The NJDSC Week in Review for June 3, 2011

Welcome to the latest installment of the NJDSC's week in review.  Here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and toward the end, some of the upcoming events around the state next week:

Christie flies "Hypocrisy One" for staff, personal and political travel

• Philadelphia Inquirer: High-flying Christie draws fire over ‘Coptergate.’
• Bloomberg: Christie slammed for chopper ride to son's game.
• Chairman Wisniewski reacted to news of the Governor's trips on Hypocrisy One:  “He’s a governor who as U.S. attorney would rail against elected officials blurring the line. But this governor has defective memory and selective outrage.” More from Wisniewski in the Wall Street Journal: “He took the helicopter for no other reason that he could go to meet his donors in an impressive style.”
• Senate Majority Leader Buono: "This is a serious breach of public trust and necessitates a full accounting of his use of government resources, particularly, the state police helicopter. The Attorney General and U.S. Attorney should demand all records of the governor's travel to ensure that he has not made a habit of using taxpayer dollars for personal or political travel."
• Senator Weinberg appeared on the Ed Show to discuss Coptergate. (Video)
• You can see more video coverage of the Governor's joyride here, here and here.
• NY Times: Woe to the politician who claims to be fiscally responsible, in touch with regular folk, and turns out to have some pricey habits.
• LA Times: Under fire, Christie will reimburse state for use of police helicopter.
• AP Video: ‎"He's wasting money we aren't supposed to have."
• Bloomberg: “It’s contrary to the image he’s created as an average guy. Many parents may like to helicopter to their kids’ game, but they can’t.”
• Chairman Wisniewski responded to the Governor's press conference where he admitted guilt and tried to pass blame: “Chris Christie has now taken his arrogance to the next level, first trying to claim he was assisting the police by helping them with training time, then attacking those who questioned his use of the state helicopter as ‘hacks’ and finally concluding that all his travel was professional because ‘the line is blurred.’ The fact is, it’s the Governor himself who has blurred the line and today admitted that he used taxpayer resources to attend personal and political events. The bottom line is, people realize that this is an inappropriate use of public property and the Governor has finally acknowledged his guilt by agreeing to pay for his inappropriate use of state taxpayer resources.”
• Star Ledger Editorial: This issue is hypocrisy. This is a gov who holds a press conference every time he catches a public official eating lobster on the public dime, or getting free rides on E-ZPass. As prosecutor & governor, he's given speech after speech telling public officials they should stay a mile away from even perception of self-dealing.
• NY Times Editorial: Mr. Christie has built his image on tough talk about protecting the ordinary taxpayer. Does that taxpayer now need protection from the highflying governor?
• Courier Post Editorial: To impose austerity on such levels across state government, asking tens of thousands of public workers and millions of New Jerseyans who've lost their property tax rebates to share in the sacrifice, means the person asking has to lead by example.
• Trenton Times Editorial: The people, however, do not have recourse to a $12.5 million aircraft to get to their kids’ games or a limo waiting to transport them 100 yards to a ball field. Those are luxuries more befitting the state’s wealthiest residents, whom Gov. Christie continues to protect from the so-called “millionaires tax.”
• Asbury Park Press Editorial: this should be a wake-up call to the governor to practice the “shared sacrifice” he preaches.
• New Jersey Newsroom: Editorials take a bat to Gov Christie for using state police helicopter to fly to high school baseball games.
• Assemblyman Moriarty asked: Where do we line up for our free helicopter rides?
• Stile: Fiscal warrior Christie flies into enemy's sights.
• Media Matters: Busy Cheering Chris Christie, Fox News Ignores His Helicopter Debacle.
• Messaging Matters: It's the Hypocrisy Stupid.

What is Christie Hiding?

• WSJ: Christie Holds Back on Helicopter Travel Records.
• Courier Post: Legislator calling for hearing into Christie's helicopter use.
• Atlantic City Press: State Police asked to explain Christie's helicopter use.
• AP: "Based on the limited information released from your office, it appears one of the flights was for the governor to attend a charity event at his wife's employer, one flight appears to be just for the lieutenant governor, a couple flights were apparently for TV appearances, and lastly, a couple of flights appear to be for transporting support staff to Atlantic City and the Meadowlands."

Christie continues Verbal Assault on Women

• The latest female legislator to be targeted by Christie's verbal assault was Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle, who the Governor called a "jerk."
• This latest outburst follows the Governor calling Speaker Oliver a liar, accusing Assemblywoman Watson Coleman of being responsible for a murder and calling for "the bat" to be taken out on Senator Weinberg.
• Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle: "I'm disappointed that the governor resorted to name-calling but I'm not surprised given his pattern of abusive language towards those who disagree with him."
• Assembly Majority Leader Cryan: "This governor needs to learn some decency. He instinctively resorts to insult when legitimately criticized. Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle is an effective and caring legislator who has called attention to the governor's abuse of taxpayer resources. Unfortunately, he is unable to discuss things like a grown up."
• Patrick Murray: "Chris Christie's female troubles."

Democrats Continue to Fight Christie's Medicaid Plan which says family making $6,000 per year too rich

• Chris Christie: $6,000 a year is too much income to qualify for Medicaid.
• Assembly Speaker Oliver: "Do we accept . . . slashing Medicaid? That is not where we should be going here."
• The Hill: Menendez says Dems won't back Medicaid cuts.
• The Ed Show spoke with a NJ Medicaid recipient who stands to lose her health benefits under the cuts planned by Gov. Christie.
• Atlantic City Press: The New Jersey proposal would sharply reduce the income threshold needed for new enrollees to qualify for Medicaid, dropping that from 133 percent of the federal poverty threshold to between 25 and 30 percent. For a family of three, that translates into lowering the yearly income eligibility ceiling from $24,645 to between $4,633 and $5,559, and from $39,887 to between $7,498 and $8,997 for a family of six.
• Assemblyman Burzichelli called the proposal to lower the threshold “pennywise and pound-foolish. The income threshold essentially shuts the program down to a large group of people who need it,”
• The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee will meet to conduct a roundtable discussion with invited stakeholders on the impact of the Governor’s proposed Medicaid Comprehensive Waiver, which will dramatically change eligibility criteria for New Jersey’s health care safety net programs, Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare.

Calls for Christie to return raided clean energy funds

• Reuters: Call for NJ Governor to Repay $65 Million to Carbon Fund.
• Baltimore Sun: NJ's exit from greenhouse pact a step backward.
• Senate Majority Leader Buono and Assemblywoman Stender: NJ must stay on target in environmental efforts.

Honoring Sacrifice on Memorial Day

• Chairman Wisniewski: “As many enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember and honor our Veterans and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They were willing to give up all the things we associate with home and family because they saw the importance of preserving what our nation stands for. Our servicemen and servicewomen have a long and proud history that we should honor every day, but particularly on this one.”
• Reacting to Sarah Palin's bus tour traveling on Memorial Day, Chairman Wisniewski said: "Today should be about honoring the service of our veterans, not celebrating the political ambitions of Sarah Palin.
• At a Press Conference on Memorial Day, Senator Menendez discussed his efforts to update a Defense Department policy on women in ground combat units  to make sure female service members are given the same recognition and opportunities as men. The Senator said the policy, known as the “combat exclusion policy,” blocks women from being assigned to ground combat units and from being recognized as combat troops.
• You can see VIDEO of Congressman Pascrell speaking at a Memorial Day ceremony in Belleville.
• Congressman Pallone met veterans of Iraq & Afghanistan who re-enlisted in Marines and said there was a huge display of patriotism at the Sayreville Memorial Day Parade.
• Congressman Rothman delivered Memorial Day Addresses in Englewood, North Arlington, and Teaneck.

Christie Administration continues to ignore facts in their stories

• Asbury Park Press: Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno said "private-sector jobs are being created — 31,000 of them in the last two months.” Not exactly. Labor statistics show that the net number of private-sector jobs created in New Jersey in the last two months was 17,300 — 13,400 in April, 3,900 in March. To get to 31,000 jobs, you would have to ignore private-sector jobs that were eliminated.

Democrats Fight To Protect Medicare From GOP Plans To End Program

• Senator Lautenberg told a roomful of seniors "We want to send a message to the Tea Party Republicans in Washington: keep your hands off Medicare."
• Chairman Wisniewski: “We as a country, as a society, are judged by a lot of standards, but I think the most important one that any society is judged by is how we treat our most vulnerable, how we treat the folks who have nowhere else to turn.”
• Assemblyman Diegnan: “The difference between Republicans and Democrats is that the Republicans go after Medicare and Social Security first, whereas we look at them is as the last thing that should be touched.”
• Blue Jersey: Menendez vows to defend "Medicare as we know it." The Senator told reporters that Republicans' plan to turn Medicaid into a block grant and slash the program by more than $700 billion is just as unpalatable to Senate Democrats.
• Congressman Andrews pointed out how the Ryan proposal would double healthcare spending for the typical 65 year old. The Congressman said the Republicans have to drop their demand to destroy Medicare and work with Democrats to find reasonable spending cuts instead. (Video) You can see more video of Congressman Andrews discussing Medicare here. (Video)

Congressional Corner

• Senator Lautenberg called for higher bus safety standards on Good Morning NY. (Video)
• PolitickerNJ: Menendez says he wants oil company subsidies on table.
• Congressman Holt announced that three area organizations will share $3.4 million in federal AmeriCorps grants to place and compensate volunteers in soup kitchens, elementary schools and environmental education programs.
• A floor fight led by Congressman Pascrell led to a bipartisan 333-87 vote Wednesday to restore $320 million of the $460 million that Republicans wanted to cut from grants for local fire departments.
• Congressman Pallone announced that Monmouth Beach’s eroded shoreline will receive a much-needed restoration later this year when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins an extensive beach replenishment project.
• An amendment from Congressman Holt would provide $20 million for Veterans Outreach efforts: “On an average day, America loses 18 of our veterans to suicide. These tragic deaths can be prevented, but only if veterans can access the trained, compassionate counseling they need and deserve. This new funding will help the VA convey a crucial message to America’s veterans: You are not alone. If you have suffered such trauma in service to this country that you are considering suicide, America stands ready to help you.”
• The Hill: Congressman Pallone is pushing back against proposals to curb medical imaging tests paid by Medicare, arguing that they could restrict access to "life-saving medical tools.
• Congressman Andrews said there was not a competitive bidding process in this area of defense procurement.
• The Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors (EBCBOR) recently discussed local real estate issues with Congressman Rothman during the National Association of Realtors Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.
• Congressman Sires introduced the Safe Building Codes Incentive Act, H.R. 2069 which would provide additional post-disaster relief in the aftermath of a severe storm for those states with strong statewide building codes. 
• Congressman Payne and members of the Congressional Black Caucus are visiting Hartford for a three-day celebration of the 200th birthday of noted author Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Under the Dome

• Legislation to return the date of the February presidential primary election to June, saving millions of dollars in elections-related costs, was approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
• New Jersey became the first state in the nation to mandate every newborn will be screened for congenital heart disease under a bill signed into law The new law is the first of its kind to pass on a national scale, mandates pulse ox testing - a simple, non-invasive, low-cost measure to help detect the most common birth defect, congenital heart disease, in newborns.
• Star Ledger: N.J. lawmakers, union officials ask Christie to reconsider NJN management transfer plan.
• Assembly-approved legislation to prohibit the Christie administration from burying a historic archeological dig alongside the State House was advanced by a Senate panel.
• School board members in New Jersey will be required to pass criminal background checks under legislation signed into law. The new law disqualifies anyone convicted of certain crimes from serving on a board of education or charter school board.
• Legislation requiring the state to provide an online clearinghouse of information for nonprofit organizations that provide services in New Jersey has now become law.
• Legislation to ensure unemployed New Jerseyans can understand and obtain their jobless benefits continues advancing toward law.
• Gasoline retailers in New Jersey would be able to offer discounts, coupons and premiums under legislation advancing in the Assembly.
• Senator Whelan introduced legislation designed to close a loophole under current law that prohibits eligible veterans who purchase a new home after October 1 from receiving the veteran’s property tax deduction for which they are entitled on their new home.

Upcoming Events

• June 5:
  Jersey Gay Pride Festival 2011, Asbury Park
  12:00 PM The Park in front of the Convention Center, Ocean & Sunset, Asbury Park
• June 6:
  Fundraiser for Denise Farina
  Candidate for Atlantic County 3rd Dist. Freeholder
  6:00-8:00 PM
  3117 Jasmine Court, Mays Landing
  $25.00 pp
  609-677-5536
• June 7:
  Fundraiser and Campaign kickoff for 24th District candidates Ed Selby for Senate, Leslie Huhn and Jim Nye for Assembly.  
  8:00 PM
  St. Moritz on White Deer Plaza in Sparta, NJ.
  
  Monmouth County Democrats and Hazlet Democratic Club Primary Day Dinner.
  7:00-9:00 PM
  Matawan Italian American Club, Airport Plaza, 1374 REAR Rt. 36, Hazlet, NJ 07730 (In the Rear of Airport Plaza adjacent to the MVC - look for the double doors)
  This is a free event.
  
  WHELAN - COOPER - TYNER
  2nd Legislative District Campaign Kick Off
  5:30-7:00 PM
  Atlantic City Country ClubShore Rd., Northfield
  $500.00 Sponsor, $250.00 Patron, $100.00 Supporter
  609-910-0010
• June 8:
  Assemblywoman Elease Evans Birthday Fundraiser
  6:00pm
  Brownstone, Paterson
  
  Fundraiser for Dennis Munoz
  Candidate for Atlantic County Sheriff
  3:00-7:00 PM
  Ducktown Tavern, Atlantic City
  $20.00 pp
  609-418-5887
• June 10:
  Fundraiser in Support of Freeholder Mallet
  6:30-8:30 PM
  Home of Gordon Gemma, 68 Seneca Place, Oceanport, NJ
  Suggested Donation: $50 per person
  For more information or to RSVP please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 973-975-7826.
• June 11:
  Coastal Monmouth Democrats Ice Cream Party
  2:00-4:00 PM
  Fireman's Field, Oakhurst (off of Larkin Park)
  For more information or to RSVP please contact Michael Lee at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 908-433-1383.
  
  Campaign Training for Candidates
  10:30 AM
  Passaic County Democratic Committee Headquarters, 668 McBride Ave., Woodland Park
• June 12:
  Ocean County Candidates and County Committee Meeting
  6:30-8:00 PM
  630 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9)
  Bayville, NJ 08721
  For more information contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• June 14:
  Middlesex County Democratic Organization Reorganization Meeting
  The Pines Manor
  2085 Route 27, Edison
  
  Passaic County Committee Meeting
  6:30pm
  Elks, 775 Clifton Avenue, Clifton
• June 15:
  Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik Caribbean Night
  6:00-10:00 PM
  Westmount County Club, 728 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park
  $150pp
• June 16:
  Monmouth County Democrats Summer Kick-Off Cocktail Party
  7:00-9:00 PM
  Parker House, First Avenue, Sea Girt, NJ
  $65/per person. Sponsorship opportunities available.
  To RSVP or for more information please call 732-739-8888.
  
  Somerset County Democratic Committee Comedy and Cocktails With comedian Jeff Kreisler
  185 Madisonville Rd, Basking Ridge
  6-7pm VIP Reception with Jeff Kreisler -Cost: $500 including a one hour open bar
  7-9pm General reception and performance -Cost: $100 General Admission
  For more information, please contact Joseph Kostecki at (908) 953-9300 Ext.24 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  
  Fundraiser for Doug Dickinson
  Candidate for Atlantic County 5th Dist. Freeholder
  6:00-8:00 PM
  Knights of Columbus Hall 243 St Louis Ave., Egg Harbor City
  $20.00 pp
  609-418-5887
• June 18:
  Reception for Congressional Candidate Ed Potosnak
  7:30 PM
  Home of Arnold and Roberta Krumholz, Warren, NJ
  Special Guest Congressman Barney Frank
  $100.00/pp
  For More Info Contact Becky Moore at 908-691-4770 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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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

The NJDSC Week in Review for May 27, 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:

Court rules Christie's education cuts unconstitutional, Governor punts

• Huffington Post: Governor Christie rebuked by NJ Supreme Court over budget for schools.
• WNYC: Court Rules Against Christie: NJ Must Restore $500M in Education Funding.
• Chairman Wisniewski: "Reinforcing what NJ Democrats have said for months, the Supreme Court ruled today that Chris Christie’s drastic cuts in education funding were unconstitutional because they deprive New Jersey children of a ‘thorough and efficient’ education. But instead of leading, it’s incredible that the Governor is now passing the buck on how to solve this problem, given it was his own decision to make the cuts that created this problem in the first place. It’s time for Christie to finally start governing and stop posturing for the cameras.”
• Senate President Sweeney: Two years ago, Democrats devised a constitutional funding formula that abolished the practice of basing school funding on zip codes.  By ignoring the law, Governor Christie has single-handedly recreated the Abbotts and brought the courts back into New Jersey education.
• Speaker Oliver: “It’s important to note that had the governor followed state law to begin with, the majority of additional school funding would have been awarded to suburban and rural districts. In fact, more than 70 percent of additional funding would have been sent to suburban and rural schools, providing a proper education and property tax relief to districts throughout the state."
• More from Speaker Oliver: "It is a joint responsibility of both the executive branch and the Legislature," Oliver said. "(Christie's) administration is going to bear whatever we decide to do. If our solution is distasteful to him, he wants to be able to distance himself from that. But, clearly, the governor cannot walk away from this, and he knows that."
• Senate Majority Leader Buono: "By ignoring our constitutional school funding law – which took years to craft – the governor has brought us right back to the position of the Supreme Court determining school funding levels based on zip codes. The suburban districts who were finally seeing their long-awaited chance for stable funding realized have had the rug completely pulled out from underneath them by the governor. The governor’s reckless decision to ignore the law is the reason that the Court has returned us to the very system he has railed against, nothing more and nothing less."
• Senator Sarlo: Christies School Cuts Now A Double-Whammy Against Suburban New Jersey.
• NJ Spotlight: The Supreme Court ruling has Democrats aiming to increase school aid for suburbs as well as cities.
• Patch: After Court Rebukes Christie on School Funding, Districts Await Answers
• Star Ledger: Budget gaps, $500M tab among looming obstacles for N.J. lawmakers after Supreme Court ruling.
  
