The NJDSC Week In Review for May 17, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Senator Buono Fires up the NJDSC Conference

Christie Uses Taxpayer Funds to Promote Himself While Running for Re-Election

  • On Wednesday, a television advertisement funded using federal Sandy relief aid began airing on network television.  The ad features Governor Chris Christie and his family. Democrats rightly took issue with Christie use of taxpayer funds to promote himself during a re-election year.
  • NJDSC Chairman John Wisniewski said, “I am shocked that Governor Christie would use $25 million in federal Sandy Relief money to fund an ad campaign starring himself and his family during an election year.  First, New Jersey Shore’s families and businesses should not be used as props for Christie’s re-election campaign.  Second, New Jersey’s election laws prohibit spending public money in this fashion within ninety (90) days of an election. 
    Christie’s appearance in these ads is wrong and potentially violates the law.  The Democratic State Committee is exploring the possibility of filing suit with regard to this abuse of taxpayer money. This is just one more example of how Chris Christie doesn’t think the rules apply to him.”
  • Senator Barbara Buono said, "let's be clear—the hard-working and resilient people who have rebuilt their businesses and homes after Sandy should have been the star of these ads. That Governor Christie would allow $25 million in federally-funded ads to feature him in the middle of an election year is both supremely arrogant and wildly inappropriate."
  • Danny Kanner, a spokesman for the Democratic Governors Association said, "“As property taxes skyrocket and New Jersey’s unemployment rate stagnates well above the national average, Chris Christie is starring in taxpayer-funded campaign ads under the guise of a Sandy tourism campaig.  Chris Christie loves to promote a ‘New Jersey Comeback’ that never happened, but his use of Sandy recovery dollars to promote his own reelection campaign is nothing short of shameless.”
  • Christie may also be violating the equal time rule of the FCC by "co-hosting" an hour of the Today Show.  Under FCC rules, broadcasters must afford equal airtime to all legally qualified candidates in an election.  This means Christie's Republican primary opponent may request the opportunity for equal broadcast time from NBC.

Christie's Not A Moderate

  • The Nation's John Nichols http://www.thenation.com/article/174352/chris-christie-gop-moderate-fuhgeddaboudit#ixzz2TTbOvn4G">writes, "it’s easy to lose sight of where Christie is really coming from—unless you look at his record. Christie is no moderate. He’s a social conservative who opposes reproductive rights, has defunded Planned Parenthood and has repeatedly rejected attempts to restore state funding for family planning centers. He has vetoed money for clinics that provide health screenings for women, including mammograms and pap smears. He vetoed marriage equality."

The Ed Boards Pan Christie

More than 400,000 New Jersey workers would benefit from raising the minimum wage

Under the Dome

  • Senator Richard Codey has proposed raising New Jersey's tobacco purchase age from 19 years old to 21 years old.
  • The Assembly will vote on 4 gun violence bills on Monday.  If the vote passes, they will be the first pieces of gun legislation to head to the governor's desk since the Newtown shootings happened.
  • Senator Linda Greenstein's legislation to ensure New Jersey’s first responders receive medical care and compensation for conditions resulting from their actions in the line of duty, particularly medical conditions that may not manifest until long after the event, was approved by the full Senate.
  • Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle's legislation to require the state to demonstrate any privatization attempt would not rely on increasing fees or cutting services to save money was passed by the Assembly Labor Committee.

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez voted today to approve Gina McCarthy's nomination as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  With approval by the Committee, the nomination now moves to a full Senate vote.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarding of $30.6 million in federal Sandy relief to begin beach replenishment on Long Beach Island.
  • Senator Bob Menendez introduced the Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty Embassy Security and Personnel Protection Act of 2013 to prevent future attacks on U.S. diplomatic posts.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews introduced legislation that will help students choose the right college.  The legislation would require that a wide range of easy to understand data be readily available when students begin their college search, such as school graduation rates, average student loan debt, and student success in finding work upon graduation.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone announced $3,326,048 in new funding to help community health centers provide in-person enrollment assistance to uninsured individuals in New Jersey.  This funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will help uninsured New Jerseyans enroll in new health insurance coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell issued a statement on news that the Department of Justice has been monitoring Associated Press phone lines, saying, "The press has an incredibly important role to play in a free society by helping to hold our government accountable to the American people, and intimidation like this can have a chilling effect on their ability to do their jobs.  These allegations, if proven to be true, cast an incredibly dark cloud over this Administration and its commitment to one of our most cherished American values: freedom of the press."

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for May 10, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Thank You, Chairman John Wisniewski

  • On Wednesday, Chairman Wisniewski announced that after serving 3.5 years as chairman of the state Democratic Party, he will not seek another term when his term ends in June. In a letter to supporters, he wrote:

My time leading the state committee has been both challenging and rewarding.  When I took the helm, we had just come through a disappointing loss of the Governor’s office.  Our party was in debt and we faced an energetic and ambitious Republican Party who saw an opportunity to make electoral gains under the leadership of their new governor.   I’m proud to say that, despite their hopes, our Democratic Party is strong and remains the party that best represents the values of New Jersey’s residents. With a record of success, and the pieces in place for another victory this November, the time is right to pass the torch. 

You Shouldn't Miss It!

