn’t ban TikTok – it bans its current ownership, ByteDance, and gives them six months to find a buyer. If nothing happens, yes, they would be banned from App stores in the United States.

Andy Kim gave Tammy Murphy two gifts on this issue. One, he skipped yet another critical vote, bringing his absenteeism to over 40% in 2024. And two, he stated that he would have opposed the bill, isolating him from the entirety of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation and putting him alongside President Trump and Matt Gaetz. Even Andy Kim’s favorite Senator, John Fetterman, strongly endorsed the bill!

If you follow New Jersey politics on social media, you couldn’t miss the story of the week: a bill to disarm the Open Public Records Act. Did Speaker Craig Coughlin do the right thing by putting the brakes on a controversial, fast-tracked bill? And is this an issue that average, not politically active voters, will care about in June and November 2025?

Dan: I was glad to see the bill held for further revisions and discussions. The Legislature was responsive to voices from the public and advocates, as they should have been.

Alex: First, like the Elections Transparency Act, this thing is only dead until it isn’t.

Democrats have ruthlessly been consolidating their power over the last few years, and they are just waiting for the right time to resurrect it. My bet is on some warm weekend where legislators and reporters want to be down the shore and hanging out in open state parks – not stuck in Trenton.

Second, unless there are consequences for voting for it, this will not become a marquee issue for voters in upcoming elections. We know that won’t happen, so the Globe and everyone else can go ahead and pre-write their obituary for the upcoming death of OPRA.

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New Jersey

The State We’re In: Saving money, helping the climate, aiding justice (New Jersey Conservation Foundation column)

Published

5 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Press Room

The State We’re In: Saving money, helping the climate, aiding justice (New Jersey Conservation Foundation column)

Interested in saving money on home energy bills? How about helping to fight climate change by reducing your carbon footprint? Or ensuring that the New Jersey communities most affected by environmental pollution get justice and help?

If so, the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 may have something to offer you – and your larger community.

A recent panel discussion moderated by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters highlighted the many ways funding through the Inflation Reduction Act can be accessed by low- and middle-income families, along with community groups, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and local governments.

“This is the biggest and boldest investment in our nation’s history – ever – that is taking action on climate change,” said Ed Potosnak, executive director of the NJ League of Conservation Voters. The law is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030, positioning the United States to meet climate goals while investing in the economy.

The “Affordable Clean Energy Plan” within the IRA works by creating financial incentives for individuals and community organizations to invest in greener choices – whether it’s a family switching to a geothermal home heating system, or a school interested in moving to electric school buses.

“The IRA is paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient future, and it demonstrates that environmental policy can be a win-win for both our wallets and the planet,” said Potosnak.

At the same time, funding through the IRA’s “Thriving Communities Program” is advancing environmental justice for underserved and overburdened communities.

Thriving Communities grants are available for projects aimed at preventing and remediating pollution, improving climate adaptation and resilience, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and improving public health. Grants will also help train workers from disadvantaged communities for well-paying jobs in fields related to the environment and climate.

Consumer Incentives

The consumer clean energy incentives come through a combination of tax credits, rebates, and lower energy bills due to improved efficiency.

Millions of New Jerseyans are already eligible for tax credits, which make it more affordable to purchase an electric vehicle, install clean energy home heating systems, weatherize homes, and upgrade to high efficiency appliances. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar amount taxpayers can claim on their tax returns to reduce the income tax they owe or increase their refunds.

Rebates are not yet available in New Jersey, but the system is expected to be up and running by late 2024 or early 2025. Rebates differ from tax credits in that they will be given immediately, with no need to wait until tax returns are filed.

Here are some of the tax credits currently available under the program:

Up to $7,500 on a new electric vehicle, up to $4,000 on a used electric vehicle, and up to $1,000 on an electric vehicle charger.
A 30 percent tax credit on the cost of installing clean home energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, battery storage systems, and small wind turbines.
Up to $3,200 for weatherization home improvements to save energy. These include a home energy audit, new exterior doors and windows, insulation, and an upgraded electrical panel.
Up to $2,000 off a heat pump water heater.

Want to know if you’re eligible for these incentives? Go to https://homes.rewiringamerica.org/calculator and fill in information about your ZIP code, household income, and the types of improvement projects you’d like. The calculator will provide detailed information about currently available tax credits, and rebates and upfront discounts that are expected to go into effect soon.