• The Record: Glen Ridge school officials -new DOE spending chart 'muddies the waters'

Wisniewski Questions Chris Christie's Selective Outrage

• "A four-month investigation by The Star-Ledger, drawing on interviews, lawsuits and internal documents, showed the Elizabeth Board of Education be a relentless political machine fueled by nepotism, patronage, money and favors, using its nearly 4,000 employees as a ready-made fundraising base."
• New Jersey Newsroom: Gov. Christie charged with showing 'selective outrage' in ignoring Elizabeth school board scandal, Wisniewski points out eight members had endorsed governor.
  
• PolitickerNJ names Elizabeth Board of Education Loser of the Week: "The Star-Ledger's Ted Sherman submitted a four-month probe that prompted the paper to call for a criminal investigation of the politically charged board. The story and subsequent editorial deflated an outfit whose candidates are engaged in a well-oiled effort to upset state Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-20) and his running mates, Assembly Majority Leader Joe Cryan (D-20) and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-20)."
• Blue Jersey: Chris Christie has "no credibility on the issue of ethics."

Democrats Shine Light on Christie's Medicaid Plan: Cuts income eligibility by 80% to deny new enrollees

• AP: New Jersey health officials are pushing to tighten the eligibility requirements for new Medicaid enrollees as part of the Christie administration's effort to save $300 million by overhauling the health care program for low income and disabled residents. The proposal would deny coverage to new adult enrollees who earn more than $5,317 per year for a family of three — about one-fifth of the current income requirement. It would also move more participants from fee-for-service plans into managed care and require a $25 copay when hospital emergency rooms are used for non-emergency treatment.
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Gov. Christie plans to seek approval for a proposal that would deny Medicaid coverage to adults in a family of four with an annual household income of little more than $6,000, down from the current $30,000. A single mother raising three children who earned as little as $118 a week would not qualify for the government-funded medical coverage.
• Assemblyman Greenwald questioned what Christie plans to do with the people who lose coverage: "Those 23,000 people are going to get sick this year, Where are you suggesting they're going to go?"
• Speaker Oliver: "To think that low-income women who aren't insured have other places to go is just not true."
  
• Blue Jersey - Once Again: Balancing the budget on the backs of the poor.
• NJ Spotlight: Democratic lawmakers say they still need much more information about the administration’s plans to cut $300 million from the state Medicaid program. But after grilling state officials for more than two hours they concluded that the proposal was "simply inhumane and fiscally irresponsible," in the words of one Assemblyman.

Democrats fight for Women's Health as Republicans Continue to stand in the way

• A bill which would reverse the Governor’s cuts to women’s health and family planning programs in New Jersey and require the State to apply for federal matching funds for Medicaid-eligible women was approved by the Senate by a vote of 26-13.
• Senate President Sweeney offered this take after the Senate passed funding for women's health again: The Senate took an important step for women’s healthcare today.  I want to thank Senator Weinberg for being at the forefront of this issue and for her continued devotion on behalf of the women of New Jersey. Unfortunately, too few Republicans felt the need to place common sense over party.  Their action is a let down to the thousands upon thousands of women who have not been able to get care since Governor Christie shut down the clinics that served as their only access to basic medical services. I can only hope that the governor has a much needed change of heart and does the responsible thing by eventually putting this funding back into the budget.  This issue is far too important to be held at the whim of someone’s political right-wing ideology.”
• Senator Weinberg: "Standing up for Women's health again... and the war on women!"
• Assemblywoman Quijano spoke about the companion funding bill she introduced in the Assembly: "We cannot simply stand by while the Governor systematically dismantles the framework we have in place to help our neediest residents. Family planning clinics and Medicaid were put in place decades ago to help provide healthcare services to segments of the population that are typically underserved. Getting rid of these programs will only further disenfranchise those who need the most assistance, and I refuse to stand for that."
• The Record Editorial: "Legislators who care little for women’s health in June may find voters to be equally uncaring in November."
• Star Ledger: "Regardless of what he says, it will be hard to view another veto as anything but appeasement of conservative forces within the Republican Party that might someday propel him to the White House. Women’s health care shouldn’t be tossed overboard for his ambitions for higher office."
• NJ Policy Perspective: "At a time when New Jersey doesn’t have a penny to spare, the state is leaving money on the table – perhaps millions of dollars a year in federal funds that could provide family planning services to poor, uninsured women. To put it in simpler terms, under the waiver known as the Family Planning State Option the federal government would provide $9 million for every $1 million that New Jersey spent."
• Star Ledger Editorial: Senator Doherty's bad choice of words.
  

Bowing To Koch Pressure, Christie Announces Plan To Withdraw From Successful Climate Initiative

• Think Progress: "Following a multi-million-dollar campaign to derail RGGI by the Koch front group Americans for Prosperity, Chris Christie called the nation's first successful carbon trading effort RGGI nothing more than a “gimmicky” program."
• NJ Spotlight: "Gov. Christie’s announcement today undermines a decade’s worth of progress and leadership in New Jersey, and if he is successful, could set us behind our neighboring states working to end the dirty and destructive addiction to fossil fuels," 
• Chairman Wisniewski commented on the Governor's attempts to change the subject from his very bad week: “Separate from the terrible policy implications of this decision, it’s no surprise the Governor would try to change the headlines with this announcement given the bad week he is having. With his poll numbers plummeting, the Supreme Court ruling his policies are unconstitutional and then losing the Special Election in NY-26 where he supported efforts to end Medicare, Chris Christie is desperately attempting to stop the negative stories. It’s outrageous that policies with long range consequences for the people of NJ are being implemented simply to change the subject in a bad news cycle.”
• Senator Lautenberg offered this response: "Withdrawing from this program might play well with the national Tea Party Republicans, but it flies in the face of New Jersey’s long history of leading on environmental protection. This is a major setback for the health of our families and children and an assault on New Jersey's environment. With or without the Governor’s support, I will continue fighting for federal investments that clean up the air, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on coal and oil."
• Maryland Governor O'Malley knocked Governor Christie on the decision: “I am disappointed in Governor Christie’s decision to withdraw from RGGI, and I reject his assertion that the initiative is ineffective in reducing greenhouse gases. RGGI represents an important multi-state effort to address climate change at a time when consensus eludes Congress. ... Governor Christie is simply wrong when he claims that these efforts are a failure.”
• Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin criticized Christie: "The planet is not a political football -- we need serious, stable and long-term policy in place to reverse our climate impact. That is why I think Gov. Christie’s decision to abandon RGGI, a cornerstone of that policy, is wrong."
• Senate President Sweeney: “RGGI (the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) represents a smart, common sense approach to dealing with our environment and issues of clean energy. It has wide-spread support and its principles are largely endorsed by the people of New Jersey. Removing New Jersey from RGGI can only cause harm to our state’s environment. I urge the governor to reconsider his position."
• Senator Smith: "Once again, the governor is showing how his unilateral, one-way decisions are narrowly tailored to maximize his short-term exposure before fawning national conservative leaders while shoving New Jersey’s long-term interests aside."
• Assemblyman McKeon: "Under this Governor, we are now a state that puts right-wing sound bites over innovation. Quite simply, this decision reeks of a Governor desperate to boost his radical conservative credentials to distract from his failing policies."
• Senator Majority Leader Buono and Assemblywoman Stender: Climate initiative flip-flop in N.J. is troublesome.
• Huffington Post: Chris Christie Checks Off Another Box On The 'Running For President' Checklist.
• Climate Progress: Confused Chris Christie embraces climate science, rejects climate action.
• Climate Biz: New Jersey to Climate - Drop Dead.
  

Christie's Negative Ratings Rise to Record Among NJ Voters

• Bloomberg: "New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s ratings turned more negative this month as the percentage of voters giving him low job-performance scores climbed to the highest since he took office in January 2010."
• FDU Poll: “The Worst Governor Christie has measured in his term”
• PolitickerNJ: Christie’s approval rating drops to 40%.
• Captiol Quickies: "The Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll marks the third straight week that polls have detected Christie’s ratings are down from the last time each polling outfit measured. 'There is often a gender gap in voters' attitudes,' said Peter Woolley, a political scientist and director of the poll, 'but this is a dramatic contrast.'”
• Washington Post The Fix: "The FDU poll released Tuesday morning painted a tough picture for Christie."
• Time, The Page - "Christie's sluggish support at home: FDU poll finds Guv’s unfavorability ratings up four points to 45% in last month among Garden Staters."
• PolitickerNJ named Christie a Loser of the Week: "Yet another poll showed the Republican governor's statewide numbers moving in the wrong direction, and that was taken before this strange gubernatorial week when he humbly said he would comply with the state Supreme Court's ruling on Abbott - even if he didn't agree with it, infuriating members of his own party; and bounced back with conservative red meat a day later, calming the national party's conservative base by pulling New Jersey out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Was there ever a five day period more illustrative of the governor's national/statewide double image?"
• Reuters: "Local setbacks could impact his national standing. Polls show his popularity waning in New Jersey, ratings agencies have downgraded the state's credit rating, and the state's highest court just ordered Christie to spend more money on education."

Christie Shamelessly Connecting the Wrong Dots

• Star Ledger Editorial: "In short: Christie is shamelessly connecting the wrong dots. Too many times, the governor has failed to accept responsibility for his mistakes. So, it’s doubly troubling that, on top of that, he would try to glom undeserved glory."
  

Christie and his Candidate in NY-26 ride ending Medicare to defeat

• Christie's Curse: NY-26 Candidate loses after Governor’s Robo call and support for eliminating Medicare as we know it.
• Blue Jersey: Kathy Hochul wins in NY-26 - another loss for Christie.
• Chris Christie Robo-calls: Following Karl Rove Again, to the Wrong Side in NY-26.

Congressional Corner

• Senator Lautenberg and Congressman Holt introduced legislation to create more aggressive language programs.
• To commemorate Memorial Day, Senator Menendez introduced a bill in Support of the Military Family Unit.
• U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Ron Sims awarded $18.4 million to revitalize the Alexander Hamilton development in Paterson, NJ.  The high and low-rises formerly on the site will be replaced with 201 townhouse rental and for-sale units, as well as 70 off-site rental units for seniors.  Sims made the announcement at the Paterson Housing Authority site, and was joined by Senator Frank Lautenberg, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Paterson Mayor Jeffrey Jones, and Paterson Housing Authority Executive Director Irma Gorham.
• Senator Menendez announced legislation to raise standards and keep production of highway marker beads in U.S. A similar bill has been introduced by Chairman Wisniewski in the Legislature and has already cleared committee.
  
• (Audio) Congressman Andrews said Republicans are playing a dangerous game forcing a vote on the debt ceiling before any negotiation. 
• Senator Lautenberg opposed the GOP budget plan to end Medicare as we know it & double health care costs for NJ seniors (Video) 
• The House voted to include two amendments to the 2012 National Defense Authorization bill authored by U.S. Congressman Pascrell. Both amendments are aimed at helping U.S service members who have sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Senator Menendez met with seniors in Ft. Lee to tell them he opposed the Republican plan to eliminate traditional Medicare + impose benefit cuts.
• Congressman Rothman: U.S.-Israel Relationship is Deep and Ironclad.
• Congressman Pallone spoke on the floor of the House and said that from day one, seniors will pay more and get less from Republican Medicare Plan.
• Congressman Payne said he was alarmed at the startling news that three camps of internally displaced persons in the Delmas neighborhood of Port-au-Prince were effectively destroyed.
• Star Ledger: The North Hudson Sewerage Authority put two big final touches on a wet weather pump station project that would help alleviate Hoboken’s flooding problems.The authority planned and paid for most of the $17.6 million project with help from a $5 million federal grant from Congressman Albio Sires and Sen. Robert Menendez.
• Congressman Pallone noted that House Republicans says they’re for jobs, but forgot to pass a single jobs bill.
• Congressman Andrews spoke on the floor of the House responding to Republicans who want a blank check for war. (Video)

Under the Dome

• A bill proposing a constitutional amendment to increase a property tax deduction for veterans cleared an Assembly panel Monday. The bill would increase the current $250 deduction to $300 in 2012, $350 in 2013, $400 in 2014 and $500 for 2016 and every year thereafter. The state has not increased the benefit since 1999.
• Assemblymen Wisniewski and Coughlin joined area veterans, including some from the Memorial Veterans Home in Menlo Park, who visited South Amboy Middle/High School to share their experiences in the armed forces with high school students. The annual Memorial Day Remembrance assembly was organized by the school's history club and the Veterans Committee of the South Amboy Elks Lodge 784.
• Bipartisan legislation to streamline contracting and licensing procedures at the state departments of Human Services and Children and Families to eliminate red tape and foster greater collaboration between the agencies was passed by the Senate.
• Legislation to refine unemployment benefit instructions and reduce the amount of money employees pay into the Temporary Disability Insurance fund was passed by the Senate.
• 14th district Legislators have partnered with Tender Hearts, a Hamilton Township based not-for-profit organization, to collect donated items for members of the United States Armed Forces who have been deployed overseas.
• Legislation that would establish the New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis Task Force in the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has passed the full Senate.
• A Senate resolution that calls on the state to apply for federal funds in order to help create a pilot program that would assist children in need of mental health services cleared the full Senate.
• Assemblywomen Quijano and Spencer have been selected as two of only 50 legislators from across the nation to participate in the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's 2011 Emerging Leaders Program to be held in July at The University of Virginia's renowned Darden Graduate School of Business Administration.
• A bill which would direct New Jersey’s courts to consider use of a hand-held cell phone while driving as proof of reckless driving during vehicular homicide or assault by auto proceedings was approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee by a vote of 4-0, with one abstention.
• Legislation known as “Pamela’s Law” that would criminalize the possession and sale of products containing “bath salts,” was cleared out of the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee. 
• Just in time for the unofficial kick-off of summer, legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk, which would allow municipalities to offer free or discounted beach badges to military personnel and their families. 
  
• A package of bills which would promote a more centralized, coordinated approach to serving homeless New Jerseyans was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
• Two Democratic state lawmakers from Burlington County have penned legislation that would subject county bridge commissions to a pay-to-play ban restricting them from awarding large contracts to firms or businesses that have made political donations.
• A bill which would require one-room surgical practices to conform to the same level of oversight and regulation reserved for larger facilities in order to protect patient safety was approved by the Committee by a vote of 7-1.
  

Upcoming Events

• May 31:
  35th Assembly Candidates Shavonda Sumter & Benjie Wimberly
  Cocktail Reception Fundraisers
  Special Guests, Assembly Speaker Oliver, Assemblywoman Evans,
  NJ Democratic State Chair Wisniewski, Chairman John Currie, Bergen Chairman Lou Stellato, Paterson Mayor Jeffery Jones
  6:00-8:00 PM
  Brownstone, Paterson
  
  
• June 1:
  Fundraiser for Assemblyman Jerry Green
  6:00 PM
  Spain Inn, 700 West 7th St, Piscataway
  $500
  RSVP: 201-457-0590
  
  
• June 2:
  Hon. John Wisniewski, Mike Baker, Charles Carley and Chris Killmurray Cordially invite you to a cocktail party in support of South Brunswick Councilman and 16th District Assembly Candidate
  Joe Camarota
  6:00-8:00 PM
  Mike Baker’s Barn
  93 Church Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
  $250
  
  Nellie Pou for Senate
  Home of Vincenzo Stampone, Esq., North Haledon, $250pp
  
  Please join the Belmar, Lake Como, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Democrats in a fundraiser in support of Freeholder Mallet
  Bar-A, 16th Avenue, Lake Como, NJ
  7-9pm Suggested Contribution: $60pp
  For more information or to RSVP please contact Councilwoman Venables at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 732-996-88767
  
  
• June 4:
  Asbury Park Democrats Community Day
  12:30-2:30pm
  Westside Community Center, 115 DeWitt Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
  Please support the Asbury Park Democrats on their first Community Day! The AP Dems will be raffling off beach badges to Asbury Park residents and will also be having a free cookout plus entertainment for the AP Community.
  For more information please call 732-739-8888.
  