The 2013 Gubernatorial Campaign

Property Taxes Are Up Under Christie

More Bad News For the Christie Administration

Another Week, Another State That Isn't New Jersey Gets Marriage Equality

Christie Vetoes Don't Make Sense

  • Governor Christie vetoed legislation this week to allow a 2 week early voting period in New Jersey.  The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Senator Nia Gill, was in response to the difficulty accessing polling locations that many voters had after Superstorm Sandy. Wisniewski said, "There is no more precious a right than our right to vote. It is the foundation of any democracy.  In vetoing early voting for New Jersey citizens, Gov. Christie has turned his back on one of the lessons of Hurricane Sandy and the difficulties faced by hard-working people trying to balance work and family life with the responsibilities of citizenship. Thirty two states and the District of Columbia have taken this simple and responsible step to encourage voter participation. There is no legitimate reason why New Jersey could not have done the same."
  • Governor Christie also vetoed legislation to set training standards for all first responders and regulate how emergency medical services are provided. Assemblyman Herb Conaway, the primary sponsor of the legislation, said he was “disappointed that the Governor has again vetoed common-sense reforms that would modernize the delivery of EMS services in our state. This legislation is the product of a comprehensive study of New Jersey's EMS system that was released in 2007. Since then, New Jersey residents have been waiting for much needed reform."
  • AND- Christie vetoed legislation to allow the State Legislature to have oversight regarding Christie's sale of the state lottery to a private company.  The Home News Tribune asks, "if he is convinced that the 15-year contract to operate the lottery’s sales and marketing functions — awarded last month to a joint venture called Northstar New Jersey, the only company to bid for the contract — is such a good deal for the state, why not allow the Legislature to sign off on it? Is he worried that Democratic leaders will balk just for the sake of balking? Or is this just arrogance flaring up, as if no one should dare question his judgment."

There's Nothing Funny About Christie's Record

  • One New Jersey has a new ad acknowledging that Governor Christie can be pretty funny on TV, but when it comes to his three years in office, there isn't much to laugh about. 
  • Christie is pushing to remove examination and competition requirements for hiring civil servants, opening up civil service jobs to cronyism and potential corruption.  A single hearing to discuss his proposed changes was held during a weekday in a room that couldn't accomodate half of those who showed up to observe the meeting. Just like the AshBritt contract and his sale of the state lottery, Christie and his administration seem to operate in shadow whenever it suits them.  

Under the Dome

  • Senate President Steve Sweeney joined leaders from the Health Professionals and Allied Employees to call upon Salem County's Memorial Hospital officials to negotiate fairly with the nurses' union.
  • Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver says a new report highlights why Governor Christie was wrong to veto her legislation to raise New Jersey's minimum wage.  A study by Legal Services of New Jersey found that more than 1 million New Jersey workers can't keep up with the state's cost of living. 
  • Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg notes that Governor Christie has failed to attend his own Governor's Conference on Women for the past 3 years.  Unsurprisingly, he's managing to show up during an election year.  
  • Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald congratulated Delaware for becoming the 11th state to make marriage equality a reality.  Greenwald said, "New Jersey continues to fall further behind in providing full equality and justice to LGBT families. This reality is as disappointing as it is unacceptable.
    "To New Jersey's same-sex couples facing terrible and legally enshrined discrimination, I have one simple pledge: we will not rest in the fight to make marriage equality the law of the land in the Garden State.  To the vast majority of New Jersey Republican legislators who are obstructing progress: enough is enough. The far-right ideology of discrimination has no place in our state or in our nation. The time has come to abandon that outdated ideology and stand up for our state's families and fundamental constitutional values by supporting marriage equality."
  • Senator Linda Greenstein's legislation to ensure that New Jersey’s first responders receive medical care and compensation for conditions resulting from their actions in the line of duty, particularly medical conditions that may not manifest until long after the event, was approved by the Senate Labor Committee.
  • Assemblywoman Annette Quijano's legislation to require health insurers to cover ultrasounds or MRIs for women with high risk factors for breast cancer was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
  • Senate Labor Committee Chairman Fred Madden's legislation to close loopholes in how the state directs and deposits penalties recovered from fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits, was approved by the committee.
  • The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee voted to approve legislation from Assemblyman Angel Fuentes that would establish the Neighborhood Scholar Revitalization Pilot Program, in which two and four-year degree holders would settle in poor neighborhoods of Trenton, Camden and Jersey City. After they’ve lived there for two years, the state would give the graduates $7,000 to help pay off their student loans.
  • The New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus (which includes members of the Assembly and Senate) announced its policy agenda in a video released this week.

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced that the New Jersey Department of Human Services will receive $11,535,221 through the federal Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) to help provide crisis counseling and other social services to families in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg introduced legislation designed to keep bigger, heavier trucks off the road.  The bill would apply existing federal truck size and weight limits to the entire National Highway System (NHS).  Currently these restrictions apply only to interstate highways.  Applying the size and weight limits more broadly would improve safety and prevent excessive strain on the nation’s roads, tunnels, and bridges.  
  • Senator Bob Menendez introduced a bill that would allow the U.S. to provide arms, military training and non-lethal aid to the Syrian opposition.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews was among the nine House Democrats at a working dinner with President Obama to discuss a broad range of issues.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone announced that $42.35 million in emergency Hurricane Sandy disaster relief has been designated by the Department of Interior to New Jersey to repair and rebuild parks, refuges and other federal assets damaged by the storm.
  • Congressman Albio Sires introduced legislation that would strengthen building codes and increase public safety. H.R. 1878, The Safe Building Code Incentive Act, provides a financial incentive to states that are proactive in adopting and enforcing nationally recognized model building codes. 
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell held a forum on immigration reform at Paterson's International High School last week.
  • Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. questioned witnesses at a hearing on Boston Bombings this week and stressed the need to maintain adequate funding for Homeland Security Grant Programs to provide first responders the tools, manpower, and communications capabilities they need to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to a disaster.
  • Congressman Rush Holt says he will push for a federal law to implement early voting after Governor Christie vetoed state legislation to do so.