Environmental Justice

The panel discussion also outlined the ways IRA programs can help communities reduce pollution and become healthier. Jordana Vanderselt, director of operations for the organization WeAct for Environmental Justice, noted that 40 percent of the overall benefits of IRA must flow to marginalized, underserved or overburdened communities. WeAct has been designated as the regional hub for New Jersey and New York.

WeAct doesn’t carry out projects itself, but acts as a resource to help community groups find out what grants are available through the IRA, how to apply for them, how to design projects, how to develop partnerships with other organizations, how to engage the public and interact with local government, and how to manage grants and projects.

IRA funding is available for many kinds of initiatives, including building community gardens in urban areas, planting shade trees in cities to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality, and turning parking lots into “pooling zones” to reduce flooding. All projects have a workforce development component, with training available to provide community members with the knowledge and experience to find well-paying jobs.

Could your community benefit from the Thriving Communities Program funding? Visit www.weact.org/tctac/training to find out more.

New Jersey is a state that is experiencing many impacts from environmental pollution and climate change. What’s more, not all communities are experiencing impacts equally. The IRA programs offer New Jersey a chance to reduce greenhouse gases, lower consumer energy bills, and help marginalized communities get the justice they deserve!

To review a recording of the NJ League of Conservation Voters’ panel discussion, go to https://youtu.be/Hp4POr0rEzg. New Jersey Conservation Foundation is pleased to have been a co-sponsor of the webinar.

And for information about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org.

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New Jersey

Waffles, a spa and anime toys at American Dream: Check out North Jersey’s new businesses

Published

12 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Press Room

Waffles, a spa and anime toys at American Dream: Check out North Jersey’s new businesses

NorthJersey.com, the Daily Record and the New Jersey Herald want to keep you up to date on all the newest shops, restaurants and service providers moving into your towns. Below is a roundup of businesses that recently opened or are coming soon.

Are you opening a business in North Jersey? Get the word out to your neighbors as soon as possible. Send us your information and photos and we will try to add them to our next new-business roundup.

We’re also interested in reporting business closings. Have a tip? Contact Business Reporter Daniel Munoz at munozd@northjersey.com, or 201-270-9870.

Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles, American Dream, East Rutherford

The company behind collectible brands and toys like Tamagotchi and Anime Heroes has toys and products for sale from popular shows like “Dragon Ball,” “One Piece,” “Gundam,” “Naruto” and “Demon Slayer.” Photo opportunities available with full-sized statues at the front of the store.

WHERE: Court G, Level 1, American Dream mall, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford

WHEN: Ribbon-cutting May 31. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit https://www.americandream.com/ or https://www.bandai.com/

Salus Per Aquam Spa, Randolph

Skin care and massage services, including skin analysis, anatomy, facial massages, waxing and skin alterations.

“Over the years, with our team of highly trained and knowledgeable professionals, we have honed expertise with a wide range of cutting-edge techniques and treatments,” said the owner, Ana Monica Gastón.

WHERE: 140 Route 10 West, Randolph

WHEN: By appointment only.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 862-244-9900, email support@aquamhealth.com or visit https://salusperaquamspa.com/

Waffles & Dreams, Fairfield

Offering waffles, sweet and savory crepes, smoothies, shakes, pasties and grab and go options.

WHERE: 653 Route 46 West, Fairfield

WHEN: Grand opening is June 8. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the website at https://wafflesanddreamsnj.com/ or the Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/wafflesanddreamsnj/

Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record.

Email: munozd@northjersey.com; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook

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New Jersey

New Jersey Democratic Senate Primary Debate is tonight on WBGO

Published

20 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

New Jersey Democratic Senate Primary Debate is tonight on WBGO

WBGO is running a re-broadcast of the New Jersey Democratic Senate Primary Debate tonight at 11pm.

Three Democrats running to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate squared off in a live primary debate hosted by the ACLU of New Jersey, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, and Salvation and Social Justice, in partnership with WNYC/New Jersey Public Radio, on Monday, May 13, at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC).

The debate was free and open to the public; registration is required.

Candidates Patricia Campos-Medina, Larry Hamm, and Andy Kim participated in a debate moderated by WNYC’s Morning Edition host and WBGO’s Newark Today host Michael Hill.

The NJ Democratic Primary takes place on June 4, 2024.

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