  
• June 5:
  Jersey Gay Pride Festival 2011, Asbury Park
  12:00 PM
  The Park in front of the Convention Center, Ocean & Sunset, Asbury Park
  
  
• June 7:
  Three candidates for the New Jersey State Legislature think its time for voters in the northwest corner of New Jersey to send a message to Chris Christie by sending Democrats to Trenton. Ed Selby is running for New Jersey State Senate.  Leslie Huhn and Jim Nye are running for the State Assembly. The three candidates have formed a joint campaign committee, Democratic 24th, and will kick off their campaign on Tuesday, June 7th.
  8:00 PM
  St. Moritz on White Deer Plaza in Sparta, NJ.
  
  
• June 8:
  Assemblywoman Elease Evans Birthday Fundraiser
  6:00pm
  Brownstone, Paterson
  
  
• June 11:
  Campaign Training for Candidates
  10:30 AM
  PCDC Headquarters, 668 McBride Ave., Woodland Park
  
  
• June 14:
  MCDO Reorganization Meeting
  The Pines Manor
  2085 Route 27, Edison
  
  Passaic County Committee Meeting
  6:30pm
  Elks, 775 Clifton Avenue, Clifton

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee

Follow us

• Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.

We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week in Review for May 20, 2011

Welcome to the latest installment of the NJDSC's week in review.  Here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and toward the end, some of the upcoming events around the state next week:

Weekend Watching

• Chairman Wisniewski will appear on News 12's Power and Politics. Check your local listings for viewing times in your area.

"An excellent event, well attended with good energy"

• PolitickerNJ: Dems huddle up in AC for conference where Lautenberg denounces Christie as 'king of the liars.'
• AC Press on NJDSC State Conference:  a time to kick off campaign planning ahead of November's vote to fill all legislative seats statewide.
• PolitickerNJ:  "It was an excellent event, well attended with good energy."
• Video: AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech on NJ Democrats standing with workers and moving the State Conference: "Actions speak louder than speeches."
• A meeting of the members of the NJ Democratic State Committee was held to vote on adoption of the Draft Delegate Selection Plan at 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011. The Draft Delegate Selection Plan was unanimously adopted by 64 members of the Democratic State Committee. The next step is for the plan to be sent to the DNC Rules and By-Laws Committee for final approval. The plan approved by the members of the Democratic State Committee is available here.
• You can view photos from the State Conference here and here.

Revenues increased and the Rich got Richer because of the Stock Market, not Christie's policies

• The Record: Official - The Rich getting richer boosts state revenue.
• Responding to Christie and Republicans trying to take credit for the revenue increase, Chairman Wisniewski said not so fast:  "Before they break their arms patting themselves on the back trying to take credit for the increased revenue estimates, the governor and New Jersey Republicans should recognize that the rich got richer in New Jersey because of the success of the stock market, not their policies."
• Senate President Sweeney asked what world does King Christie lives in:  “King Christie cuts over $2.3 billion in state aid and property taxes go up higher than at any point in the last few years...but it isn't his fault. He shortchanges suburban school districts by ignoring the school funding formula and the state gets sued...but it isn't his fault. His administration fails to fill out a form correctly and New Jersey loses $400 million...but it isn't his fault. King Christie fails to take responsibility for the things he has actually done and bathes in the glory of things he had absolutely nothing to do with. Maybe that isn't his fault either.”
• Assembly Budget Chairman Greenwald offered comment on the improved FY 2012 budget numbers (Video). From the AP: Greenwald said the governor's priorities should be easing the property tax burden by providing additional rebates and slowing property tax growth by increasing aid to schools. He said he welcomed the news, especially with a state economy that's been slow to turn around. "Job growth is lagging, unemployment is stagnant and property taxes are ever increasing."
• Senator Sarlo: “The governor has balanced his budgets on the backs of the middle class, now this gives us an op­portunity to undo that.”
• NJ Spotlight said the increased revenue estimates have caused "an escalation in Christie's budget year blackmail."
• Bloomberg: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie may face about $2.3 billion in unplanned costs next fiscal year to pay for schools, Medicaid and his decision to scrap a commuter-train tunnel to New York.
• Atlantic City Press: The state will again postpone making June school aid payments until July, leaving school districts to determine if they have enough surplus to cover their bills or whether they will have to borrow money.
• NY Times on Commuters feeling the pinch from Christie's policies: "His approach to financing for transportation has led to big increases in transit fares and higher tolls on highways. And according to analysts and some elected officials, it could soon cause tolls on the bridges and tunnels leading to New York City to reach or exceed $10."
  

Democrats continue to fight for Women's Health as Christie says we spend enough

• AP: NJ Senate Democrats renew push to restore funding for women's health.
• New Jersey Newsroom: Despite Gov. Christie's opposition, Senator Weinberg reintroduces.
• Bloomberg: Democratic N.J. Senator Expects Christie to Veto Health Bill.
• Chairman Wisniewski offered this reaction to the Governor saying we already spend some money on women:  “The Governor’s pretense that he is being fiscally responsible in refusing to fund women’s health care is laughable," said Wisniewski. “His so-called ‘solution’ leaves women with no other health care options than to crowd into hospital emergency rooms for matters that could be handled much more efficiently in clinics.  It reduces the effectiveness of emergency rooms to handle real trauma and emergencies.  It is not fiscally responsible at all. When you add that to the loss of 9-1 matching funds from the federal government, it's clear Christie has little idea of what fiscal responsibility really is. The bottom line is, Chris Christie has found money for millionaires, malls and casinos, he surely can invest in the health of our mothers, sisters and daughters.”
• Senate President Sweeney said the women's health bill will be posted for a vote this Monday in the Senate:  “Last year the governor told us there was no funding available for women’s healthcare in the budget. We knew then as we know now, it was a false claim used to mask right-wing ideology.  But now we have a chance to do the right thing. With both the administration and the Office of Legislative Services acknowledging increases in revenues of several hundred million dollars, there is simply no reason why $7.5 million of that funding can’t be used to close this gaping hole in women’s healthcare."
• Video: Senator Weinberg talks about Christie's "war on women" after hosting a women's healthcare roundtable.

Christie Medicaid proposal "Heartless and Irresponsible

• Star Ledger:  Adults in a family of three that makes as little as $103 a week would earn too much to qualify for health care provided by Medicaid under a sharply curtailed program Gov. Chris Christie wants the federal government to approve this year.
• Speaker Oliver reacted to news of the proposal:   “It’s now clear why the administration has been hesitant to detail its plan – no one would want to publicly stand behind something this heartless and irresponsible.
• Assemblywoman Quijano: “Where does the governor think that our most vulnerable residents are going to go when they get sick? And how can we expect our hospitals to take on the expenses of providing charity care for the thousands of families who will no longer qualify for Medicaid? The governor has shown a refusal to take the needs and health of low-earners into consideration. This proposal will prevent thousands of New Jerseyans from receiving preventative care thereby driving more people into New Jersey's emergency rooms further burdening the taxpayers of this state.  I find his proposal offensive and, and I hope the people of New Jersey will join us in strongly opposing it.”
• A special Assembly Budget Committee meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday to discuss Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to slash the Medicaid health care program for New Jersey’s poorest residents.
• Taking the Family out of NJ Family Care: "if the governor has his way, New Jersey would have one of the nation’s most restrictive policies when it comes to the Medicaid program that provides affordable health insurance to working poor families who have no other options."

Wisniewski Applauds Court Ruling In Tea Party Challenge To New Legislative Map

• Chairman Wisniewski commended the decision by the Honorable Linda R. Feinberg to deny the Tea Party's application for temporary restraints against the new legislative map: “The Commission in April adopted a fair, constitutional and forward looking map. Our new map improves upon the existing map in almost every measurable way, including making the map more compact, more competitive and improving ‘one person, one vote’ standards.  We are very pleased by Judge Feinberg's ruling today denying the Tea Party's application and look forward to final dismissal of the Tea Party's claim.”

The more Voters See of Christie, the less the like

• Monmouth Poll: Among registered voters, Christie has a 46% positive to 49% negative job rating. The change in Christie’s rating comes mainly from the number of people who shifted from having no opinion of the governor a few months ago to holding a negative view today. The number who disapproves has increased by 9 points, while the number who have no opinion of their governor’s job performance decreased by 7 points.   
• PolitickerNJ: Monmouth Poll - the more voters hear of Christie, the less they approve.
• Star Ledger: Nearly half of N.J. voters disapprove of Gov. Christie's job performance, poll says.
• Atlantic City Press on Stockton Poll:  "(Nearly 80 percent) of the respondents did not like the way he treats the New Jersey Education Association and teachers. This was evenly split among Democrats and Republicans. Other strong reasons were his policies, handling of the state budget and the way he treats unions."
  

Christie has been "Devastating to Monroe"

• Before Christie's taxpayer funded campaign stop in Monroe, Mayor Pucci said "we received $4.5 million in school aid before this governor. In his first year he cut $4.3 million, leaving us with $200,000. Devastating to Monroe."
• Chairman Wisniewski responded to Christie's latest taxpayer funded campaign stop in Monroe: “It’s another day and another opportunity for a YouTube moment where the Governor can blame others for the problems he is failing to solve at taxpayer expense. The bottom line is that all of the tough talk isn’t helping families struggling to find work, pay for the increased fees and afford the 24% increase in their property taxes from Christie and NJ Republicans.”

Congressional Corner

• Senator Lautenberg reacted to President Obama's Middle East speech: "It is time for all people in the region to recognize that Israel can no longer be used as a convenient scapegoat for problems in countries where corruption and suppression routinely existed.  As the President clearly declared, the path to peace in the Middle East starts with recognition of Israel’s right to exist, defend itself, and protect its people.  The President also made clear that any attempt to isolate Israel at the U.N. with a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood will be counterproductive."
• Senator Menendez and Congressman Pascrell announced bi-partisan legislation to upgrade water infrastructure and create 1.4 million jobs by encouraging private investment. You can see the News 12 segment on the announcement here.
• Senators Lautenberg and Menendez and Congressmen Holt and Pallone announced a $1.5 million National Emergency Grant to assist workers affected by the closure of Fort Monmouth.  Under this grant, hundreds of New Jersey workers to be dislocated between now and September 2011 will be provided with training and re-employment services over the next year
• At a Senate Appropriations hearing on the budget request for the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak, Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) questioned Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman about the importance of the Gateway Tunnel project for the region and to high-speed rail along the Northeast Corridor.  Watch Senator Lautenberg’s exchange with Boardman about the importance of building a new trans-Hudson River tunnel.  Boardman said “we’re out of capacity in the Northeast Corridor” and that the new tunnel is “critical” to developing high-speed rail there.
• Speaking on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Menendez slammed an oil executive for decrying as "un-American" Menendez's attempt to remove oil company tax subsidies: "There simply is no common-sense explanation for balancing the budget on the backs of working families and letting multibillion-dollar oil companies keep billions in taxpayer dollars.”
• Actress Jessica Alba will help drum up publicity on May 24 for Senator Lautenberg’s chemical safety bill.
  
• Monmouth County beaches got a boost when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allocated $7.5 million in replenishment funds that was requested by Congressman Pallone for Monmouth Beach and northern Long Branch. 
• Congressman Holt and Undersecretary of Education Martha Kanter visited Mercer County Community College not only to air their views on higher education, but also to get feedback from students as they continue to refine their policies.
• Congressman Andrews was named "Legislator of the Year" by the New Jersey Association of Health Underwriters at its annual conference last week in Atlantic City.
• Congressman Holt visited the East Brunswick Senior Center for a forum on Medicare and how proposed changes included in a Republican budget proposal could affect those benefits.
• Congressman Payne said the United States must speak out more strongly about human rights violations in China. "It is my strong belief that the United States cannot be indifferent to Chinese human rights violations. I firmly believe that a nation that pursues wealth by silencing its citizens is building a foundation in sand which cannot resist the tide of civilian unrest,"
• The Fort Lee Patch caught up with Congressman Rothman after his Fort Lee "listening session" Thursday and asked him what he "heard" and what he'll take back to Washington with him.
• Congressman Sires was honored by the International Institute of New Jersey at their 13th annual American Dream Celebration in Jersey City.
• Congressman Pascrell was in attendance for Monday night's town council meeting to personally present the Livingston Fire Department with a $188,640 federal grant to be used on the purchase of new safety equipment.
• Congressman Andrews talked about the great Republican flip flop on healthcare on Hardball. (Video)
  

Under the Dome

• Senator Beach and Assemblyman Conners voiced their support to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program and noted the program's importance to the New Jersey National Guard and its economic impact as chief among their reasons for support.
• Assemblyman Wisniewski received the first-ever Elected Official of the Year Award from the International Code Council (ICC) in honor of his legislative work to enhance building safety. He was one of three nationwide recipients of the first-time award, along with South Carolina Senator Phil P. Leventis and New Mexico Senator Bernadette M. Sanchez.
• A bill package which would expand State support for the Atlantic City Racetrack and reduce unneeded regulatory bureaucracy for Atlantic City’s casinos was approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
• A bill which would allow the court to waive the license revocation process for an individual who is behind on child support payments was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• Legislation that would promote shared services among school districts was cleared out of the Senate Education Committee.  It would require executive county superintendents to designate a county special services school district or educational services commission as the county education services agency to help school districts to reduce costs by entering shared services arrangements. 
• Assemblyman Chivukula: "We have to come up with a way to recognize and promote alternative energy technologies..."
• A measure making it easier for municipalities to employ emergency medical technicians who have been laid off for economic reasons, passed a key Assembly panel.
• Officials from local urban enterprise zones flooded an Assembly hearing to implore lawmakers to fend off Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to eliminate local financing projects from the program.
• AP:  Politicians and business owners are raising the alarm about New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's plan to shut down a 28-year-old urban development program.
• The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee has approved a bill cracking down on anyone who kills or injures another person while driving and illegally using a hand-held cell phone.
• Legislation requiring all future public employees to live in New Jersey has been signed into law.
• An Assembly panel approved a bill that would increase law enforcement's crime-fighting potential by expanding New Jersey's DNA law to require samples from individuals arrested on suspicion of certain violent crimes.
• Legislation to help ease the blow of rising gas prices by allowing retailers to offer rebates, and promotions for purchasing gasoline was advanced by an Assembly committee.
• Legislation to investigate the potential taxpayer savings through countywide property assessment demonstration programs was advanced by an Assembly panel.
• Assemblywoman Voss spoke about bullying and domestic violence.
• Minors in New Jersey wouldn't be able to get Botox injections unless a doctor says it's medically necessary and documents the reason, under a bill moving through the Assembly.
• Legislation to push the state toward giving preference to food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey was advanced by a Senate panel.
• Legislation to create an Internet database to provide the public with an easily accessible and comprehensive source of current information on local requests for proposals has been signed into law. The measure was part of the Legislature’s “Back to Work NJ” job creation and economic development initiative.
• WNYC: New Jersey Democrats want the Christie Administration to re-write the rules on dispensing medical marijuana.
• Legislation that would help New Jersey address the long-term needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease has cleared the Legislature.

Upcoming Events

• May 22:
  MCDO Vice Chairs’ Breakfast
  10:00 AM The Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27, Edison $40
  RSVP: 732-906-3680
  
  
• May 23:
  Fundraiser for Freeholder Carol Barrett
  5:30 PM Casa Giuseppe, 487 Rt 27, Iselin $250
  RSVP: 609-690-6237
  
  
• May 25:
  Fundraiser for Assemblyman Diegnan
  5:30 PM La Tavola Cucina, 700 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River $750
  RSVP: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  
  
• May 26:
  Please join U.S. Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) for a fundraiser in support of the 11th District Legislative Candidates
  The Berkeley Hotel, 1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
  7-9pm Friends of Equality - $50/Supporter of Equality - $100/Defender of Equality - $250
  Please make checks payable to "District 11 Election Fund"
  
  Middlesex County Building and Construction Beef Steak Dinner
  6:30 PM Iron Workers Local Union #373, 426 Market St, Perth Amboy $35
  RSVP: 609-324-0500
  
  Theodore “TJ” Best for Freeholder
  Featuring Saxoponist, Malcolm Cobb 6:00 PM Jacksonville, Paterson $40pp
  For more info .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  
  
• May 31:
  35th Assembly Candidates Shavonda Sumter & Benjie Wimberly
  Cocktail Reception Fundraisers
  Special Guests, Assembly Speaker Oliver, Assemblywoman Evans,
  NJ Democratic State Chair Wisniewski, Chairman John Currie, Bergen Chairman Lou Stellato, Paterson Mayor Jeffery Jones
  6:00-8:00 PM Brownstone, Paterson
  
  
• June 1:
  Fundraiser for Assemblyman Jerry Green
  6:00 PM Spain Inn, 700 West 7th St, Piscataway $500
  RSVP: 201-457-0590
  
  
• June 2:
  Nellie Pou for Senate
  Home of Vincenzo Stampone, Esq., North Haledon, $250pp
  
  Please join the Belmar, Lake Como, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Democrats in a fundraiser in support of Freeholder Mallet
  Bar-A, 16th Avenue, Lake Como, NJ 7-9pm Suggested Contribution: $60pp
  For more information or to RSVP please contact Councilwoman Venables at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 732-996-8876
  
  
• June 4:
  Asbury Park Democrats Community Day
  12:30-2:30pm Westside Community Center, 115 DeWitt Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
  Please support the Asbury Park Democrats on their first Community Day! The AP Dems will be raffling off beach badges to Asbury Park residents and will also be having a free cookout plus entertainment for the AP Community.
  For more information please call 732-739-8888.
  