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for May 3, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Chairman Wisniewski on NJTV

Senator Barbara Buono in the News

  • Senator Buono and her gubernatorial campaign were profiled on BuzzFeed.
  • Senator Buono appeared on The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell this week to discuss the bizarre claim in a Christie campaign ad that the governor made people in our state "proud to be from New Jersey." As the senator rightly pointed out, people in this state weren't lacking in Jersey pride before 2009, regardless of what Governor Christie might think.  We are, however, pretty embarassed by his record: 9% or higher unemployment for his entire term, hiring political cronies for everything from the Port Authority to Sandy cleanup, budgets that just don't add up.  With this governor's record, New Jersey should proudly show him the door in November.  

Buono Earns Endorsement

  • This week, Senator Buono was endorsed by the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees.  The union represents 38,000 New Jersey workers.
  • AFSCME Executive Director Sherryl Gordon said, “Barbara Buono has made working families a top priority.  As Governor, she would continue this record and fight for the middle class.”

Star-Ledger Calls Out Christie... Three Times in One Week

  • The Star-Ledger's Tom Moran called out "Christie's towering hypocrisy on climate."  Moran wrote, "When it comes to climate change, he has been monstrously hypocritical: He says precisely the right words, and then does precisely the wrong thing... Christie’s real sin on climate is that he has been raiding huge sums of money from funds earmarked for clean-energy projects, and using the money instead to balance his budget.  He has already grabbed more than $700 million set aside for green projects. And if he gets his way this year, the total will reach a staggering $1 billion.  For perspective, that’s nearly twice the sum towns and schools will save this year from his famous pension reform, which he calls his crowning achievement."

  • The Star-Ledger Editorial Board said Christie's veto "weakens oversight of billions in Sandy aid."  "In essence, he’s asking us to just trust him and his administration to do the right thing. That’s not good enough." They also took a shot at Republican legislators: "Republican legislators have yet to override a Christie veto, so this is all on them. Here’s a thought for those possum-like pols: Christie does not walk on water."

  • The Star-Ledger Editorial Board also hit Christie on his "baseless tantrum" regarding coverage of AshBritt.  "His latest tantrum, though, was too crowded with falsehoods and insults to ignore."

Firms Hired By AshBritt Did WHAT?

Under the Dome

  • Assemblyman John Wisniewski, who serves as Chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, submitted testimony to the the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, HUD and Related Agencies, urging committee members to maintain funding for both the federal-aid highway program and the federal transit program.  He highlighted the importance of the Amtrak Gateway Program.
  • Legislation sponsored by Senators Linda Greenstein and Jim Beach to support military families and ease their transition into New Jersey by allowing qualified military spouses to teach in New Jersey schools while completing additional requirements for teacher certification received final approval in the General Assembly. 
  • Assemblywoman Celeste Riley's legislation to allow New Jersey residents to voluntarily indicate in their driving records that they suffer from diabetes passed the Assembly this week.
  • Legislation sponsored by Senator Fred Madden to extend the work of the New Jersey Epilepsy Task Force for another year and add representation for school nurses was approved by the General Assembly.
  • The Assembly approved legislation from Assemblymen Gordon Johnson, Patrick Diegnan, and Craig Coughlin that would allow psychologists with certain qualifications to write prescriptions. 
  • Senate President Steve Sweeney wrote a guest column for the Star-Ledger outlining the Senate's gun legislation package, calling it "a national model for gun safety."
  • Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver joined with family members from Newtown, CT who lost loved ones in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, as well as New Jerseyans for Safety from Gun Violence, to press for the comprehensive 22-bill package of gun violence prevention measures that the Assembly passed in February.
  • Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg called out Governor Christie as someone "who is as right wing as the Tea Party" in her latest post for Blue Jersey.
  • Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald noted the words of a national law enforcement leader, who has said 10-round ammunition magazines "could save lives." Greenwald is the sponsor of Assembly approved legislation that bans firearm magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition.

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced that local governments in Central Jersey will be receiving more than $9 million from the Federal Emergence Management Agency to reimburse costs incurred in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg applauded the President's nomination of Tom Wheeler to be Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Lautenberg said, "The FCC's commitment to ensuring adequate local news coverage in New Jersey remains a major concern that I will continue to pursue.  Mr. Wheeler's vision to expand broadband services will be critical to families and businesses and I look forward to hearing how he plans to utilize America's innovative spirit and communications infrastructure to improve the economy."
  • Senator Bob Menendez again called for an end to taxpayer-funded subsidies to oil companies, and the Big 5 oil companies announced over $30 billion in first quarter profits this week.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews announced the New Jersey Department of Transportation has received $3.9 million in federal funds that will create jobs replacing the deck, or surface, of the Route 70 westbound bridge over all lanes of Route 38 in Pennsauken, Camden County. Congressman Andrews voted for the funding as part of the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Planning and Construction Fund.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone announced the Army Corps of Engineers’ plans for the Sea Bright to Manasquan beach replenishment project.  Congressman Pallone outlined the scope and timeline of this critical work that will help protect the Shore. 
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell received the Legislator of the Year Award from the National Police Defense Foundation.
  • Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. met with Newark Liberty International Airport Federal Security Director (FSD) Donald Drummer [right], Deputy FSD Tom Carter, Asst. FSD Marcy Donnelly, Asst. FSD Ray Whalen, Deputy Asst. FSD Domenic Imperato, Asst. FSD Jeff Candino, and Lead Terminal Security Manager Verdin Gilles.  Payne expressed concerns about airport security, especially in the wake of sequestration and the Boston bombings. He stressed the need for the airport to implement additional security measures to ensure New Jerseyans are protected against these types of attacks. 
  • Congressman Rush Holt is working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to push for continued federal funding to prevent the increasing epidemic of military suicides.

