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Presented by AARP: Matt Friedman's must-read briefing on the Garden State's important news of the day | | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | | Good Tuesday morning! Last night we finally got a look at the finances of “Jersey Freedom,” the independent expenditure committee that disclosed its existence late in the campaign with mailers and TV ads boosting “conservative” alleged phantom candidates and an unwitting Libertarian candidate to siphon votes from actual Republican candidates in two South Jersey districts. According to its latest report from ELEC, Jersey Freedom raised $225,000 — all from Brighter Future Forward, a South Jersey Democratic super PAC that also first came to the public’s attention late in the campaign season. The money came in two installments on Oct. 26 and Nov. 1. Brighter Future Forward’s funding, in turn, came exclusively from two sources: $2.5 million from Carpenters union-affiliated super PACs in two installments over the summer, and $1.165 million from American Representative Majority, the long-existing South Jersey Democratic PAC, in payments made on Oct. 26, Oct. 30 and Nov. 1. The biggest source of income for American Representative Majority was Democratic power broker George Norcross, who loaned it $850,000 on Oct. 25 and $500,000 on Oct. 30. That $1.35 million from Norcross is just over half of everything the group reported raising this election cycle. It was pretty obvious based on circumstantial evidence that Jersey Freedom was a South Jersey Democratic venture. Now it’s official. Jersey Freedom — whose bank account was frozen by a judge after Republicans filed suit — also released a statement shortly after filing its disclosure form with ELEC, though no one put their name on it. It says the group fully complied with the law in disclosing its existence in October and only disclosing its funding source 20 days after the election. . “Jersey Freedom has fully complied with the recently enacted Elections Transparency Act, authored by Senator Nick Scutari and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on April 3, 2023.,” reads the beginning of the statement. Wait a second. If that’s the case, does this mean the Elections Transparency Act didn’t actually make elections more transparent? TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Nicholas Chiaravalloti, Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, John Mitchell, Gary Williams QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Give someone an eighth, they get high for a day, teach someone to grow cannabis and … yeah, that’s not how it works. Just as the lone fisherman doesn’t impact the commercial fishing industry, allowing home cultivation of a few cannabis plants does not impact legal sales.” — Cannabis testing facility owner Kristen Goedde and attorney Matthew G. Miller in a Star-Ledger Op-ed. WHERE’S MURPHY? In Iselin at 11 a.m. to speak at the NJBIA Public Policy Forum.
| | | | A message from AARP: Older New Jerseyans in nursing homes deserve safe, high-quality care. Nearly 75 percent of New Jersey’s nursing homes are for-profit facilities. The complex structures of some of these nursing homes make it difficult to see where cash is flowing—and may allow money to be siphoned away from resident care. We need to know where our money is going. It’s time to hold nursing home owners accountable. Tell your lawmakers to pass A4484/S2769. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | | FAILING TO BUST CAPS — Murphy scales back lame duck ambitions on liquor licenses, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman and Daniel Han: A top agenda item of Gov. Phil Murphy’s to drastically overhaul New Jersey’s liquor licensing system is getting scaled back just as the lame duck legislative session begins in earnest. Following discussion over the last few days with the Legislature, the governor conditionally vetoed legislation on Monday that he’s sat on for five months that would lift restrictions on events and food offerings for breweries and distilleries. But the governor’s conditional veto did not include his most ambitious goal: Gradually eliminating caps on how many liquor licenses towns can issue, currently set at one license per 3,000 residents. In fact, lifting the caps is not expected to emerge again during the lame duck session, according to three officials with knowledge of the negotiations between the governor and Legislature, but who were granted anonymity in advance of the veto. THE SUPREME COURT MADE THE DEMS DO IT — “Dark money disclosures in NJ elections are a 'work in progress.' Will they work?” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “The new law requires campaigns and PACs to report any late-arriving contributions or expenditures of $200 or more made in that final 13-day stretch of the campaign. … Those reporting rules applies to everybody — except independent expenditure groups. They got a pass. That's especially concerning — because, during the final two weeks of campaigns, special-interest money is spent on the final attack mailers, television and digital ads and get-out-the-vote activities … [Lou] Greenwald said a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision — one that said campaign finance restrictions keeping corporations, labor unions and others from participating in elections violated those groups' First Amendment rights to free speech — led to the 13-day exemption for independent groups. … There are some holes in that argument: First, disclosure wasn’t the problem in the original 2010 court case, but campaign laws that broadly restricted or banned the outside groups' participation.” IRATE PAYER ADVOCATE — Ratepayer watchdog faces another showdown over clean energy costs, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: New Jersey’s top environmental lawmaker has new plans to force the state ratepayer watchdog to spend less time worrying about higher utility rates: possibly resurrecting a bill giving rates less scrutiny. Senate Environment and Energy Chair Bob Smith last week accused Brian Lipman, director of the state’s independent Division of Rate Counsel, of repeatedly saying no to efforts to combat climate change. Lipman’s office has expressed consistent concern that state utility customers will be socked by rising energy costs if the state’s spending on clean energy projects is unchecked. Smith has already taken aim at Lipman’s office — with the backing of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Environment New Jersey and the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. A bill introduced a year ago, NJ S4214 (20R), would make the rate counsel give more weight to the environmental benefits of utility companies’ proposals. The bill stalled after the ratepayer advocate received enough quiet support to deter lawmakers from voting on the bill, but Smith is clearly keen to make another go at it next year.
| | | | GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here. | | | | | TYPICAL: FIGHTING WAREHOUSES WHILE WEREWOLVES RUN WILD — “Lawmakers weigh slew of warehouse bills in response to growing calls for state action,” by NJ Spotlight News’ John Hurdle: “New Jersey lawmakers are due to consider at least two dozen warehouse-related bills in the current lame-duck session in response to growing public calls for state action to cool the continuing warehouse construction boom across the state. … Even if only a handful of the bills become law in what remains of the legislative session, their unusually large number shows that lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties are responding to rising public demands for curbs on an industry that critics see as polluting and destructive to rural or suburban ways of life.” BOB VOYAGE — Bob Gordon to leave NJ Transit board, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: Bob Gordon, the former senator partially responsible for a law meant to reform NJ Transit, is leaving the agency’s board next month at the end of his term. Gordon said he told Gov. Phil Murphy via text that he did not want to be appointed when his term expires on Dec. 6 … Gordon retired from state government this spring when he left his job at the Board of Public Utilities. Several months ago, Gordon joined Stevens & Lee Public Affairs and became a lobbyist. He’d remained on the NJ Transit board — which doesn’t pay — but his term was set to expire and he decided he wanted to focus on his lobbying work. SCHNALL CHANCE — “Lakewood's new assemblyman eyes education funding changes for 2024 NJ legislative session,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Joe Strupp: “Incoming Assembly member Avi Schnall has made no secret that he wants to see more funding for private schools and choice options for nonpublic school parents … In an interview with Hamodia.com, a Jewish news outlet, the day after his victory, Schnall said that school choice was ‘something that we do believe is doable.’ … [It] may clearly be aimed at helping Lakewood’s largest population, Orthodox parents who send their youngsters to private schools. … Schnall cited the 50,000 private school students from Lakewood, most of whom attend yeshivas and other Orthodox schools and whose parents receive no tuition assistance. The cost burden affects the public schools that are required to provide transportation and other services to many of the private school students, but do not receive enough state aid to cover those needs, critics contend.” NEXT STEP: DOCTORS — “New law would let New Jersey teacher candidates skip basic skills exam,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Sophie Nieto Munoz: “Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law Monday that eliminates a requirement for New Jersey teacher candidates to take a basic skills test, a move supporters say will help alleviate a longstanding educator shortage. Under the new law, a would-be teacher who doesn’t take the Praxis text can receive an alternate teaching certificate and then, after four years of continuous employment as a teacher at a public school, charter school, or approved private school for students with disabilities, receive a standard teaching certificate. The New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, has long advocated for this change, saying the test is a barrier to entry for low-income New Jerseyans, especially if they have already earned a bachelor’s degree.”