  
• June 5:
  Jersey Gay Pride Festival 2011, Asbury Park
  12:00 PM The Park in front of the Convention Center, Ocean & Sunset, Asbury Park

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee

Follow us

• Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.

We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week in Review for May 6, 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:

The Death Of Osama Bin Laden

• On Sunday night, President Obama announced the death of Osama Bin Laden.  You can see video of his remarks here. (VIDEO)
• Chairman Wisniewski offered this reaction: "The news of Osama bin Laden's death is a profound moment for not only New Jersey families, but for every American. Hopefully this news can help the many New Jersey families who lost loved ones on that tragic day and in the years since continue the healing process. We owe a great debt of thanks to the members of our armed forces and intelligence community for this significant victory for our country.”
• Senator Lautenberg: “People across the civilized world will have great satisfaction and relief with news of the death of Osama bin Laden, one of the worst killers in the history of man. He was a ruthless terrorist responsible for a savage mission that killed thousands of innocent Americans and others around the world."
• Senator Menendez: Like all Americans, New Jerseyans, never forgot the heinous actions of those responsible, never forgot those whose lives were lost, never stopped asking questions of our government, and never ceased continuing the pressure on the importance of capturing Bin Laden and bringing justice to those responsible. The Senator also praised U.S. troops and elite Special Forces for bringing Osama bin Laden to justice and specifically singled out President Barack Obama's work.
• Jersey Journal: New Jersey's two senators and a Hudson congressman attend presidential wreath-laying at Ground Zero; one says it is "closing a circle that began on Sept. 11, 2001."
• Congressman Andrews: “The intelligence, military and law enforcement officials who serve the United States and the cause of freedom around the world are the heroes of this moment. We owe these heroes a great debt of thanks for their heroism and courage.” 
• Congressman Holt: “Osama bin Laden’s removal will not immediately end the threat of terrorism against the United States, but his death represents a crippling blow to the organization responsible for the 9/11 attacks. I congratulate President Obama and the dedicated and brave members of our military and our intelligence services for acting to eliminate this threat to the American people.”
• Congressman Pascrell: “He was responsible not only for 9/11 but a lot of other attacks, cowardly at best. He was the real infidel all along, not those he chose to kill, and those he chose to maim.”
• Congressman Sires: "I commend the brave men and women of our military and intelligence community for their unwavering pursuit of this dangerous man and his brutal agenda."
• Capitol Quickies had more reaction to the news.

The State Conference is Just Days Away

• If you have not yet registered, just days remain and space is filling up. You don’t want to miss out on our interactive training tracks include Winning as a Candidate, New Media/Communications and Field Tactics, Targeting and Technology. You can see the full schedule of events by checking out www.njdemsconference.org. 
  
  Not only will the trainings be interactive and informative, you will have the opportunity to engage with our experts to learn the skills needed to run a successful grassroots operation. Come and network with our great Democratic Members of Congress, elected leaders from around the state and some of the best strategists from New Jersey and around the nation. The conference is a great tradition and we hope you will join us. 

Wisniewski Congratulates New DNC Chairwoman

• Following her election, Chairman Wisniewski congratulated new DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and said, “I am thrilled to congratulate Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz on her election as Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee,” said Wisniewski. “Her path to leadership exemplifies the American Dream. Her work in the Florida legislature, United States Congress and as a long time leader for our Party is an inspiration to Democrats in New Jersey and around the country. Here in New Jersey, we look forward to standing with her in the years ahead as we fight for working families, women's health and a better future for our state and our nation."
• Democrats.org: In her acceptance speech, Wasserman Schultz told those watching, both online and in person, about her background and how it helped shape her vision for our party's future.
• Video: Democrats picked the right person.

Democrats Point Out Christie’s Hypocrisy And Draw A Line With Women’s Health

• As the Christie administration hosted the annual Governor’s Conference for Women, Assemblywoman Stender pointed to the hypocrisy of the event, given the Governor’s track record on women’s issues. She said “Chris Christie lending his title to this event is nothing more than a farce. He has a proven track record of putting ideology before the health needs of women throughout this state, regardless of the consequences.
• Senator Weinberg noted that something was missing from the Governor’s conference: “We're at a conference for women and a very important issue for women has been left out to the dialogue”
• The Auditor said Speaker Oliver did not even receive an invite to participate in the Governor's Conference for Women: “For the first time in the history of the state, we have a woman serving for a length of time as speaker. You would suspect that I could have added something to the conversation when they talk about women and women in leadership.”
• Star Ledger: A group of female Democratic lawmakers said they will not let the budget pass without a major fight unless Gov. Chris Christie includes $1 million for women’s health. The money would be matched by $9 million in federal funds for family planning centers to care for women between 133 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
• A Women's Health Care forum, including experts in the field of women's health, will be held on May 11 to discuss the impact of proposed state funding cuts and the potential consequences of public policies that limit access to a full range of preventive health care for women. 
• Star Ledger: Senate Democrats sharply questioned Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed 10 percent rate cut on government-funded health centers while he expects them to accept new patients after five family planning clinics closed because of last year’s budget cuts.
• PolitickerNJ named Low Income Women a "Loser" of the week under Christie: "Veteran state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37) continued her fight this week against the Christie administration, which does not plan to include $1 million to treat lower-income women at health centers - a sum that would be matched by $9 million in federal funds. Weinberg questioned the priorities of an administration that would cut women's healthcare funding while seeking $200 million in business tax cuts."
  

Under Christie, NJ Job recovery "especially fickle" with hiring trend "particularly elusive"

• Star Ledger: N.J. unemployment claims rise to most in the nation.
• Chairman Wisniewski offered this reaction to the latest unemployment numbers: “While jobs remain on the back burner for Chris Christie, New Jersey saw a 52% increase in weekly jobless claims and that’s after 165,000 residents have already exhausted their benefits altogether,” said Wisniewski. “New Jersey saw the biggest increase in new claims for unemployment of any state in the country and that reflects the failure of Christie’s policies. It’s time for the Governor to stop saying he’s turned around New Jersey’s economy and start taking some responsibility for his inability to put New Jersey back to work.”
• Stile: Christie’s bid to lure jobs looks like a bust.
• Commenting in the Stile column on whether the Governor’s bid to lure jobs was a bust, the Lieutenant Governor said "We don’t keep track of specifics."
• Chairman Wisniewski responded to the comments from the Lieutenant Governor: “This administration likes to talk about the need to run the state like a business, but what business wouldn’t track the outcome of its efforts. This is just the latest example of how the Christie administration is more concerned with getting attention than they are in getting results. The fact is that New Jersey workers need jobs, not publicity tours that only serve to benefit the Governor’s political agenda.” 
• Blue Jersey: Running New Jersey like a business.
• Democratic Legislation to help small businesses was signed into law.

No One is Above the Law, but Christie is trying to be

• Star Ledger: N.J. attorney general faces questions on Christie's threat to defy Supreme Court over school funding.
  
• Assemblyman Greenwald questioned the Attorney General about the Governor's statement that he might ignore the court on education funding: "no one is above the law and the law of the land is interpreted by our Supreme Court. I'm not asking you to opine on decisions that are pending before the Supreme Court and I specifically referenced in my question that it is not about this Governor. It's about any Governor. Any Governor who sits here today or in the future who would ignore and order from the Supreme Court. This Governor has said publicly that if he's order to pay this he may ignore that order."
• Stile: Christie's latest target was just doing his job.
• Senate President Sweeney: "Can he write his own constitution? I think he wants to. He wants someone like a crier at town hall to come out and hold a document and say ‘King Christie declares, so be it law.’"
• Gloucester County Times Editorial: Christie should stop harping about "unelected" justices deciding the school case.
• President of NJ State Bar Association: Christie should show the Supreme Court some respect.
• Star Ledger Editorial: Chris Christie blinked during court contretemps.
• After throwing away billions on ARC, Christie continues to waste taxpayer dollars and pay off his politically connected law firm: In addition to the legal fees, which amounted to more than $800,000 for December and January alone, interest is accruing on the $271 million owed to the government at an annual rate of 1 percent — or $225,000 a month.
• Chairman Wisniewski questioned the wisdom of Christie's stand: "The governor is being “reckless” by going to court, rather than pursuing a compromise. My concern is that the federal government has a far bigger arsenal of tools at its disposal. It’s really a David versus Goliath fight. I’m not sure that the governor’s digging his heels in and claiming to fight this to the end is in the best interest of the taxpayers.”

Democrats Protecting NJ Residents From Christie’s Budget Cuts

• Assemblyman Schaer questioned Christie’s higher education cuts and their impact: "At a time when we should be investing in higher education, Governor Christie has gone in the opposite direction, once again proposing that funding remain at about $170 million below the level when he took office." He discussed the need to invest in Higher education in this VIDEO.
• Assemblywoman Watson Coleman pointed to the removal of the cap on tuition increases by the Governor: "We already know this governor doesn't hesitate to raise taxes on working class families, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that he has no qualms about hiking tuition on them too. The governor's budget proposal sustains the significant cuts in higher education from last year, except this time he doesn't even want a tuition cap to try to control costs for families."
• Star Ledger: N.J. lawmakers question Christie's refusal to restore $1.7B cuts to public education.
• While Governor Christie plans to cut Medicaid funding, NJ Spotlight noted that 11 % of NJ gets healthcare through the program.
• Senate President Sweeney: "The governor cut more than $2.4 billion in funding to schools and municipalities last year. That is why your taxes are going up."
  

Congressional Corner

• On MSNBC, Senator Lautenberg questioned how Pakistan missed Bin Laden’s hideaway? He said the only thing missing was a neon sign. (VIDEO)
• Star Ledger: A Q&A with ... Robert Menendez: What’s next with Pakistan?
  
• Senator Menendez and Congressman Pallone hosted a roundtable with New Jersey law enforcement, elected officials, housing officials, members of the boards of education of various municipalities, and community leaders to discuss gang prevention in the state.  Stakeholders addressed past successful actions as well as the state of affairs as described in the 2010 Street Gang Survey.
• Sen. Lautenberg is planning a Senate hearing on rail security after new intelligence found at Osama bin Laden's compound revealed a threat of attack on U.S. passenger trains. "We have a handwritten note from Osama bin Laden's compound targeting rail systems in the United States. When it comes to threats to our national security, trains are a prime target and must be better secured."
• Senator Menendez commended the Justice Department for taking action against Deutsche Bank, which is accused of defrauding taxpayers of at least $1 billion by “recklessly lying” to a federal agency when securing taxpayer-backed insurance for thousands of mortgages.
• Paramus Post: Menendez, Lautenberg Announce $2.8 Million in Federal Funding to Connect Bergen County Homeless to Shelters and Job Skills
• Campus Progress noted that 600,000 young adults get health insurance thanks to Health Care Reform passed by the Democratic Congress and signed by the President.
• The DCCC pointed out that Republicans voted to end Medicare but protect tax breaks for Big Oil and the ultra rich.
• Congressman Holt said he is proud to stand with and honor New Jersey’s veterans at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation annual Remembrance Day ceremony in Holmdel.
• A bill that would reopen offshore drilling in Virginia and the Gulf of Mexico passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives mostly with Republican support, 266-149 with 17 abstentions. New Jersey's congressional delegation split along party lines, with Democrats opposing the measure. Senator Menendez said the bill will be dead on arrival in the Senate.
• Congressman Rothman joined colleagues to introduce the SEAM Act to Rebuild American Manufacturing Base and Greener Economy.
• Star Ledger: A Q&A with Rep. Rob Andrews: Afghan exit should be easier with Osama bin Laden gone.
  
• The Record: President Barack Obama bestowed the Congressional Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Private Henry Svehla, a Belleville native, posthumously. The ceremony marked the end of a 10-year effort by U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell's office and Anthony Svehla, the soldier's nephew, to properly honor the 19-year-old, who jumped on a grenade to save his platoon in the Korean War.
  
• Eight students from Millburn High School have their artwork on display at the Newark Art Museum as a part of the Congressional Arts Competition sponsored by Congressman Payne and open to students living within the 10th Congressional District. 

Under the Dome

• The Assembly State Government Committee voted to move New Jersey's presidential primary back to June. Chairman Wisniewski said "moving the primary back to June just makes sense, from both a relevance and economic perspective."
• AG's report: Teen decal hasn't attracted predators.
  
• The Record: 'Spirit of Humanity' award goes to Sen. Weinberg.
• A bill which requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to issue all orders in writing, and to post those orders on the Internet was signed into law.
• School districts throughout New Jersey will have to make anti-dating violence part of the curriculum for their middle and high school students, under a bipartisan bill signed into law.
• Jersey Journal: Bayonne Assemblyman Jason O'Donnell submits testimony to federal committee that calls for requiring testing of all newborns for congenital heart defects; his son was diagnosed only because doctor was especially diligent.
• Seeking to remove what advocates call a tool of revenge, the Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would extend laws that protect domestic violence victims to also include family pets.
• A trio of bills designed to control worker and employer taxes and protect unemployment help for New Jerseyans was approved by the Assembly Labor Committee. 
• Star Ledger: N.J. Sen. Codey leads call to shut down Newark boarding home following attack on resident.
• Many questions remain on the State's plan for Vineland Developmental Center.
•  A bill which would direct the State to conduct a study of the current use of High-Volume Basic Computing (HVBC) systems in government agencies, and examine whether or not viable, cost-effective alternatives exist was signed into law.
• Legislation to cut local government costs by extending the timeframe under which municipalities are required to conduct a review of their municipal master plans has been signed into law.
• Senator Weinberg once again called on Governor Christie and Administration officials to release detailed plans for the development formerly known as Xanadu. Governor Christie participated in a news conference with site developers to announce the rebranding and repackaging of the site as “The American Dream,” but failed to provide details about the cost to taxpayers or plans to improve local infrastructure.
• The Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee advanced a bill that would help New Jersey address the long-term needs of residents with Alzheimer's Disease.
• An Assembly panel approved a measure to help nursing homes save money and reduce their carbon footprint by investing in energy efficient improvements.
• Assemblyman Chivukula, chairman of the Assembly Telecom & Utilities Committee, said he hoped to find answers to pressing questions as the state attempts to transition to using more green power rather than relying on foreign oil or aging power plants.
  
  

Upcoming Events

• May 9: 
  Nellie Pou Candidate for NJ Senate 35th Legislative District 6:00 PM
  Brownstone, Paterson
  
  
• May 10: 
  Women Empowered Democratic Organization Meeting 6:45 PM
  PCDC Headquarters, 668 McBride Ave., Woodland Park
  
  
• May 11: 
  Friends of Terry Duffy Spring Fling 5:30 PM
  Brownstone, Paterson, $125pp
  
  
• May 12: 
  Scotch, Cigars, and Your Surrogate Candidate Bernice Toledo 6-8 PM
  Hamilton and Ward Steakhouse, Paterson
  Donation: $150
  RSVP: 201-774-8812 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  
  
• May 15:
  Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Spring Brunch Noon-3:00 PM
  Beaver Brook Country Club, 25 Country Club Dr, Annandale
  Special Guest Congressman Frank Pallone
  Tickets are $75.00
  
  
• May 16:
  Golf Outing with Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo
  11:00 AM Mercer Oaks Golf Course $150/pp
  RSVP: 609-571-8302
  
  
• May 17:
  MCDO Breakfast Reception
  8:00 AM The Metuchen Inn, 424 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen
  $1,000/pp RSVP: 732-906-3680
  
  
• May 18:
  Senator Greenstein’s Cocktail Reception
  6:00 PM Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Drive, Monroe $500
  RSVP: 609-865-2094
  
  Assemblywoman Nellie Pou’s 15th Annual Birthday Celebration
  7:00 PM Brownstone, Paterson $100pp
  
  
• May 19:
  District 26 Candidate Social
  Featuring Senate candidate Wasim Khan, Assembly candidates Joseph Raich and Elliot Isibor and Freeholder Candidate Truscha Quatrone
  7:30 PM Montville Senior House, 356 Route 202, Montville, NJ
  RSVP:  Truscha@gmail.com
  
  Passaic County Democratic Committee Annual Golf Outing
  11:00am Registration – Lunch – 5:00pm Cocktail Reception
  The Knoll West Country Club, Parsippany
  Contact: Rita Pascrell 973-279-4647 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  
  
• May 20:
  Women Empowered Democratic Organization Wine & Cheese Party
  6:00-8:00 PM
  Paterson Museum, $40pp RSVP To Ritzy Moralez or Joanne Graziano
  
  Sussex County Democratic Committee Spring Dinner
  6:00 PM Sussex County Technical High School
  $40 ($45 at the door); $20 for students
  RSVP: Call Ed Selby at 973-948-9201 or go to http://www.sussexdems.com
  
  
• May 21:
  Keith Kazmark for Mayor Headquarters Grand Opening
  12:00noon –3:00pm (Ribbon Cutting 1:00pm)
  968 McBride Ave., Woodland Park
  
  
• May 22:
  MCDO Vice Chairs’ Breakfast
  10:00 AM The Pines Manor, 2085 Rt 27, Edison $40
  RSVP: 732-906-3680

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee

Follow us

• Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.