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for April 26, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Barbara Buono Kicks Off Diner Tour

Buono Stands With 100s of Workers Outside Jersey City Medical Center

Buono Gets Endorsement from Group That Supported Christie in 2009

  • The New Jersey Environmental Federation strongly endorsed Chris Christie in 2009, but now call him a bad steward of the environment.  This week, the group endorsed Senator Barbara Buono for Governor.  Federation Board Chair Janet Tauro said of Buono, “She has a near 100 percent environmental record."

Christie's Lottery Privatization Plan Still Looks Like a Shady Deal

No Love for Chris Christie Here

  • Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network, called out Governor Christie in a guest column for The Times of Trenton, saying the governor's nominees to New Jersey's Supreme Court lack balance and "would make the court a rubber stamp for one political party’s views instead of a co-equal and independent branch of government."
  • The Asbury Park Press said "Christie Misfires on Gun Proposal," calling his proposed legislation "predictably unsatisfying."  The editorial continues:

    "It is, however, indefensible to support stronger background checks without insisting on universal checks. It is shameful to support the ban of one particular rifle — the Barrett .50 caliber — and not demand a more extensive ban on all varieties of assault or military-style weapons. It is inexcusable not to further reduce the maximum size of high-capacity ammunition magazines."

    "On gun control, New Jersey knows better than much of the rest of the country. Christie, we suspect, knows better too. He’s just unwilling to say it."

Star-Ledger: "Bush was among the worst presidents in our history."

Remember all of those Republicans who Voted Against Sandy Aid?

Is Christie's Board of Public Utilities Appointment "Naked Political Cronyism?"

Under the Dome

  • Senate President Steve Sweeney, with Senator Donald Norcross and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, introduced a series of bills designed to protect against gun violence, including a new electronic system for instant background checks that will be a national model for gun safety.
  • Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver criticized Governor Christie's veto of Sandy aid transparency legislation, saying, "Residents devastated by this storm deserve the peace of mind that the billions in federal funds slated for the recovery will be administered efficiently and appropriately."
  • Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg will fight for legislation in the Senate to reduce the maximum capacity of ammunition magazines.
  • Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald says that the Assembly gun legislation, passed in February, "closes dangerous loopholes in our laws while respecting 2nd amendment rights. As a result, gun safety advocates and editorial boards across this state have said the Assembly plan is the most effective option."
  • Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo says that the Christie administration's revenue predictions for online gambling are overly optimistic.  While two independent studies found that the online gaming would bring in about $40 million per year, the Christie administration's estimate is $180 million.  Sarlo says, "I consider the $180 million number to be completely erroneous — it's not a number that has any credibility."
  • Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan, in a guest column for the Star-Ledger, says that Governor Christie's deal to privatize the state lottery needs closer scrutiny.
  • Senate Democrats introduced legislation to overhaul state campaign finance law, closing loopholes and overriding a patchwork of local pay-to-play laws to create one, statewide standard when it comes to political donations for state and local candidates. 
  • The Assembly Budget Committee approved legislation to streamline 5 business incentive programs by combining them into two programs with different economic goals.  The first, the Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant, would focus on creating jobs. The second, the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program, would try to keep jobs in New Jersey.

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced more than $1.4 million in federal disaster relief funding to help New Jersey communities in Atlantic and Passaic counties damaged by Hurricane Irene.  The funding is provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help local economies recover and become more resilient following natural disasters.  This federal funding will help rebuild flood protection infrastructure in Atlantic City that was damaged by Hurricane Irene, and will allow Passaic County to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to restore the region’s economy and make it less vulnerable to future natural disasters.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg will push for restrictions on explosive sales, following the deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon.
  • Senator Bob Menendez praised the passage of the Reducing Flight Delays Act, saying, "When you miss your flights and you miss your connections, you miss business as well." The legislation will provide funding for the Federal Aviation Administration to forgo the furloughs caused by sequestration.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews announced that the White Horse Pike will undergo a $3.8 million repaving project that will create quality construction jobs in South Jersey and make one of our region’s most travelled routes safer and less congested.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone led his fellow Members of Congress in commemorating the anniverary of Armenian Genocide.  He and his colleague, Congressman Michael Grimm, called upon Congress to support the Republic of Armenia.
  • Congressman Albio Sires joined his colleagues at the first hearing conducted by the newly created “Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation.”  This bipartisan committee will meet over a period of six months, and is charged with examining the current role freight transportation plays in the U.S. economy and how the federal government can work to increase the efficiency, safety, and security of our Nation’s freight network. 
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell co-sponsored the 22nd Annual Wallington Earth Day Cleanup.  On April 19, he joined Wallington High School students picking up garbage throughout town and along the banks of the Passaic River.
  • Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. voted to provide FAA funding to prevent staff furloughs.  He said, "Congress stopped some of the bleeding caused by sequestration and passed a bill allowing the FAA to prevent staffing shortages that have caused significant flight delays and air travel disruptions in many of our country’s largest airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport.  Due to sequestration, more than 3,500 flights were delayed this week alone.  The bill will provide the FAA some leeway to resolve the mounting bottlenecks that have crippled our nation’s travel and will facilitate the free flow of commerce that our fragile economy depends on so greatly."
  • Congressman Rush Holt announced that three arts organizations in central New Jersey have received federal grants through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) totaling $54,500.  The grants will support Music for All Seasons in Scotch Plains, as well as The Princeton Festival and The Princeton Symphony Orchestra in Princeton.

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for April 19, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

This was, without doubt, an incredibly trying time for the city of Boston, for Texas, and for the nation.  If you or your family have been affected by these tragedies, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and survivors.

Too Many New Jerseyans Still Out of Work

Senator Barbara Buono in the News

Christie's Out of Step With NJ Voters

Lottery Privatization

More Sketchy Christie Deals

United States Senate Fails On Gun Control

Under the Dome

  • Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Senator Nia Gill, prime sponsors of legislation to bring early voting to New Jersey, were joined by civil rights hero Congressman John Lewis to call upon the governor to sign the legislation.  
  • Senator Raymond Lesniak and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz have introduced a legislative initiative to help parents limit their children’s exposure to violence in the media, helping them counter the pervasive depictions of violent behavior from TV, movies, video games, the Internet and even via cell phones.
  • Assemblyman John Burzichelli expressed deep concern over the elimination of the Survivor Tuition Benefit Program following an Assembly Budget Committee hearing on Christie's proposed higher education budget for FY 2014.
  • Senator Nicholas Sacco introduced legislation on Monday that would set forth specific guidelines to be followed by law enforcement agencies when employing unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones, for surveillance purposes.
  • Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg are still fine-tuning the Senate package of bills designed to address gun violence in New Jersey.  The Assembly passed a group of bills dealing with gun violence in February.
  • Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver criticized Governor Christie's tax cut proposal, calling it election year posturing.
  • A joint resolution sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan, Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Speaker Sheila Oliver commending the State of Israel and its citizens on its 65th anniversary of independence was signed this week by the governor.

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced more than $4.5 million in federal funding to reimburse Toms River for its response to Superstorm Sandy. 
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg wrote an editorial for Politico outlining the importance of banning high capacity magazines for guns.
  • Senator Bob Menendez, with the rest of the bipartisan "Gang of 8," outlined the elements of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 during a press conference attended by an unprecedented coalition of labor, business, religious and Latino leaders, DREAMers and national and community organizations who want common-sense immigration reform. 
  • Congressman Rob Andrews announced the development of a new 56,000 square foot ShopRite supermarket in Lawnside that is estimated to create 30 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs according to borough officials.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone announced a $55,000 U.S. Department of Transportation  grant to Rutgers University Next Generation Engineers (NexGen) program to promote and support engineering education activities and research skill development for under-represented students, as well as to promote careers in transportation industries.
  • Congressman Albio Sires introduced the Respect for Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) Act of 2013. This bipartisan legislation provides a simple fix to the Peace Corps Act, affording former volunteers the dignity of using the name and logo of the Peace Corps in an obituary or on their gravestone.  Under current law, unauthorized use of the Peace Corps logo, even for memorial purposes, carries the risk of a $500 fine or jail time.
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell and Senator Frank Lautenberg introduced legislation in the House and Senate to provide college students with fire safety education and training. Both legislative efforts were inspired by the tragic fire at a Seton Hall University dormitory more than 10 years ago.
  • Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. was interviewed last week by Charmil-Davis on the Newark Radio Series.  You can listen to a recording of that conversation here.
  • Congressman Rush Holt introduced legislation to preserve 9.1 million acres of Utah's spectacular red rock country as wilderness.

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for April 12, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Christie's "Violence" Task Force Isn't Enough

  • Following the horrific massacre in Newtown, CT, New Jersey's Democratic legislature went to work on legislation to protect children and families from gun violence.  The Assembly passed a package of 22 bills that are awaiting consideration in the Senate.
  • The Courier Post agreed that most of the bills "make sense."
  • Meanwhile, Christie proposed a violence task force to "study" the issue.  The task force's conclusions, released nearly a month after Christie's deadline, echoed some of the Democratic proposals but didn't go far enough.  The Daily Record called the proposals "plentiful, but shallow."

Tuesday was Equal Pay Day!

Gubernatorial Campaign Update

Governor Christie's Budget Fails New Jersey Schools

President Obama's Former Speechwriter Reminds Us: Yes, Sequestration is Actually Hurting People

Under the Dome

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced that fire departments in Newark, North Arlington, Green Creek, Bloomfield, Quinton, Haddonfield, and Auburn will receive federal grants totaling $890,039.  The funding is awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg is introducing legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of the many chemicals that Americans come in contact with every day.
  • Senator Bob Menendez called for expanded federal funding for adult autism programs.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews unveiled a construction project at Woodbury’s G.G. Green Block building that will transform the historic structure into residential and commercial space and aid in the community’s revitalization. The project, which created 45 jobs according to developer RPM Development Group, was made possible by a $1,168,000 federal tax credit aimed at growing the economy and providing housing opportunities.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone announced his plan to introduce the first Superstorm Sandy supplemental emergency aid bill that will assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted by the storm. Pallone’s legislation provides $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.  
  • Congressman Albio Sires sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to issue an executive order, directing the U.S. Department of Treasury to carry out the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) and keep families in their homes.
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a new federal FIRE Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the North Arlington Fire Department in the amount of $290,548. The grant will help the fire department obtain 40 self contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) with extra bottles to provide extended operational time, along with an electronic accountability and tracking system that will allow firefighters to locate an injured or disabled firefighter.
  • Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. spoke out on the House Floor this week on the need to pass gun safety reforms like background checks and his gun buyback legislation that would better protect our children, families, and communities. 
  • Congressman Rush Holt wrote in The Hill that the proposed Keystone pipeline is "all risk and no reward."