We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week in Review for April 29 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:

Don't Miss the 2011 New Jersey Democratic State Conference

• Don't Miss the 2011 New Jersey Democratic State Conference from May 12-14th. This annual event brings together leaders from around New Jersey and across the country and this year, we’re pulling back the curtain on organizing. We will give you an inside look from the best in the business at how to build a grassroots campaign from the ground up and execute your plan to win on Election Day.

  In addition, enjoy receptions and events with our Party leaders from New Jersey and beyond! Network with fellow Democrats from around the state and join us as we come together as one Democratic Party and prepare for victory this November. Please visit www.njdemsconference.org to register today and join us as we Pave the Way to Victory!
  

Help For Small Businesses To Hire Workers

• Two Democratic business tax cut measures that will help small businesses to create jobs, which were previously vetoed by the Governor, were signed into law.
• Assemblyman Greenwald: “It’s unfortunate that the governor turned this into a sandbox tussle that delayed its implementation and hurt businesses, but we weren’t going to waver from our commitment to helping businesses create jobs.”
  
• Senator Buono: "A direct tax cut for small businesses will do much more to reinvigorate the economy than cutting taxes for wealthy individuals with the hopes that the benefits trickle down, which they rarely if ever do."
• Assemblyman Milam: “Anything we can do to give businesses the ability to hire, expand and invest in New Jersey is a smart approach,”
• Assemblywoman Pou: “We continue to fight for job creation, and this law is a key part of that effort,”
• Assemblywoman Spencer: "With this law, we will be giving the businesses that employ hard-working New Jerseyans a greater chance to succeed.”
• Daily Record Editorial: Bill to help jobless get their foot in the door.
  

Wisniewski Rallies Burlington County Democrats

• Blue Jersey has video of Chairman Wisniewski speaking before over 200 Democrats at the Burlington County Jefferson Jackson Dinner: "Wisniewski addressed the faithful at the annual Burlington County Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Cinnaminson this evening. He started out by calmly telling the crowd of several hundred that to understand what it means to be a Democrat, one has to look at what the other side stands for.The Republicans believe that government is the problem and markets will self-regulate. They believe the private sector will look out for peoples’ needs. Wisniewski asked how well did that turn out? On the other hand, he continued, Democrats believe that there needs to be an outlet for people who have no voice in their fate. Democrats believe citizens should have access to quality health care and education."
• The Chairman tweeted from the event: "At the Burlington County Jefferson Jackson Dinner with 7th district Senate candidate Gail Cook" and that the "event had great attendance with lots of energy."

Christie's claims on $271 million bill for Canceled ARC Tunnel are "Simply Not Accurate"

• The Record: The Federal government ruled that New Jersey must repay $271 million for the ARC tunnel project canceled by Governor Christie: In a letter to the state’s congressional delegation notifying them of the ruling, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood emphasized that the state had been told the project could cost as much as $12 billion back in 2008. “Any notion that the potential for cost growth constituted new and emergent information when the governor made his decision is simply not accurate,” LaHood said.
• Asbury Park Press: Lautenberg and Menendez did broker a compromise in which LaHood said if the state repaid $271 million, the federal government would return $128 million or half of it in the form of Congestion Mitigation Air Quality grants for mass transit projects. The offer was off the table when the governor's legal team pursued a different course, they said.
• NJ Newsroom: LaHood made no attempt to hide his outlook toward Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to halt the tunnel work. "In this case, after the initial contract was entered into and later expanded at Governor Christie's request, the state of New Jersey broke the terms of the contract," LaHood wrote. "The governor's unfortunate decision will affect the commuters in New Jersey and the entire Northeast region for generations."
  

"I'm Looking at Shutting Off Streetlights"

• After Governor Christie's drastic cuts to municipal aid, towns are scrambling to cut services or enact fees on services like trash collection to provide for their residents.
• Bill Dressel, executive director of the state’s League of Municipalities, said voters may be in for a "rude awakening. They’re going to be seeing police officers laid off, cuts that impact them personally," 
• Senator Sarlo: "We should reassure our mayors and our residents that state aid reductions then should not have any impact on public safety."

Mountain Creek Forked Over Campaign Cash To GOP Days Before Favorable Bill Made Law

• PolitickerNJ: Eight days before Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill requiring helmets for skiers under 18 into law that exempted resort operators from liability, six investors in Mountain Creek, New Jersey’s largest ski resort, donated $150,000 to the state Republican coffers, state ELEC records show.  Another $25,000 was donated by JRB Enterprises.  A search of state records shows Julie Mulvihill is the president of JRB Enterprises and the company lists a Hamburg address.  Julie Mulvihill is also the CEO of Crystal Springs resort, the new corporate owner of Mountain Creek.

Christie's Highlands Appointee Diametrically Opposed To Highlands Act

• NJ Spotlight: What are Gov Christie's plans for the Highlands?
• Senator Smith slammed the decision by the Christie administration to appoint a member to the Highlands Commission who opposes the act altogether: "Leadership be damned. We have a responsibility as senators to do the right thing. You are going to appoint someone who is opposed to the law. Do you think that’s good government? I think we’re making a terrible mistake,"
• Star Ledger: Environmental groups complain of being outnumbered by 'special interests' at DEP meetings.
  

Christie's Budget Targets NJ Family Care and Working Families

• Star Ledger: The decision to close the FamilyCare program to parents with a household income above the federal poverty level — about $18,530 annually for a family of three. The state also plans to raise premiums and co-pays on FamilyCare participants.

• Last year, the Christie administration froze entry into the program for parents who earned above 133 percent of the poverty level — $24,645 for a family of three — a move that did not require federal approval because the money came from the state. As a result, nearly 50,000 residents were denied coverage.
• Senate President Sweeney: "Until we know the details and make sure there is a proper level of care, it’s not a budget savings."

• Assemblyman Greenwald: "We want to ensure there is no disruption in care that would damage client health and ultimately lead to much higher costs for taxpayers."
• Center For American Progress: The Not-So-Secret Conservative Plot to Raise Taxes on the Middle Class.
• Star ledger Editorial: "But yes, vindicating constitutional rights can cost money. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down segregated schools in Brown v. Board of Education, the remedy required money. When it found that poor defendants were entitled to a lawyer, that remedy was costly as well. Is the governor really arguing that those decisions were wrong, that courts can protect only those rights that cost no money to vindicate?"
• Asbury Park Press: NJ Democrats' leader wants pension promises kept.
• Responding to attacks by Republicans for suggesting that NJ honor its promises to workers, Chairman Wisniewski said: “I’m too busy fighting off Gov. Christie’s attacks on the middle class to respond to such Republican nonsense, but if Assemblyman O’Scanlon actually thought about the policies he advocates instead of mindlessly parroting whatever script he is given by the governor’s office, he would see that the future he wants involves a state economy devastated by the governor’s anti-middle-class policies, senior citizens fighting to pay to keep their homes under the governor’s property tax hikes and a state pension system crippled by the governor’s failure to live up to his obligations. Assemblyman O’Scanlon may find that amusing, but he’s the only one.”
• Senate President Sweeney: There is nothing that is left in that 'Tool Kit' that can make up for the billions of dollars that was cut by Governor Christie that is causing higher property taxes." 
• Reverend Sharpton at a rally in Trenton: "We can cut back people’s pensions. We can lay off workers. We can close hospitals, schools, psychiatric centers. We can deal with changing tenure for teachers — but don’t touch the rich. They have become the sacred cow that can’t be touched ... while workers become the slaughtered lamb."
• Assemblywoman Pou expressed concern over the continued elimination of more than $5.5 million in funding for the state's School Breakfast and School Lunch programs in Gov. Christie's FY 2012 proposed budget. (VIDEO)
  

"As Transparent As Hundreds Of Blacked Out Details"

• The Courier Post had a column by Jeremy Rosen that looked at the over $56,000 in taxpayer travel expenses for Chris Christie and said the administration's disclosures were "as transparent as hundreds of blacked-out details or the 179 full pages that have been redacted from Christie's out-of-state travel and lodging records."

Congressional Corner

• Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced that New Jersey has been awarded $1. 5 Million by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS). The largest recipient was the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, set to receive $275,040 in funds.  
• The Record: Newark airport security chief vows review after meeting with Lautenberg.
  
• Amid reports that the Department of Homeland Security misled local governments to coerce them into participating in the Secure Communities program and ignored concerns with the program’s impact on crime fighting efforts and encouragement of racial profiling to target illegal immigrants, Senator Menendez supported calls for an investigation.
• In his continued push to close the "terror gap,"  Senator Lautenberg released new data showing that, in 2010, individuals on the terror watch list were cleared 247 times to purchase guns in the United States. 
• Congressman Holt joined 29 other Members of Congress in writing to Speaker of the House John Boehner to request that he schedule an up-or-down vote on legislation that would save American taxpayers $40 billion over the next 5 years by ending tax breaks to big oil companies.
• Congressman Pallone and the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) sent letters to Governor Chris Christie asking him to direct the Department of Environmental Protection to approve the 2011 summer flounder regulations before the scheduled opening of the fishery on May 7.
• Private First Class Henry Svehla, who died in 1952, will posthumously receive the Congressional Medal of Honor after a 3 year effort by the family and the office of Congressman Pascrell.
  
• Congressman Sires spoke to the Hoboken High School Hispanic Club about his path to becoming a member of Congress.
• Congressman Pascrell spoke with seniors about Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the future of the 8th congressional district.
• Congressman Rothman hosted the 2011 Congressional Art Competition at Hackensack Cultural Center in Hackensack, NJ.
• Congressman Pallone appeared "On The Record" to discuss the Federal budget.

Under the Dome

• 52 members of the Legislature formally called on the Governor to make an immediate public apology and retraction to the threatening comments he made last against Senator Loretta Weinberg during an April 13 press availability.
• Legislation that would allow municipalities to restrict the ability of known sex offenders to live near places where children congregate was approved by the Senate. 
• A bill that will permit the use of service dogs in school for students who are eligible for special education programs and services for certain developmental disabilities was approved by the State Senate.
• Legislation that would allow a local public contract set-aside program for business enterprises that are owned by or that employ veterans passed the State Senate.
• Gov. Chris Christie has signed Democratic-sponsored legislation into law that sets over 40 rights for senior and disabled New Jerseyans living in assisted living facilities.
• Legislation that will make it easier for towns to merge was signed into law.
• Democratic-sponsored legislation designed to provide relief for New Jerseyans confronting long-term unemployment due to the economic recession is now law.
• 1st District Legislators called for a report on how departments and authorities purchase and procure everything from material goods such as fuel and food to long-term contracts.
• Senate President Sweeney was honored as “Legislator of the Year” by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors.  The honor came as part of the Conference of Mayors’ Annual Conference Legislative Reception.
• Senator Gordon introduced a Senate resolution calling on the state to apply for federal funds in order to help create a pilot program that would assist children in need of mental health services.
• A bill that would upgrade the criminal penalties for the crime of invasion of privacy and eliminate the presumption of non-imprisonment was cleared out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• Legislation to help residents find work by creating a searchable Internet database listing all available government contracts received final approval in the Senate.
• A bill that would reduce the amount of money employees pay into the Temporary Disability Insurance fund was passed by the full Senate.
• 1st District Legislators sent a letter to Governor Christie asking that he request federal disaster assistance for the South Jersey region - particularly, Cumberland County - to offset cleanup costs associated with the April 16 storm that battered the area.
• The State Senate approved a bill that could make New Jersey a leader nationwide in the movement to implement a non-invasive, low-cost test that will save newborns' lives.
  

Upcoming Events

• May 1:
  11am to 2pm Please join Freeholder Amy Mallet and Freeholder Candidate William Shea for Brunch
  204 Conover Road, Morganville, New Jersey 07751
  Hosted by Ed Gibson
  $20/per person. For more information please call 732-739-8888.
  
  
• May 3:
  Monmouth County Dems ELEC Treasurer Training 6:00 PM
  Staff members from the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission will be conducting a training session which will include proper procedures for account setup, committee naming, bank account setup, ELEC reporting, all relevant finance and compliance laws and more. Everyone who participates in the training will receive a ELEC Treasurer Training Program Certificate which is mandatory for Treasurers of State Senate and General Assembly Candidate and Committee
  accounts. RSVP is required. To RSVP please call 732-739-8888.
  
  
• May 4:
  Assemblyman Wisniewski Dinner Reception 6:00 PM
  Steakhouse 85
  85 Church St, New Brunswick
  $1000/pp
  
  
• May 5:
  Cocktail Party in Support of Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell 6-9 PM
  The Chandelier Restaurant
  1081 Broadway, Bayonne
  $125/pp
  
  
• May 7:
  Monmouth County Dems Fundraising 201 1:00 PM
  This is an advanced fundraising course that will not cover compliance. This is designed for candidates/municipalities that have a grasp on fundraising but want to take it to the next level.
  Chairman's Conference Room, Airport Plaza
  For more information or to RSVP please call 732-739-8888
  
  
• May 9:
  Nellie Pou Candidate for NJ Senate 35th Legislative District 6:00 PM
  Brownstone, Paterson
  
  
• May 10:
  Women Empowered Democratic Organization Meeting 6:45 PM
  PCDC Headquarters, 668 McBride Ave., Woodland Park
  
  
• May 11:
  Friends of Terry Duffy Spring Fling 5:30 PM
  Brownstone, Paterson, $125pp
  
  
• May 12:
  Scotch, Cigars, and Your Surrogate Candidate Bernice Toledo 6-8 PM
  Hamilton and Ward Steakhouse, Paterson
  Donation: $150
  RSVP: 201-774-8812 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  
  
• May 15:
  Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Spring Brunch Noon-3:00 PM
  Beaver Brook Country Club, 25 Country Club Dr, Annandale
  Special Guest Congressman Frank Pallone
  Tickets are $75.00
  

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee

Follow us

• Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.

We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week in Review for April 22 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:

Debunking Christie and Republican Millionaire's myth

• WSJ: "Anti-tax advocates contend that higher taxes on the wealthy lead to millionaire flight. But a new study focusing on New Jersey provides some of the most detailed evidence yet that so-called millionaire taxes have little effect on the movements of millionaires as a whole."
• Star Ledger: "Migration is just not that much of a story in terms of the number of millionaires in the state," said Cristobal Young, a Stanford University sociologist who co-wrote the report with Princeton sociology graduate student Charles Varner. Now, after the recession, "nationwide migration is at the lowest level we’ve seen in 50 or 60 years. It’s really hit the brakes."
• Assemblyman Greenwald: "Republicans who favor tax breaks for the wealthy can shout into the wind all they want about millionaires fleeing our state, but the facts don’t support it,"
• Responding to Treasury Department officials claim the millionaire's tax would do little to increase revenue for the state because, "Once you start taxing people, they start finding ways to get more exemptions," legislative leaders sent a letter to State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff asking for a detailed explanation of the exemption "loopholes" that are being exploited so that the Legislature can craft measures to help end this exploitation.
• Philadelphia Inquirer on the impact of Christie's redistribution of wealth: Property taxes have gone up as Christie's empty-pocketed state government makes cuts that trickle down.
• Think Progress: Despite Myths, New Jersey’s ‘Millionaire’s Tax’ Didn’t Force Mass Migration Of The Rich.
• Charlie Stile of The Record: NJ wealth flight a myth.

State Conference Is Just Around The Corner

• The 2011 New Jersey Democratic State Conference will feature comprehensive and interactive trainings giving you the tools needed to run and win efficient, effective and successful grassroots campaigns. Before, during and after the training sessions, enjoy meals and receptions featuring special guests and leaders from New Jersey and beyond! This year we will offer three innovative tracks for attendees to learn from the best:
  • Winning as a Local Candidate – Learn how to fundraise with the best, execute a successful door to door operation and use social media and online communications to get your message out and win.
  • New Media & Communications – Build your own Facebook and Twitter campaigns, master the art of earned and “free” media and manage a simulated press conference with your team.
  • Field Tactics, Targeting and Technology – Fine tune your ground game and learn the ins and outs of the voter file, microtargeting and some new cutting edge organizing tools and technologies.

  There are just 9 days left to register at the discounted rate of $111 for the conference which will be May 12-14. This is going to be a conference to remember, so don’t delay! Please visit www.njdemsconference.org to register today and join us as we Pave the Way to Victory!

Christie is a "bully" and the "biggest hypocrite in the statehouse"

• Philadelphia Inquirer Christie Chronicles: "Bully" Christie sees drop in poll.
• Atlantic City Press Editorial: "While it may not really be news at this point that Chris Christie is fond of nasty, bullying hyperbole, it is noteworthy and now painfully clear that he is also the biggest hypocrite in the Statehouse - and not nearly as funny as Ralph Kramden."
• Reuters: Asked for a word to describe Christie, 140 voters volunteered that he was a "bully."
• Star Ledger on the new Quinnipiac Poll: Governor Christie sees a"significant drop" and there's a "real gender split." 
• CNN Political Ticker: “When asked to describe their blunt governor in one word, the survey indicates New Jersey voters overwhelmingly chose ‘bully.’”
• Vineland Daily Journal Editorial: “He's so in love with his own tough-guy image that he saw nothing wrong with suggesting to the media last week that it "take a bat to" 76-year-old state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, because she had the temerity to criticize him.”
• Ed Shultz on MSNBC: “Why in the world do you think that the middle class and the folks in New Jersey would believe that he’s a bully? Maybe it’s because he stands up to people in town hall meetings and disrespects everyone who disagrees with him? The people of New Jersey are very smart.”