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for April 5, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

The 2013 Jefferson Jackson Dinner

  • Across the country, Democratic state parties host annual Jefferson Jackson dinners.  While that tradition had lapsed in New Jersey, it was resurrected under Chairman John Wisniewski.  Thursday's dinner was the 4th annual dinner held since Wisniewski started serving as Chairman.  Camden Mayor (and NJDSC Vice Chair) Dana Redd served as MC for the evening.




  • Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland gave the keynote address and welcomed Senator Buono to join him on stage while he made the case for defeating Chris Christie.

Buono Highlights Christie's Record of Failure on MSNBC

Christie Uses State Helicopter To Travel to Taxpayer-Funded Campaign Rallies

Surprise, Surprise.  Christie's Math is Still Off

More Questions About Christie Administration's Sandy Management

Under the Dome

  • Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver called upon Rutgers to fire men's basketball coach Mike Rice after video emerged of Rice throwing basketballs at his players and berating them using misogynistic insults and gay slurs.  While Rutgers did fire Rice and others after the video emarged, Sweeney, Oliver, and other Democrats are demanding answers about why the video, filmed last summer, wasn't made public until this week.
  • Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg is sponsoring legislation to help domestic violence victims convicted of crimes against their abusers re-enter their communities after serving time.
  • Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald says New Jersey must strengthen the state’s mental health background check system in order to prevent future incidents of gun violence perpetrated by mentally ill shooters. 
  • Senator Paul Sarlo, the chairman of the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the head of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Oversight Committee, was appointed to a high-profile economic policy committee by the Council of State Governments, a national organization that fosters collaboration among the states on public policies. Senator Sarlo was named to the CSG’s Fiscal and Economic Development Public Policy Committee.
  • Assemblyman John Burzichelli called upon the Christie administration to be more transparent and accessible, following the state treasurer's first appearance before the committee in months, despite numerous requests. "After numerous requests to appear before the committee, I thank Treasurer Sidamon-Eristoff for finding the time in his schedule to sit with us today. As this process unfolds, his participation will be critical. His answers and the proof he provides for his calculations and decisions will also be critical.  Yet, the conversation with the Treasurer could have been more forthcoming on a few of the issues, including how he arrived at his revenue estimate for online gaming. I hope these figures prove true, but as someone who was involved in creating this law, I have serious doubts."
  • Legislation sponsored by Senators Linda Greenstein and Fred Madden that will strengthen New Jersey’s sex offender registry statute – Megan’s Law – has been signed into law.
  • Assemblyman Troy Singleton, after an Assembly Budget Committee hearing with the State Treasurer on Thursday, questioned the Christie administration's risky budget proposals for FY 2014, which rely heavily on uncertain revenue streams.

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Bob Menendez, and Congressman Donald Payne announced that the City of Newark Fire Department will receive a federal grant totaling $3,171,693 to hire 21 new firefighters.  The funding is awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Congressman Rush Holt said the firing of the Rutgers basketball coach highlights the need to pass their anti-bullying legislation, which protects college students from harassment from coaches, faculty, or other students.
  • Senator Bob Menendez met with African-American leaders and clergy of New Jersey in roundtable discussions he hosted on Thursday. During the discussion, Senator Menendez spoke about the progress on civil rights in America, as well as his optimism about the Senate achieving Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) legislation. He also decried the looming impact of the sequester’s across-the-board cuts on New Jersey.  
  • Congressman Rob Andrews announced that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), the major health care law enacted in 2011, has saved South Jersey’s senior citizens nearly $39 million on prescription drug costs to date, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • On Monday April 8, Congressman Frank Pallone will announce his plan to assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted as a result of Superstorm Sandy at the Belford Seafood Co-op.  Pallone will also speak with commercial fishermen to discuss the damage they suffered what assistance is needed for a full recovery.
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell praised President Obama's inclusion of $100 million in brain research funding (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) in his proposed budget. Pascrell, who is founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, said: “I am thrilled to see President Obama prioritize the treatment and prevention of brain disorders like TBI through this new initiative.  We learned more about the brain in the last few years than we have over the last century, and this additional investment in research has the potential to bring relief to the individuals and families battling with injuries like TBI.”
  • Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. held a press conference to call on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The press conference was a precursor to a pro-immigration rally that will be held Saturday at Liberty Park in Jersey City, New Jersey where thousands of pro-immigration supporters are expected to attend.

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for March 29, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

New Jersey Democrats Host "Women Step Up!"

  • On Wednesday, the Democratic State Committee hosted a Women's Roundtable at the College of New Jersey as part of our celebration of Women's History Month.

                   

  • After an introduction from Chairman John Wisniewski, Vice Chair (and Camden Mayor) Dana Redd led a panel discussion with Senator Barbara Buono, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, and Somerset County Democratic Chair Peg Schaffer.
  • They discussed the challenges of working and running in politics as woman.  They highlighted the challenges they face in trying to fight for women under a Republican governor whose tenure has not been good for women.

Senator Buono with leaders of the College Democrats of The College of New Jersey

Supreme Court Heard Challenges to Prop8 and DOMA

Buono Endorsements Continue

  • The Fraternal Order of Police, a union representing 16,000 members in New Jersey, endorsed Senator Barbara Buono on Monday. In announcing the endorsement, FOP President Ed Brannigan said that Governor Christie had launched "a demoralizing attack on public employees over the last three-and-a half years."