Responding to Christie's latest attempt to Blame Someone Else

• Never one to let the facts get in the way of a good attack, Governor Christie attacked the Legislature and tried to blame them for his failures again this week.
• Chairman Wisniewski responded to the Governor lashing out on the Legislature: "Instead of signing bills to provide healthcare for women, property tax relief for seniors and jobs for New Jersey families, the Governor chose to veto them and is simply making his latest You Tube moment at another highly-produced, taxpayer funded town hall.”
• More Wisniewski: “Christie is more interested in chest-pounding and sabre-rattling than he is in enacting progressive legislation designed to put New Jersey back to work."
• Senate President Sweeney also responded: “The Governor's shtick is getting old. His comments are disingenuous and meant to kill time between him brow-beating a constituent for YouTube purposes and ignoring questions about why property taxes saw their largest increase in four years under his watch."
• More Sweeney: “The one-way governor cut $1.1 billion in education funding, $448 million in state aid, and eliminated rebates to the tune of $848 million.  That is over $2.3 billion in cuts he made to New Jersey towns.  But he wants us to believe that saving $140,000 by changing public employee discipline guidelines is going to solve your property tax problems.  I said it before and I will say it again:  What a bunch of garbage."
  

Seeking answers on privatization

• The Assembly State Government Committee convened a hearing on Thursday to discuss the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s plans to privatize toll collections along the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, a move that could impact nearly 700 workers between the two major highways.
• Assemblywoman Stender: "When it comes to privatization deals, 60 percent of governments that eventually brought the service back in-house reported that the quality of service provided by the private operator was the main motivator."
• Assemblyman Conaway on the Christie wage proposal: "Wages are driven down and people end up in public welfare programs,"
• Assemblyman Schaer upon learning that the Administration hasn't talked to workers in months:  "If one statement needs to go out, it's: "My God, let's sit down like adults and talk.' I appreciate the high emotion. I don't understand why people are not talking to the union. This is not the way to proceed."

Calling to Halt Closure of the Vineland Developmental Center until impact can be determined

• Assembly Speaker Oliver announced the appointment of Assembly members Vainieri Huttle, Tucker and Greenwald to the Legislative Review Panel on State Psychiatric Hospitals and Developmental Centers, a bipartisan body that was recently created by legislation to study issues relating to the care and costs of providing services to clients in these facilities.
• Speaker Oliver: “This is an issue of utmost importance that impacts some of our most vulnerable residents. Any decisions as to the future of these facilities should not be made lightly. I have every confidence that the members I appointed today will undertake their responsibilities in earnest,”
• Star Ledger: In a letter to Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez who oversees state institutions, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) questioned the administration's recent transfer of 59 Vineland residents.
• Senator Van Drew: "It the state is moving to transition residents from developmental centers, the responsible way to do so is to put forward a comprehensive plan and to create guidelines by which the state will make its decisions regarding all seven of New Jersey's developmental centers. But singling out Vineland is unfair to the residents as well as the employees."

Congressional Corner

• Senators Lautenberg and Menendez were joined by Congressmen Rothman, Pallone, Pascrell, Sires, Holt and Andrews in writing a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in support of federal funding for high-speed rail along the Northeast Corridor.
• Senator Lautenberg and Congressman Pascrell both called on the Christie Administration to appeal the decision by FEMA to deny federal disaster aid. In a letter to local officials, Pascrell wrote that he was “extremely disappointed” by the denial, adding that Passaic County towns spent more than $4.5 million on recovery and response to the floods.
• Senator Menendez on eliminating the cap on oil spill liability: "The best way to prevent future spills is to make sure oil companies bear the full cost for their mistakes."
• Senator Lautenberg on TSA Changes at Newark Liberty Airport: “There are serious security concerns at Newark Liberty Airport that must be better addressed.  I look forward to meeting with the new leadership team to express my concerns and urge them to immediately get to work fixing security problems at Newark Airport and regaining the confidence of the flying public.”    
• Senator Menendez applauded the TSA appointment of a new Regional Administrator at Newark: Following last year’s breach, the TSA took initial steps to guarantee travelers’ safety, but much more remains to be done. I am encouraged by the TSA’s commitment to improve its performance at the airport and by its decision to appoint Mr. Drummer, someone whose extensive experience and leadership skills in improving security operations is sorely needed at the Newark airport.
• Video of Congressman Holt discussing the Federal Budget and the impact of the Republican plan for gutting Medicare.
• ‎Congressmen Holt and Pallone highlighted the need for government aid at the annual Tent State University
• Congressman Rothman took the Medicare fight to the people letting them know what would happen under Republican proposals to end Medicare as we know it.
• At Rutgers, Congressman Holt vowed to fight cuts to Pell Grants.
• Congressman Pallone met with Bayshore seniors to discuss the threat to Medicare and Medicaid from a Republican budget that ends Medicare as we know it by privatizing it and converting it into a voucher program. The plan would also slash Medicaid, which could make nursing homes unaffordable for many seniors. The Republican budget plan would terminate the retirement guarantee of Medicare coverage for all Americans.
• Video: Congressman Pascrell helped clean up the Falls.
• Congressman Holt offered his thoughts on Earth Day and the anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy:
• Courier Post: A conservative group is running radio ads thanking Rep. Jon Runyan, R-N.J., for saving Medicare. One problem: Runyan recently voted for a bill that would end Medicare as it currently exists.
• Asbury Park Press: Congressman Pallone and area environmental leaders held a press conference on the shoreline to fight back against new bills by House Republicans they say could open the Atlantic coast to offshore drilling.
• Congressman Andrews spoke to the nearly 1,000 guests who turned out to the Virtua Voorhees premier celebration and opening which included a tour of the hospital’s brand new 680,000 square-foot facility.
• Congressman Pallone: Every day... Not just Earth Day.

Under the Dome

• Assembly members Wagner and Benson discussed their legislation to create tax credits for electric car purchases. (VIDEO)
• Legislation to help New Jersey’s counties and municipalities immediately mitigate public safety hazards along state highways has been signed into law.
• Assemblywoman Voss marked autism awareness month and said "With the highest rate of autism in the country, we need to be doing all we can to increase awareness, research and education," 
• NJ 101.5: Greenstein, Benson and DeAngelo bill seeks to make local agencies more transparent.
• Assemblyman Burzichelli went back to high school Tuesday morning, not to learn, but to help teach students at Penns Grove High School.
• Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee Chairman Sarlo welcomed words from former Gov. Thomas Kean calling for the installation of a new Secretary of Higher Education to serve as the administration’s cabinet-level bridge to the state’s colleges and universities.
• Assemblywoman Quijano is urging her Assembly colleagues to unite in opposition to the Governor's proposed dismantling of the Urban Enterprise Zone program in the FY 2012 budget.
• Assemblyman Milam is sponsoring legislation that calls for state Comptroller Matt Boxer to review all purchasing agreements made on the local and state level - including public colleges and universities, and boards of education.
• Senate President Sweeney was honored with the National Peace Medal for Aiding Children with Disabilities by the National Stop the Violence Alliance as part of the of the Alliance’s Celebration of Hope Black and White Benefit Gala.
• Senator Scutari on Christie's latest Medical Marijuana delay: “If the Governor has no intention of moving forward with our medical marijuana program, for the sake of the patients awaiting relief, he should just come clean.”
• A 3 part series called Cerf's Up took a look at Christie's attempts to privatize public education under the guise of reform, along with examining the ties between Governor Christie, Chris Cerf, News Corp. and more.

Upcoming Events

• April 28:
  Burlington County Jefferson Jackson Dinner
  Merion Caterers, Cinnaminson, NJ
  6-10 PM $50/person
  Chairman Wisniewski is the guest speaker at this great event www.burlcodems.com
  
  
• April 29:
  Beer & Wine Tasting Hosted by the Somerset County Young Democrats
  Friday, April 29th 7 - 9 PM
  Mannions Pub Address: 150 West Main St. Somerville, NJ Cost: $20, includes tastings of beer and wine, cheese and crackers
  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119400291469393

• May 1:
  11am to 2pm
  Please join Freeholder Amy Mallet and Freeholder Candidate William Shea for Brunch
  204 Conover Road, Morganville, New Jersey 07751
  Hosted by Ed Gibson
  $20/per person. For more information please call 732-739-8888.

• May 3:
  6pm
  Monmouth County Dems ELEC Treasurer Training
  Staff members from the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission will be conducting a training session which will include proper procedures for account setup, committee naming, bank account setup, ELEC reporting, all relevant finance and compliance laws and more. Everyone who participates in the training will receive a ELEC Treasurer Training Program Certificate which is mandatory for Treasurers of State Senate and General Assembly Candidate and Committee accounts. RSVP is required. To RSVP please call 732-739-8888.

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee

Follow us

• Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.

We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week in Review for April 15, 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:

The Public thinks Christie is Arrogant, Self Centered and Stubborn

• Eagleton Poll - Arrogant, Self Centered, Stubborn: “Stubborn” is the adjective voters agree best describes Gov. Christie with 62 percent saying it describes him “very well,” up 20 points from August 2010.
• David Redlawsk of Eagleton discusses the opinions of Chris Christie on NJN News. (VIDEO)
• Nearly half of N.J. residents say their financial situation has worsened in past year under Governor Christie.
• Bloomberg News said that Governor Christie is insuring that NJ is an inferior performer in the bond market because “Investors respond to more quiet efficiency."
• Blue Jersey Video: Words Matter.

Christie says "Take a bat" to Senator Weinberg

• Star Ledger: Democrats say Gov. Christie went too far with remark about N.J. Sen. Loretta Weinberg.
• New Jersey Newsroom: Sen. Weinberg accuses Gov. Christie of insensitivity toward battered women.
• Senator Weinberg responded to Governor Christie's "Take the bat out" tantrum on the Ed Show. She said that the governor’s admonition to the press to “Take the Bat Out” on her shows his continued insensitivity to plight of battered women.
• Senate President Sweeney says Governor Christie needs to start acting like a 'grown-up.' In addition, he said: “In the past, the governor’s rhetoric has been silly, disrespectful and generally unhelpful.  But his comment that the press should ‘take the bat out” on Senator Loretta Weinberg goes beyond any sort of decency or common sense." You can hear audio of Sweeney's response here.
• Speaker Oliver said “Gov. Christie has sadly found a new low in public discourse.
• Assemblywoman Stender: "It was a despicable choice of words that shows how clueless this governor truly is and continues to show just how little he values women as equal members of society."
• Assemblywomen Vainieri Huttle and Wagner sent letters to every New Jersey legislator asking them to publicly denounce Gov. Chris Christie’s threatening language toward Sen. Loretta Weinberg.
• Assemblyman Johnson said the Governor has taken public discourse to a new low.
• PolitickerNJ named the Governor a Loser of the Week: We get it, governor, the Sopranos fan in the midwest somewhere who dreams of coming east someday to visit Ray Liotta's birthplace and Neil Cavuto think you're a tough guy. But the sound bite and the fury act is getting old.
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Does Christie REALLY want press to beat female senator?
• Rich Lee: The line between being outspoken and unacceptable is a thin one, and the list of people whose careers ended abruptly because they crossed that line — even just once –  is a long one.
• The Record Columnist Al Doblin called on Chris Christie to apologize for his comments.
• Blue Jersey: Pots and Kettles.
• Paul Aronsohn said this time the Governor crossed the line with his language.
• Reporters Roundtable discussed Christie saying to take the bat out.
• Asbury Park Press Editorial: A Swing and A Miss.

2012 New Jersey Delegate Selection Plan Draft 

• The NJDSC has released its Draft Delegate Selection Plan for the 2012 Democratic National Convention for public comment. The 30-day public comment period will last from April 14-May 13, 2011. The draft "Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan" is now available to the public for review in accordance with Rule 1.C of the DNC Delegate Selection Rules. The draft plan is available here. The New Jersey Democratic State Committee encourages full participation in the delegate selection process and welcomes your thought and comments. Please send any feedback to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Under one Month until the NJDSC Conference

• We're under one month remaining until the 16th annual New Jersey Democratic State Conference. This year’s conference will focus on Paving the Way to Victory in 2011 and will feature trainings, social events and an opportunity to connect with Democrats from around the state. The convention will be May 12th – 14th  at the Tropicana Casino and Resort. You can sign up and register to attend the conference here.

Freedom of Speech is Not a License To Hate

• Chairman Wisniewski offered the following comments on the neo-nazi rally held in Trenton: "Our constitutional right to free speech is tempered by our moral obligation to our fellow men and women; to treat one another with dignity and respect," said Wisniewski. “The ignorance of the few spewing hate in our capital represents the opinion of an extreme minority and does not reflect the strength and diversity of our state. While I support their right to assemble, I condemn the hate filled rhetoric they are hiding behind.” 
• Speaker Oliver: "Free speech rights may give people the right to spout ignorance, but that doesn’t mean we have to listen to it. New Jerseyans of good will should spend their Saturday – and each and every day for that matter - embracing our great diversity. The strong bond between us and that has helped make this a great state cannot be broken by horrible hate speech.”

The Consequences of Christie's Proposed Budget Cuts becoming Crystal Clear

• Assemblyman Greenwald on Governor Christie's nursing home cuts: "first thing they have to do is recognize this is a mistake," 
• More from Assemblyman Greenwald: “Governor Christie's $1 billion school aid cut drove up property taxes across the state to record high levels and led to new school activity taxes, and taxpayers still won’t be better off under the governor’s new plan."
• Senator Sarlo: "When we talk about helping the middle class, the taxpayers of New Jersey who are struggling to make ends meet, this budget falls short."
• Assemblywoman Pou: Now more than ever women need affordable access to critical health services.
• Senate Majority Leader Buono said that the New Normal is inadequate for N.J. schools.
• Assemblyman Burzichelli: "We need to stop this concerted effort to disinvest in our public education system." In addition, he expressed his concerns over the public school activity taxes parents must now pay for their children to participate in sports and clubs. The new taxes resulted from Gov. Christie's $1 billion in school cuts in last year's budget that also delivered the highest property tax increase since 2007.
• Star Ledger: N.J. senator proposes restoring earned income tax credit for working poor to previous level.
• In this video press release, Assemblywoman Watson Coleman criticized Gov. Christie and Republican's proposed FY 2012 budget for disproportionately attacking programs and funding that benefits working class families.
• Assemblywoman Lampitt: “Recently, the Governor announced he has appointed higher education advisers, yet he continues to ignore state law requiring him to appoint a Secretary of Higher Education in New Jersey.  His ongoing failure to enforce a law he swore to uphold is troubling and calls into question his level of commitment to higher education in our state.
• Assemblyman Schaer on Christie cuts to school breakfast and lunch programs: "If you haven't eaten breakfast and you haven't eaten lunch, it's going to affect your performance."
• Assemblyman Johnson: Chris Christie's New Jersey means tax cuts for the rich and no healthcare for women.
• Assemblywoman Quigley: "Gov. Christie's budget would once again leave behind adults looking to become more productive citizens, stagnating their hopes and dreams and our economic development. This is the wrong direction for New Jersey and one that will cost taxpayers down the road." 

Congressional Corner

• Senator Lautenberg introduced the "Safe Chemicals Act of 2011" and launched a new chemical safety reform push. (VIDEO)
• Senator Menendez said that Democrats must seize the Energy debate.
• Senator Lautenberg posted over at the Moms Rising blog and said women deserve equal pay for equal work. He said it's time to pass the Paycheck Fairness Legislation.
• Senator Menendez: Equal Pay Day – Protect equal pay for equal work.
• ‎Senators Lautenberg & Menendez announced that Teterboro Airport will get more than $6.9 million in fed funds for runway rehab.
• Senator Menendez outlined an 11-point plan he said will control the "skyrocketing price of gas at the pump."
• Senators Menendez and Lautenberg joined with colleagues and introduced a bill to establish a national autism strategy.
• Senator Lautenberg, Senator Menendez and Congressman Pallone announced that the federal government has agreed to pay for half of the state's Medicaid program for low-income, childless adults through 2013, saving New Jersey more than $300 million.
• All NJ Republicans in Congress voted to privatize Medicare.
• Congressman Andrews spoke on the floor of the House in opposition to the GOP budget that ends Medicare while cutting taxes for wealthiest.
• Congressman Pascrell spoke on the floor of the House talking about the differences between the priorities of Republicans and Democrats with the budget.
• The DCCC noted that it's been 100 Days since Republicans took control of the House and there are still no jobs bills from the GOP.
• Even Congressional Republicans rejected Congressman Garrett's budget, but Congressman Lance offered his support.
• Congressman Holt attempted to protect coasts from oil spills and ban drilling in sensitive waters near coastal areas. He opposed efforts to increase offshore drilling and said "the environmental impact statement should reflect reality as we best know it today, not as we imagined it four years ago. We should not be deeming something we know is wrong as right."