  • The Rutgers Faculty Union endorsed Buono this week as well.  The union president, Adrienne Eaton said, “Barbara Buono understands our students’ concerns because she knows what it means to work her way through college. She also knows that today’s college students cannot succeed in the quality and numbers needed for a robust economy if we do not reverse the damaging decline in state funding for public higher education in New Jersey.

Under the Dome


Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez called for an expedited review of New Jersey’s disaster recovery action plan by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg will host a Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Forum to provide information and resources regarding foreclosure prevention, foreclosure mediation, and mortgage scams. The forum will be held on April 2 in Cherry Hill.  Click here for more information, or RSVP to 856-338-8922.
  • Senator Bob Menendez applauded $523,000 in grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help bolster the City of Camden’s shoreline restoration efforts and help Barnegat Bay’s recovery from Superstorm Sandy.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $323,000 to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the creation of a new shoreline in Camden that will protect our region from storm surges and rising waters.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone announced $1,833,597 in federal funding to reimburse the Township of Piscataway for the cleanup and management of debris as a result of Superstorm Sandy.
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell is advocating for strong, universal background checks for gun purchases.
  • Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. rang the opening bell of the NASDAQ this week with Fight Colorectal Cancer.  Rep. Payne, Jr. also held a press conference call announcing a recent report that concludes cuts to Medicare and Social Security could hurt small businesses in New Jersey.
  • Congressman Rush Holt spoke at a roundtable on gun violence with the mother of one of the victim's of last year's deadly Pathmark shooting. 

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for March 22, 2013

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Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Barbara Buono Gets Essex County Support!

Senator Buono Receives Labor Endorsements

  • On March 16, the New Jersey Education Association (which represents 195,000 members) endorsed Senator Barbara Buono for New Jersey Governor, after meeting with Buono and Governor Christie.
  • NJEA President Barbara Keshishian said: 
    "Barbara Buono has supported public education for her entire career in the Legislature.She is a proud graduate of New Jersey’s public schools, and understands the vital role they play in the aspirations of middle class citizens.
    Unfortunately, over the past three years, teachers and school employees have seen their budgets slashed, their colleagues laid off, their class sizes increased, and their programs cut.  It’s time for new leadership. 
    Barbara Buono will be a governor who will believe in public education and the men and women who work in our public schools.  Barbara Buono will make the right choice between tax cuts for millionaires and textbooks for schoolchildren.”
  • On March 20, Senator Buono received the endorsement of Health Professionals and Allied Employees, which has12,000 New Jersey members. 
  • HPAE President Ann Twomey said:
    “Every day, nurses and health professionals are by the side of our patients – and speaking up to protect access to quality care for our communities.  We need the leadership of elected officials like Senator Barbara Buono to make sure that patients come first –and that we also protect the mission of our community hospitals in the midst of major changes in the healthcare industry.”

Christie Won't Take a Position on Gay Conversion "Therapy" Legislation

New Jersey Women Stepping Up!

  • The Democratic State Committee will host "Women of New Jersey Stepping Up," next Wednesday evening, March 27, to discuss the challenges women in New Jersey face and the need for more women to step up and take a lead role in politics.  The discussion will be lead by Camden Mayor Dana Redd (who serves as the Vice Chair of the Democratic State Committee) and will include remarks from Senator Barbara Buono and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg.
  • The event, held at the College of New Jersey (School of Education Building, room 212), includes a 6:30 networking reception before the 7:30 roundtable discussion.
  • RSVP here.
  • Questions? Call Heather at 609-392-3367 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

A Woman Who Led the Way

  • The Courier-Post had an excellent profile of Mary Theresa Norton, a Jersey City woman whose life blazed a trail for current political leaders.
  • After women won the right to vote, Mary was recruited by the leader of the Hudson County Democrats to organize Democratic women in the state.  She became the first woman to serve as a member of the Democratic State Committee and served 13 terms in Congress representing New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.
  • Leaders like Mary made it possible for women to continue to step up and get involved today.  Thank you, Mary!

New Jersey's Unemployment Rate After 3 Years of Christie: 9.5%

  • The state’s unemployment rate has topped 9 percent for 44 consecutive months.
  • Chairman John Wisniewski held a conference call with reporters to discuss Governor Christie's failure to improve New Jersey's economy and put more people back to work, saying:
    The governor has had more than three years to spur job growth in our state and it should have been his top priority from his first day in office.  Yet, Governor Christie vetoed numerous pieces of legislation targeted at encouraging hiring and helping New Jersey workers find and keep good jobs.  He has refused to engage Assembly and Senate leaders to craft a bipartisan strategy to grow our economy and bring down the unemployment rate.  In fact, Governor Christie has failed to even propose a jobs plan.
  • He pointed out that New Jersey’s jobless rate is 2 points higher than the national average, and said more than 400,000 in the state can’t find work.

Sandy Recovery News

The Assembly's Youngest Member Sworn In!

Under the Dome

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez called on the federal government to fast-track a study on how flood mitigation projects funded in the wake of Hurricane Sandy would impact new flood elevation maps.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg, who chairs the Senate Transportation Subcommittee that oversees bus safety, asking Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to urge schools to review bus company safety ratings before hiring transportation.  His letter was prompted by the news of a Pennsylvania Turnpike crash that killed a college lacrosse coach and her unborn child. 
  • Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote an op-ed for the Record about the importance of the lessons learned in Iraq and how we can apply them as we decide how to deal with the threat of a nuclear Iran.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews announced the beginning of a $49 million construction project that will create 150 jobs  and bring a new helicopter hangar to South Jersey’s McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Joint Military base.  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Andrews spearheaded this boost in federal funds by championing two separate pieces of legislation that were signed into law in December of 2011.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone announced that the Port Monmouth flood control project will be funded by Army Corps of Engineers with federal dollars from the Sandy relief package passed by Congress in January.
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell addressed Pascack Valley High School students via videoconference to discuss legislative issues and engage in a question and answer session.
  • Congressman Donald M. Payne met with Fight Colorectal Cancer survivors and advocates this week to raise awareness around the importance of lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings and vowed to remain a strong, vocal advocate. Payne has cosponsored The Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, introduced a resolution to designate March 2013 Colorectal Cancer Month, and requested $70 million to be appropriated to cancer screenings and educating the public about the disease. 
  • Congressman Rush Holt joined with other members of Congress in calling upon President Obama to release Justice Department memos outlining the government's stance of the legal use of drones.

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

The NJDSC Week In Review for March 15, 2013

Description: retweetthis.png

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

The Latest on AshBritt 

"It is a pity that Republican legislators such as Kyrillos can’t establish enough healthy distance from this administration to do their oversight work properly. It is the same obsequious streak that has prevented them from overriding a single one of the governor’s vetoes, even when they clearly disagree with him, as when he shut down six Planned Parenthood clinics.

The state is not served well by a GOP caucus that is so timid it wants nothing more from the governor than the occasional scratch behind the ear that every loyal lapdog covets."

Christie Town Hall Erupts

"Upon learning more about what the governor said about me today, I want to make clear that I am appalled. I have never, nor will I ever, reference the Governor's ethnicity, or make a veiled reference to the color of his skin, yet that's exactly what Gov. Christie did today when discussing me, as if it was the 19th century. Governor - if you have a problem with me, call me by name. Do not reference my ethnicity to try to score cheap headlines and salacious YouTube videos. I will not stand for it. If the governor thinks the failure of this proposal to advance has anything to do with race, then he is even more misinformed than usual. The governor initially threw out expensive and ill-conceived ideas that were unworkable and did nothing to help children in our public schools. Gov. Christie needs to spend more time devising sound policy and less time playing racial polarization."

  • Kenneth Clayton, the pastor who represents the church where the event was held, says Governor Christie owes the Speaker an apology:

"I was and am yet saddened by the Governor's blatant attack of Speaker Sheila Oliver. Governor Christie insinuated that Speaker Oliver was preventing his School's Choice bill from going to the floor of the Assembly. He made it clear that he has established and maintained a great rapport and relationship with Oliver's Democratic counterpart in the Senate, but such a relationship does not exist with Speaker Oliver. The words that the Governors chose to use in speaking of Oliver (while not even respecting her enough to call her by name) defies his earlier assertion that political leaders (himself included) need to learn to respect all views and work together for the good of the State of New Jersey.

I believe that the Governor not only owes Speaker Oliver an apology but the Paterson community as well, for his misuse of a great opportunity to unite us toward the betterment of the great Garden State."


Concerns Over Christie's Proposed Budget

Housing Advocates Say Christie Leaves Renters Out in the Cold After Sandy

Under the Dome

Congressional Corner

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  • Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced $75,000 in federal funding to help replenish food supplies that were used during Superstorm Sandy to feed low-income, elderly residents.
  • Senator Frank Lautenberg, a member of both the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, has called on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to reconsider its new policy allowing items like small knives to be carried onto airplanes.
  • Senator Bob Menendez wrote, in an op-ed for The Huffington Post, that Afghanistan is ready to seize its own destiny.
  • Congressman Rob Andrews announced the beginning of a $900 million construction project on the 295/42/76 interchange that will create over 1,000 jobs.
  • Congressman Frank Pallone questioned Sam Rauch, Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Pallone questioned Rauch regarding how NOAA incorporates storms in their models of how much fishing and fish harvesting is occurring—a requirement on NOAA in the Magnuson Act.  While Rauch could not directly provide an answer at the time, Pallone stressed the importance of taking into account storms so fishermen are not penalized for time when fishing does not occur.
  • Congressman Albio Sires introduced the Homeowners and Taxpayers Protection Act of 2013 (H.R. 1101) to create a national catastrophe fund that would control federal spending and save taxpayers money.  “This bill changes how we pay for natural catastrophes from an after-the-fact emergency appropriation system to a planned, controlled approach,” said Congressman Sires. 
  • Congressman Bill Pascrell, co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, is pushing Congress to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury Act, crucial for legislation that helps war veterans and athletes afflicted with this condition. 
  • Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. hosted the Liberian National Immigration Conference in conjunction with the Liberian Pastors Association to express support for Liberians in the U.S. and to highlight the need for an immediate extension of the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Extension of DED for the approximately 3,600 eligible Liberians living in the United States was announced by Denise Vanison, DHS Chief, Office of Policy and Strategy at the conference. 
  • Congressman Rush Holt spoke with Rachel Maddow this week about the need for government to invest in climate change.  You can see the Congressman's segment at about 4 minutes 50 seconds into the clip.

Events

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:


We will continue to have updates about news and events 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

  

LATEST WEEK IN REVIEWS

The NJDSC Week In Review for May 25, 2012
The NJDSC Week In Review for May 18, 2012
The NJDSC Week In Review for May 11, 2012
The NJDSC Week In Review for May 4, 2012
The NJDSC Week In Review for April 27, 2012
The NJDSC Week In Review for April 20, 2012
The NJDSC Week In Review for April 13, 2012
The NJDSC Week in Review for April 6, 2012
The NJDSC Week in Review for March 30, 2012
The NJDSC Week in Review for March 23, 2012

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