Under the Dome

• Sara's Law, legislation that would implement a next-of-kin registry that will be used to notify families when a member is involved or injured in a motor vehicle accident was signed into law.
• Senate President Sweeney fired back at the Governor saying the real culprit for property taxes going up is the governor’s decision to slice state aid to towns and schools last year.
• The fifth district legislators & local community leaders announced new legislation to combat crime.
• Legislation that would promote car-sharing initiatives in New Jersey has cleared a hurdle in the state Assembly.
• Chairman Wisniewski said the Turnpike Authority's push to privatize toll collection in the face of worker's concessions is baffling.
• A letter to the editor applauding the work of Assemblyman O'Donnell.
• Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D., met with President Obama at the White House to discuss plans to reform and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid by reducing waste and improving quality of care.
• An Interview with Assemblyman Gary Schaer.
• Legislation to help New Jersey’s horse racing industry continue to create jobs and economic development was signed into law.
• The 14th District Legislators have teamed with local domestic violence advocates and Verizon Wireless to promote a cell phone donation program underscoring the importance of protecting victims during sexual assault awareness month.

Upcoming Events

• April 20:
  6pm
  Middlesex County Young Democrats Career Development and Networking Night
  Mike’s Courtside Tavern, 1 Elm Row, New Brunswick
  
  6-8pm
  Nellie Pou for Senate and Bernice Toledo for Passaic County Surrogate Campaign Kickoff
  Bonfire, Paterson
  
  
• April 21:
  Bernice Toledo for Passaic County Surrogate Cocktail Reception Fundraiser
  Brownstone, Paterson
  $100/person
  

Follow us

• Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.

We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

NJDSC Week in Review for April 8, 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:

A Monumental Victory for Democrats and the People of NJ

• By a vote of 6-5, the New Jersey Legislative Reapportionment Commission adopted the Democratic proposal for a new Legislative map. The adoption of this map signals a major victory for the people of our state.  It reflects the diversity of our state, will be fair and provide opportunities for minorities, will stand the test of time and meets all legal and constitutional standards.
• You can see comments from Chairman Wisniewski following the adoption of the map here. (VIDEO).
• For going into redistricting as an underdog and coming out victorious, PolitickerNJ named Chairman Wisniewski a winner of the week. You can also see Chairman Wisniewski discuss the redistricting process on News 12 Power and Politics this week.  Check your local listings for when the show will air in your area.
• Star Ledger: N.J. Democrats retain advantage in upcoming legislative elections.
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Remapping of N.J. districts favors Democrats.
• Wisniewski in the NY Times: “It was a pretty good day for us, and not so good for the governor, who put a lot on the line.
• Star Ledger Editorial: N.J.'s new political map is a check on Gov. Christie.
• Trenton Times Editorial: N.J. Gov. Christie's intervention in redistricting process went too far.
• Wall Street Journal: Christie loses redistrict map.
• Politico: A Big deal in New Jersey as Christie loses redistricting map.

Over 400 Democrats celebrate at the 2011 Jefferson Jackson Dinner

• Asbury Park Press: NJ Dems rally behind O'Malley at fundraiser
• Courier Post: Md. governor slams Christie, praises N.J. Democrats' work
• Washington Post: O’Malley targets Christie in address to New Jersey Democrats
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Maryland governor slams Christie at Democratic fund-raiser
  
• Politico: Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley blasted Chris Christie as a “mean-spirited, ineffective” governor in a speech to the New Jersey Democratic Committee’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.
• Star Ledger: Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley criticizes Christie in speech at annual Democratic fundraiser
• Politico: O'Malley's one-liners on Christie's turf
• Baltimore Sun: O'Malley needles NJ's Christie on his home turf
• The Fix: Democratic Governors Association Chairman Martin O’Malley dismissed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) this week, telling a New Jersey audience that Republicans are peddling “stand-up comedy routines from colorful characters like your governor.
• Blue Jersey: Differences
• You can see NJN's report here (VIDEO).
• You can view photos from the event here and here.

It's time for the NJDSC Conference

• The momentum continues to build for New Jersey Democrats! Following our recent successes, it's time we get down to business and get to work electing Democrats across New Jersey.
  
  That's why we hope you can join us in Atlantic City for the 16th Annual New Jersey Democratic State Conference. This year’s conference will focus on Paving the Way to Victory in 2011 and will be held from May 12th – 14th  at the Tropicana Casino and Resort. You can sign up and register to attend the conference here.

Honoring the Life of Former Congressman John Adler

• Chairman Wisniewski on the passing of former Congressman Adler: John always fought for what he believed in and I was proud to have called him a colleague, a friend and a fellow Democrat. His commitment to his community and our state was beyond measure and his legacy will live on through his good works.  His passing has to make you stop and think about the pace at which we all live and the life we miss while doing it. He will be sorely missed.”
• PolitickerNJ: NJ Delegation honors John Adler on House floor.
• Courier Post: Adler's funeral service honors full life of service and love.
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Hundreds gather in New Jersey for farewell to former Rep. Adler.
• Burlington County Times: Friends, family remember Adler.
• PolitickerNJ: ‘Too soon’: Celebrating the prolific life of former U.S. Rep. John Adler.
• Out In Jersey: LGBT activists mourn the death of John Adler.
• NJN: Former US Rep. John Adler laid to rest. (VIDEO).
• Blue Jersey: Standing ovation for John Adler at his funeral.

"Typical Christie" as he attacks "The Boss"

• Star Ledger Editorial: But it’s typical Christie: Oppose him on anything (however subtly) and, even if you’re asking the Demonizer to scrape together a few more bucks for those falling between the cracks, he’ll portray you as a villain. Springsteen has been writing and singing iconic songs for decades. He doesn’t need anyone — especially a tone-deaf governor — putting words in his mouth.

Examining the Impact of Christie's Budget Proposals

• NJN: Democrats fight to stop Christie's human services cuts (VIDEO).
• Assemblyman Greenwald: "Democrats aren't spreading fears about the governor's planned cut in education for blind children. We didn't propose it. The governor did. We didn't testify on it. Parents and their children did. We are rightly responding to the emotional and heartfelt worries we heard at public hearings held across this state."
• More from Assemblyman Greenwald: "It's very alarming, this far along in the process, that they can't answer simple questions."
• Assemblyman Schaer: The silence and questionable math coming from the Christie administration are troublesome to say the least.
• Assemblyman Burzichelli on Christie plans to close Vineland Developmental Center: "We need details and a better explanation."
• Assemblywoman Pou: "This year’s budget would kick even more adults out of the Family Care program than last year, including all single adults or couples without dependent children..."
• NJN: Democrats questioned the Treasurer and said the administration’s cuts to municipal and school aid and its decision to eliminate the property tax rebate last year drove double-digit property tax increases.  Meanwhile, they say the current spending plan is disproportionately tough on the middle class and the poor.
• NJN: Over 200 employees gathered with members of the Legislature to protest the proposed 2013 closure of Vineland Developmental Center, which is the oldest developmental center in the state.  
• Audio from Assemblywoman Watson Coleman on how Christie budget attacks the middle-class and the poor.
• More from Assemblywoman Watson Coleman on Christie budget cuts: “If we can’t take care of the weakest, frailest, oldest, sickest and poorest in the state, I don’t know why the hell we are here..."
• Assemblyman Johnson: Christie's Medicaid proposals are undefined at best, questionable at worst.
• Assemblywoman Quigley: Uncertain plan for Christie Health Care cut should worry all New Jerseyans.
• Assemblyman Burzichelli on Christie property tax relief cuts: "To say we’re doubling gives an impression that I don’t think is factual..."

Congressional Corner

• Senator Lautenberg spoke at a Rally for Health event in Washington, DC about the need to fight back against Tea Party GOP attacks on women's health.
• Senator Lautenberg warned Americans to "Beware" of Tea Party Republican Cuts. (VIDEO) In addition, he decried the Tea Party Republicans for trying to "Shut it Down"
• Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced the award of $38.5 million to NJ Transit in stimulus money toward the overdue replacement of the Portal Bridge on the Northeast Corridor. The Senators also announced that three New Jersey fire departments received more than $578,000 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. These grants can be invested in training, equipment, personal protective equipment, health programs, and other support for stations and facilities.
• Congressman Pascrell has joined with Congresswoman Giffords' office to put a focus on brain-injury care.
• Congressman Rush Holt said that Republicans are in denial over drilling: "It's hard to think that before we even enact legislation to improve the safety of offshore drilling - which we badly need - we would put more economies, more beaches and potentially more lives at risk from another spill and blowout. These bills were written as if the Deepwater Horizon disaster never occurred. They make offshore drilling less safe, not more safe."
• Congressman Andrews speaks For Democrats’ Values: "We Value Medicare" (VIDEO).
• On a very special edition of "To The Point with Congressman Bill Pascrell," Congressman Pascrell interviewed House Homeland Security Chairman Peter King.
• Local military veterans and retirees received some good news from Congressmen Pallone and Holt when the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will continue to operate a community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Monmouth County following the closure of Fort Monmouth.
• Congressman Holt has asked the federal Department of Homeland Security to stop deporting the same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens.
• Congressman Rothman at Huffington Post: Fighting for Clean Air in New Jersey
• Congressman Sires provided a certificate of thanks for service to the community.
• Shore area congressmen including Congressman Pallone said in a letter to leadership of the House Appropriations Committee that money the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wants to redirect toward the fisheries catch share programs should instead be returned to the agency’s research budget.
• Congressman Andrews said a government shutdown would harm our economic recovery,

Under the Dome

• Senate President Sweeney welcomed news that state officials have approved permits for a wind turbine project nearly three miles off the Atlantic City coast, green-lighting what may become the nation’s first off-shore wind farm.
• Assemblyman Moriarty discussed Christie campaigning on the taxpayer dime.(VIDEO)
• Op-Ed: Electrifying our future, driving our economy.
• Assemblyman McKeon provided a statewide "green update."
• Assemblyman Diegnan: “The governor’s education policies have been a failure."
• A bill which will allow the State to collect more detailed information regarding infection data at hospitals and other health care facilities was signed into law by Governor Christie.
• More from Assemblyman Diegnan on Schools Development Authority: "What is the game plan?" It just seems as chaotic as any agency in the state..."
• The Record Editorial: Extend jobless benefits.
• Support for Speaker Oliver's call for an audit to determine "How were those school construction projects picked?"
• In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Assemblywoman Voss hosted an event to honor several of New Jersey's leading schools for autism.
• Legislators from the 4th district honored students that participated in their student enrichment program.
• Legislation that aims to give law enforcement enhanced tools to effectively combat drug crime was signed into law.
• Legislation to revise rules and regulations that impair New Jersey's business climate was signed into law.

Upcoming Events

• April 10:
  
  5:30-7:30pm
  Monmouth County Democrats Annual Spring Celebration
  Shore Casino, Atlantic Highlands
  Tickets Required: $30 per person
  Please call 732-739-8888 or additional information or to RSVP
  
  
• April 13:
  
  6:00pm-9:00pm
  Freeholder Greyson Hannigan Cocktail Reception
  Brownstone, Paterson $150pp
  
  
• April 14:
  
  The Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women will host a Spa Night on April 14, 2011 at the Devico Senior Center, 23 Romney Place, Cape May Court House, NJ at 7 pm.  The event will feature Silpada Jewelry, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Wildtree Herbs and Foods, Mini-Yoga Classes, Life-Coaching presentations, Fiber Art and Watercolors by local artists. Admission is free. Come join the fun and meet some interesting Cape May County Women.
  
  
• April 16:
  
  9:00am-11:00am
  Senator John Girgenti Democratic Leadership Breakfast
  St. Gerard Hall, Corner of Chamberlain Ave., & West Broadway, Paterson
  RSVP  ryacco37@yahoo.com or 732-331-4508
  
  12noon-4:00pm
  NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver /
  The Shirley Chisholm Awards Ceremony
  Valley Regency, 1129 Valley Road, Clifton
  6:00pm-Midnight Celebration of Hope Black and White Benefit Gala Atlantic City Convention Center, Altantic City Cost of Donation: $100
  Honorees include Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assemblyman Lou Greenwald. Congressman Patrick Kennedy will present Fmr. Governor Florio with the Governor's award.
  For more information: http://www.nationalstoptheviolence.org/celebrationofhope.html

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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

The NJDSC Week in Review for March 25, 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:

The 2011 Jefferson Jackson dinner

• We're under two weeks left until the 2011 New Jersey Democratic State Committee Jefferson Jackson dinner and tickets are going fast. We hope you can join us with our special guest for the evening, Maryland Governor and Democratic Governors Association Chairman Martin O'Malley.
  
  For more information, you can see the invitation and to register to attend, please click here.

Chris Christie's property tax hikes: 24% increase in South Jersey

• Philadelphia Inquirer: South Jersey Residents paid on average $1,140 more in property taxes. The 24 percent increase was driven mostly by Gov. Christie's suspension of tax rebates for middle-income homeowners and senior and disabled citizens.

Christie should end the blame game

• Star Ledger Editorial on Christie's latest attempts to pass the buck: "So please, Gov, give it a rest. Pointing fingers is not leadership. This game of wedge politics makes for good YouTube moments. But how about getting to work fixing the problems?"
• Assembly Labor Committee Vice Chair Evans pointed to the latest jump in the state's poverty rate as a continued sign of things to come as the ramifications of the Christie administration's policies play out.
  

"We have never seen a more blatantly political governor than Chris Christie"

• From an AC Press Editorial on the Governor's use of taxpayers' funds for his town hall "campaign events:" "As Moriarty noted last week, the state's ethic code says "no employee in the career or senior executive service shall directly or indirectly use or seek to use his or her position to control or affect the political action of another person or engage in political activity during working hours." The state Democratic chairman, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, told the Star-Ledger, 'If Chris Christie was still U.S. Attorney, he'd be prosecuting himself right now.' Doesn't sound so ridiculous to us."

Collective Bargaining: According to Christie it's non-negotiable

• Chairman Wisniewski commented on the ongoing negotiations between the CWA and Chris Christie: “Despite relentless and factually incorrect attacks by the Governor, the CWA has come to the bargaining table and laid out a proposal through the collective bargaining process that will save taxpayers millions of dollars by gradually increasing the contributions made by workers for their healthcare,” said Wisniewski. “While the Governor talks about his support for collective bargaining, his actions show he is in lock step with his union busting pal, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, by failing to obey New Jersey law and negotiate in good faith with New Jersey’s workers. Public workers are willing to do their part to help solve our state’s budget crisis by bringing thoughtful, innovative and cost-saving proposals to the table for discussion. Unfortunately, the Governor seems more interested in arguing and scapegoating than negotiating. That’s not bargaining, it’s dictating and it certainly won’t solve our problems.”

• Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial: With his tough talk, Christie falls in line with other governors, including his Republican counterpart in Wisconsin, Scott Walker, who seems more focused on union-busting than solving fiscal problems.
  

Standing Up For Women's Health

• You can view video of Senator Lautenberg standing up for Women's Health here.
• More Senator Lautenberg: Tea Party Republicans have put their extremist ideology above women’s health.
• Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle: “Women’s health should not be held hostage to ideology and propaganda."
• Assemblywoman Stender: "This is not a fiscal issue. For every one dollar not spent on family planning services, we will spend four more. Senator Lautenberg gets this and he is courageously battling the same challenges we are in New Jersey."
• Assemblywoman Wagner tweeted from the rally: At the Rally for Women's Healthcare. My mother died of breast cancer. Mammograms can save lives! She also sent along this photo
  

Christie's Education Cuts "unconstitutional"

• Wall Street Journal: A New Jersey judge issued a report Tuesday condemning Gov. Chris Christie’s school-funding cuts, saying poor and disadvantaged students have been hurt the most despite the state’s best efforts.
• Star Ledger: Gov. Chris Christie's deep cuts to state school aid last year left New Jersey's schools unable to provide a "thorough and efficient" education to the state's nearly 1.4 million school children.
• Senate Majority Leader Buono: "While we are still far from the resolution of this case, and I anxiously await the Supreme Court's final words, what is clear is that the governor's cavalier disregard for public education and our constitutional funding formula is now getting the scrutiny it deserves."
• Assemblyman Greenwald: "The special master’s findings re-emphasize how the governor’s budget both overburdened property taxpayers and endangered education for our children. The fact that the greatest impact of the governor’s cut was felt by at-risk students is, unfortunately, more evidence his budget did not include his oft-touted shared sacrifice."
• The Daily Journal: School aid falling short of obligation
  

Examining Christie's Budget Proposals

• Assembly Budget Chairman Greenwald: "Time and again during these hearings we heard about how this plan will result in higher property taxes, do little to cure our over-reliance on property taxes and strip away vital health care from those who need it most. Budgets reflect our priorities, and sadly, the governor’s budget again does not reflect the priorities of hard-working New Jersey families paying Christie property tax hikes."
• Assembly Budget Vice Chairman Schaer: "Everyone understands these are difficult economic times, but that doesn't mean we should place the burden squarely on our middle-class, poor and those less fortunate, as we saw happen last year with the highest property tax hike since 2007."
• Assemblywoman Quigley: "We heard repeatedly during these hearings how this budget does nothing more than increase the burden facing middle-class and poor New Jersey families struggling to make ends meet under last year's Christie property tax increase."
• Assemblyman Johnson: "Women and children already bore the brunt of the governor's health care cuts last year. We cannot let it continue. The governor must be open to a budget that actually includes real shared sacrifice for all New Jerseyans, not one that repeats last year's hefty property tax increase."
• Assemblyman Burzichelli: "Hard-working New Jersey families and senior citizens need a state budget based on their priorities of property tax relief and access to quality health care, not a plan that puts the burden on their shoulders. We cannot repeat last year's property tax hikes.
• Assemblywoman Watson Coleman: "This Christie budget does not represent shared sacrifice, create jobs, provide adequate property tax relief or preserve the health care so vital to working families. It is, quite simply, an assault on our middle-class and poor."
  
  
• See video of reactions following the budget hearing in South Jersey.
• It's unlikely that Legislators will be taking a budget break this year.

Congressional Corner

• With the one-year anniversary of the Health Care Reform law, Senator Lautenberg highlighted the benefits that New Jersey residents have received in the first year since its enactment. 
• The Star Ledger had a Q & A with Senator Menendez, who is calling for the use of 50 million barrels from the strategic oil reserves to help with gas prices.
• Congressman Pallone said the proposed Republican budget cuts would end funding for 127 health centers across the country and here in New Jersey that provide preventative health care to millions.
• Congressman Holt remains skeptical about the conclusions in the anthrax investigation.
  
• Congressman Pascrell returned from a trip to Afghanistan to discuss security and the political situation in the country:  "We've had a strenuous few days in Afghanistan, but this is the most productive trip I've ever been on as a member of Congress."
• Asbury Park Press Editorial: Combat suicide with Holt bill.
• Congressman Pascrell marked Brain Injury Awareness Day last week by introducing bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting youth athletes from the dangers of sports-related traumatic brain injuries.
• Congressman Andrews offered his opinion about the questions we should be asking regarding Libya in this video interview.
  

Under the Dome

• Star Ledger: N.J. Senate bill would require gas stations to clearly post cash, credit price differences.
• A bill repealing sexist language passed the Senate.
• Legislation to cut state red tape and help New Jersey businesses create jobs received final approval in Legislature.
• A bill that would prevent New Jersey businesses from excluding the unemployed in help-wanted ads has been passed again by the state Senate.
• NJ Spotlight: New Jersey Lawmakers Continue to Pursue Green and Clean Technologies.
• The Assembly has approved legislation aimed at protecting unsuspecting consumers by establishing certain guidelines and restrictions on the operation of sweepstakes in New Jersey, an industry that is currently unregulated.
• The Senate approved a bill sponsored by Hoboken Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. that would create a state fund for the Boys and Girls Clubs in New Jersey.
• Legislation that would render funding for libraries independent of municipalities has been signed into law.
• The Burlington County Times offered support to legislation that would require all New Jersey newborns to be tested for congenital heart disease.
• Courier Post: Don't penalize sexting victims.
• The Assembly Tourism and the Arts Committee held a special hearing on the road to hear the views of Burlington County residents, first hand. The committee heard from invited guests on issues affecting the tourism and arts industries, including the significance of historical and cultural experiences and heritage tourism in New Jersey. 
• Legislation to promote donations to a fund that helps the families of New Jersey soldiers called into active duty was recently approved by the Assembly.
• The full Senate granted final legislative approval to a bipartisan bill to help prevent and combat dating violence among middle and high school students. The measure was previously approved by the Assembly and now heads to the Governor's desk.
• 14th district lawmakers have launched the "Princess Prom Project". It offers female high school seniors the opportunity to still enjoy prom, despite the dismal economic climate.
• A measure to improve the lives of those in psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers has received final legislative approval by the full Senate.
• A bill which would require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to issue all orders in writing, and to post those orders on the Internet, was approved by the Senate, receiving final legislative approval.
• Legislation has been introduced that would augment criminal background checks for school bus personnel to include all adults given responsibility for the safety of school children, closing a loophole that had left bus aides free from scrutiny.
• Legislation to require future public employees to live in New Jersey moved closer to becoming law passing the Senate.
• A bill to do away with the state’s current disjointed system of providing essential information for nonprofit organizations by creating a centralized online information clearinghouse has been passed by the full Senate.
• Legislation to establish a grant program that would benefit youth mentoring programs that focus on turning kids away from gang-related activity was passed by the Senate.
• A bipartisan bill which would repeal certain obsolete, antiquated statutes containing demeaning language to women was unanimously approved by the Senate.
• A bill to create the “Legislative Review Panel on State Psychiatric Hospitals and Developmental Centers,” was approved by the Senate, receiving final legislative approval.
• A bill sponsored which would make various changes to New Jersey State pension certification in order to cut down on pension fraud and make sure that only people who are truly eligible may receive credit in the pension system was approved by the Senate and heads to the Governor.
  

Upcoming Events

• March 29:
  Free Seminar: "Veterans Information Seminar"
  Tuesday, March 29, 2011 7:00pm - 8:30pm
  Knights of Columbus, Council 1672, 70 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
  The Freehold Township Democratic Club presents a free informational seminar for Veterans and their families. Our keynote speaker will be Amy Mallet, the Monmouth County Freeholder who initiated and formed the new Office of Veteran’s Services in Monmouth County.
  
  
• March 30:
  Wednesday March 30, 2011 @ 5:30pm Lacey  Afternoon Cocktail Party
  The Law Offices of Lomurro, Davison, Eastman & Munoz; 9 Grand Avenue,
  Building 2, Suite 2, Toms River, NJ 08753
  Suggested Donation: $100 Please RSVP  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  
  
• March 31:
  Susan D. Davis, President of the Sussex County Education Association, will be the featured speaker at "Dinner at the Diner," to be held at the Hampton Diner located on Route 206 north of Newton on March 31.  Ms. Davis, whose talk is expected to begin at about 8 pm, will discuss educational issues affecting our region and State.  The dinner, sponsored by the Sussex County Democratic Committee, begins at 6:00 p.m. at a cost of $40.00 per person.   Persons wishing to hear Ms. Davis's talk without having dinner are welcome.  For more information, contact Cindy McVey (973) 827-5676 or Ed Selby (973) 948-9201.
  
  
• April 1:
  Comedy Night 2.0
  The Midtown
  7 pm Tickets $37 Lacey Democratic Fund Raiser
  
  
• April 2:
  2011 Monmouth County Democratic Mini-Convention: Monmouth County Democrat’s Parliamentarian Allen Falk will preside over the mini-convention which will recommend candidates for Freeholder, Surrogate, the New Jersey State Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly, for the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th & 30th districts.
  10am Carpenter’s Local Union 2250 located at 30 Wikoff Place, Red Bank, New Jersey, 07701

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The NJDSC Week in Review for March 18, 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:

The 2011 Jefferson Jackson dinner

• Please join us on Wednesday night April 6 at The Heldrich in New Brunswick, for the 2011 New Jersey Democratic State Committee Jefferson Jackson dinner. Our special guest for the evening will be Maryland Governor and Democratic Governors Association Chairman Martin O'Malley. For more information, you can see the invitation and to register to attend, please click here.
• Star Ledger: N.J. Democratic Party invites Maryland Gov. O'Malley to be keynote speaker at annual fundraiser.
• Washington Post: O’Malley headed to New Jersey for Democratic dinner.
• Blue Jersey: Jefferson-Jackson Dinner - Martin O'Malley's incursion into Christie territory.

NJ Republicans walk away from the people they represent in lockstep with Chris Christie 

• VIDEO: See many cases where the New Jersey Republicans have walked lockstep with Chris Christie playing politics instead of making policy.
• Blue Jersey: State Dems stick a pin in the Christie GOP lockstep.
• Assemblywoman Watson Coleman: Flip Flop season came early for the GOP.

Calls for Christie To Reimburse For Partisan Campaign Events on the Taxpayer Dime

• Assemblyman Moriarty said Chris Christie should pay for political campaigning during taxpayer-funded events: "These are taxpayer-funded events organized and promoted by the taxpayer-funded governor’s office. If the governor sticks to public policy, that’s fine. But if the governor wants to campaign, he must dip into his own wallet."
• Chairman Wisniewski noted that US Attorney Christie would have had serious concerns: "If Chris Christie was still U.S. attorney, he’d be prosecuting himself right now. He’s engaging in a broad campaign using public money to promote a partisan agenda. This is the kind of stuff that he would rail about,"
• More Moriarty: “It’s bad enough that this governor has already tagged taxpayers with the highest property tax increase in recent New Jersey history. Now he’s freely spending taxpayer money to campaign. It’s wrong and it’s time for it to stop.”

Chris Christie's $1 billion tax hike

• Chairman Wisniewski offered this response to Christie's latest attempt to escape responsibility and blame for his $1 billion tax hike: “The failed priorities of giving money away to millionaires by Chris Christie and New Jersey Republicans cost middle class families over $1 billion last year in property tax hikes. Instead of shared sacrifice, Chris Christie has placed the sole burden for fixing our problems on the backs of workers and families causing the largest property tax increase in years.  Whether its continued job losses or large property tax increases, the results continue to show the failure of Chris Christie’s policies. Instead of working with Democrats to solve our problems, Chris Christie has continued to do what he does best: Blame someone else for them.”
• More Chairman Wisniewski:: "This is a governor who uses fighting words as a substitute for public policy, then looks around to blame other people,"
• A spokesman for Assembly Democrats said property taxes went up because the governor cut school and municipal aid. "This governor just gave New Jerseyans the highest property tax increase since 2007. He alone is responsible for that through his own policies."
• Stile: "Property taxes increased on average statewide by 4.1 percent last year and 4.4 percent in North Jersey. His administration said very little — it released the 2010 property tax report midday, the end-of-the-week black hole for bad news. The report is a blot on his first year in office. It was one of those rare instances where he could not easily contrast and bash his predecessor Jon Corzine. Property tax rates during Christie Year 1 not only exceeded the 3.3 percent hike of Corzine's last year in office, but it bucked a trend of smaller increases over the past several years."

Legislative Redistricting Wraps Up Unprecedented Public Input

• WHYY: Professor Rosenthal said a major task will be to determine how minorities are represented in the redrawn districts.
• Assemblyman Schaer: Packing minorities into their own legislative districts is a “failed idea,"
• NJ Spotlight: Mapping Out New Jersey's Minority Representation.
• The Patch: Montclair NAACP Speaks Out On Redistricting.

Christie attacks Legislator and exploits a tragedy for his political gain

• Assemblywoman Watson Coleman responded to an attack by Chris Christie after the Governor tried to blame: "The loss of Eric Thomas' life is a tragedy, but for Gov. Christie to use it to try to score political points is reprehensible. Gov. Christie attempting to blame me for Mr. Thomas’ death is as ludicrous as me blaming the governor for the death of every woman who couldn’t gain access to critical health care because the governor eliminated women’s health funding. Or as preposterous as me blaming the governor for deaths as the result of the massive police and firefighter layoffs resulting from his policies.
• More Watson Coleman: "It's the administration's responsibility to properly supervise parolees. It's tragic that Governor Christie's administration failed to properly do so..."
• Assembly Majority Leader Cryan questioned whether the Governor had any decency: "Perhaps this tragedy never would have happened had the Christie administration properly supervised this parolee. Then again, the governor is never one to accept blame for anything. s it coincidence that the governor’s attacks on Assemblywoman Watson Coleman follow Tuesday’s school construction in which her questions embarrassed the administration? I doubt it."
• Blue jersey: Chris Christie tries to "Willie Horton" Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Many Questions about Christie's proposed budget priorities and impact

• Group testifying at Budget hearing: "We think that the Governor talks about shared sacrifices. That shared sacrifice should include everybody including the wealthy and corporations…..In this budget we're seeing cuts to municipal aid that's leading to layoffs of police and firefighters, we're seeing cuts to education."
• Members of Bergen County's legislative delegation gathered to push for continued quality funding of pre-school education in New Jersey in light of increased threats of funding cuts.
• Philadelphia Inquirer: The Assembly Budget Committee heard from scores of advocates for education, higher education, and local government issues during the second of three daylong hearings.
• Assemblyman Greenwald: "But budgets are about priorities, and the Governor has made his clear: tax cuts for millionaires while raising taxes on middle class families, seniors, and our most vulnerable to pay for it. That's not the priority of New Jersey families..."
• Assemblyman Coutinho on Christie proposed cut to education services for the blind: "The fact that this was in the budget in the first place is an embarrassment. I think we should find out who put it in there in the first place and tell them to look for a job elsewhere."

Seeking Answers About School Construction Funding

• Assembly Democrats held a hearing of the Education Committtee and sought answers on school construction funding.
• Star Ledger: Schools Development Authority used subjective criteria to prioritize construction projects.
• AP: NJ lawmaker - School hearing answers inadequate.
• Assemblywoman Watson Coleman: The lack of clear answers on school construction today was an embarrassment to the administration and an insult to the children, parents and taxpayers of this state.
• You can view video of a tour that Assembly Education Committee Chairman Pat Diegnan recently took of the planned site in Phillipsburg where students are housed in trailers. 
• Assemblyman Benson questioned how there could be such a big difference in the proposed cost of Phillipsburg High school: "I suggest you look into whether you have some inconsistencies within your own staff, whether with old numbers or new numbers." 
  

Congressional Corner

• Citing a pair of recent, fatal bus crashes in New Jersey and New York, Senator Lautenberg plans hearings on why changes in bus-safety rules proposed in 2009 have not come to fruition.
• Senator Menendez wrote to the chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission asking if there are safeguards in place to prevent the type of crisis unfolding in Japan from happening in New Jersey.
• Congressman Pallone noted on twitter that the real March Maddness is that while Republicans spent 1 hour talking about jobs at a forum, it won't make up for the 1,848 hours they have ignored topic.
• Senator R. Lautenberg joined colleagues to announce legislation that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) 
• New legislation from Senator Menendez would force oil companies to report specific plans on how they plan to use millions of federal acres already under lease for energy exploration and innovation.
• You can view Congressman Pallone's floor speech on the GOP's plan that cripples the economy by a thousand cuts.  You can see statistics on how the cuts impact NJ here.
• Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced $2 Million in Federal Funding for NJ Fire Departments.
• Congressman Pascrell is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to improve safety standards for new and reconditioned football helmets to prevent concussions and other serious brain injuries among high school and youth football players.
• Congressman Holt discussed Japan's nuclear power plants and our world's energy future on the Rachel Maddow show. You can see the segment here. You can also read more of his comments here in this interview with New York Magazine.
• Senators Lautenberg Menendez praised the Obama administration’s decision to designate the Northeast Corridor as a federally recognized “High-Speed Rail corridor.”
• Over at The Hill's Blog, Congressman Sires talked about making high-speed rail a national priority.
• Congressman Pallone: Nuclear plants must be part of the mix.
• Calling it the latest example of House Republicans blindly cutting vital federal programs, Congressman Pascrell voted against legislation that cuts federal support for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

Under the Dome

• Legislation has been introduced that seeks to save taxpayer money by modernizing the state’s payroll system.
• Gloucester County Times: Mobile farmers' market and vouchers would bring fresh produce to urban areas under proposed bill.
• Legislation to allow municipalities to offer free or discounted beach badges to active duty military personnel was recently released by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
• The Wage Protection Act has been introduced to protect workers from unscrupulous employers and ensure that employees are compensated for all wages owed.
• Legislation will be introduced to create a level of transparency and accountability when it comes to private donations to public education in the Garden State.
• A bill which would make various changes to New Jersey State pension certification in order to cut down on pension fraud and make sure that only people who are truly eligible may receive credit in the pension system was approved by the Assembly by a vote of 77-0.
• A bill which would repeal unfair new income rules which would deny individuals access to the New Jersey FamilyCare program, a safety net program which provides health care access for uninsured New Jerseyans, was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
• Legislation that would make it easier for municipalities to study the possibility of merging was approved by the full Assembly.
• Three Democratic legislators announced they will introduce measures aimed at banning the sale of “bath salts,” legal powders that give users a high similar to meth.
• There would be a single website that would serve as a clearinghouse for information for nonprofits under a bill to be voted on by the Senate.
• New Jersey Newsroom: Creating jobs, ‘winning the future’ requires investing in N.J. higher education.
• The release of the updated Energy Master plan has been delayed by the Christie administration once again, this time because the administration failed to file public notice requirement.
• By a vote of 71-6-1, the full Assembly has approved a measure to aid New Jersey farmers by allowing for the sale of raw milk.
• Legislation has been introduced in the Assembly to save taxpayer dollars by promoting the sharing of services by local government entities.  
• New Jersey Newsroom: Electric Cars can charge New Jersey's future.

Upcoming Events

• March 20th:
  2:00-4:00 PM: Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Spring Wine Tasting with Special Guest Assembly Majority Leader Joe Cryan (Old York Cellars, 80 Old York Rd, Ringoes). Click here for more information.
  
• March 22nd:
  6:30 PM: Cape May County Regular Democratic Organization and the Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women Forum on Corporate Money in Politics (DeVico Senior Center, 23 Romney Place, Court House)
• March 23rd:
  9:30 AM: FY 2012 Budget Review Public Hearing (Camden County College, Blackwood Campus, Blackwood)
• March 24th:
  5:30-7:30 PM: County Clerk Ed McGettigan Fundraiser (Mays Landing Country Club)
• March 26th:
  10:00-12:00 PM: Morris County Democrats Spring Brunch (Ramada Inn, 130 Route 10 West, East Hanover). For more information, click here.

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