| | | | GET A BACKSTAGE PASS TO COP28 WITH GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Get insider access to the conference that sets the tone of the global climate agenda with POLITICO's Global Playbook newsletter. Authored by Suzanne Lynch, Global Playbook delivers exclusive, daily insights and comprehensive coverage that will keep you informed about the most crucial climate summit of the year. Dive deep into the critical discussions and developments at COP28 from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12. SUBSCRIBE NOW. | | | | | — “Benson’s Assembly seat will be vacant for eight days” —“Big legislative turnover means new committee chairs” —“When Tammy Murphy pushed to include climate change in K-12 standards, some balked” —“Coast Guard cites lack of training in deadly ship fire. Legislator wants to change that” —“NJ students could soon be learning more about growing Garden State community of Sikhs”
| | | | A message from AARP:   | | | | | Biden's Beltway | |
A WAEL OF A TALE — “Businessman accused of bribing Sen. Menendez had deep ties to Egypt,” by The Washington Post’s Shawn Boburg, Claire Parker, Terrence McCoy and Marina Dias: “In late 2015, cranes at a seaport in Jacksonville, Fla., carefully hoisted U.S. military helicopters worth up to $40 million each onto a massive cargo ship set to deliver the equipment to the Egyptian government. Egypt’s Defense Ministry had turned to an unusual figure to help arrange transport of the prized hardware: Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman who had previously run a trucking business, a gas station and a truck stop along a gritty, industrial strip in northern New Jersey.’ … A Washington Post examination, based on records and interviews with dozens of people who know or have worked with Hana, found that his connections to the Egyptian government go back further and are more extensive than previously reported. Those connections help explain how Hana was in a position to capitalize on his relationship with Menendez, until recently the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, when they met years after the helicopter shipment and forged a bond that prosecutors say quickly became mutually beneficial.”
THE TRUTH IN PORN ACT — “Westfield, NJ fake porn prompts bill to limit AI’s influence,” by NJ 101.5’s Dino Flammia: “A shocking incident out of Westfield has prompted a New Jersey congressman to craft a bill that aims to put a tighter leash on content created by artificial intelligence (AI). U.S. Rep. Tom Kean, R-N.J. 7th District, is the sponsor of the AI Labeling Act of 2023, which would help people know when they are viewing AI-made content, rather than genuine photos or text.” | | LOCAL | |
LET IT BLEE — “General election results official; Ward 2 Atlantic City race contest continues,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “Atlantic County Clerk Joe Giralo said Monday he has certified the results of the Nov. 7 general election, making them official. While incumbent Democrat LaToya Dunston is now the official winner of Atlantic City's 2nd Ward race, her Democratic opponent, Viana Bailey, is contesting the results, and that trial starts Tuesday morning before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Michael Blee. In her lawsuit against elections officials and Dunston, Bailey alleges illegal votes were cast and improper assistance was given to some voters by political operative Craig Callaway, who supported her opponent. … She lost to Dunston by just three votes (300-297) on primary day and by six votes (303-297) after an Aug. 21 recount, which happened at Bailey's request.”
EDISON — “Metuchen woman sues Edison Township, claims mayor was 'negligent and careless' in crash,” by MyCentralJersey’s Suzanne Russell: “A Metuchen woman has sued Edison Mayor Sam Joshi and the township for ‘severe, serious and permanent injuries’ caused in an auto accident last year in which the mayor was driving a township-owned vehicle. The lawsuit charges the mayor was “negligent and careless”, and Edison was negligent in entrusting the vehicle to Joshi. ‘Mayor Joshi publicly disclosed that he had been in a minor car accident immediately after it occurred last year and used it as a teachable moment to encourage residents to drive safely during the busy holiday season,’ township spokesman Philip Swibinski said in a statement.” —“Fate of lawsuits contesting Jersey City’s controversial ward map in hands of appellate court panel” —“Deaf man who allegedly faced discrimination at Jersey City court likely to get $175k” — “Her 11-year-old daughter died by suicide. Now this [Mount Holly] mother is fighting to toughen anti-bullying laws in schools” —“Appeals court reinstates Carteret police retaliation, unlawful arrest lawsuit” —“Shaffer concedes narrow loss in Ocean City school board race” —“Study finds Cape May, Cumberland counties lack abortion services” —“Paterson police radio recordings shed new light on aborted pursuit after fatal shooting”
| | | | A message from AARP: Government funds spent on nursing home care should be spent on care for residents.
But many of New Jersey’s nursing homes have complex structures that make it difficult to see where those taxpayer dollars are going. Without financial transparency and strong oversight, that money could be siphoned away from resident care — weakening the safety and quality of care for residents and making it difficult for New Jerseyans to make informed decisions when choosing a facility.
A4484/S2769 would hold nursing home owners accountable by improving the financial reporting requirements for owners. Tell your state lawmakers: Pass A4484/S2769 now to increase accountability and transparency for nursing home owners and improve care for residents. | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | | AUTHOR ORDERED TO EAT ANOTHER HOT PEPPER FOR CALLING WOODBRIDGE NORTH JERSEY — “A powerful tool for fighting corruption is going extinct,” by The New York Times’ Serge Schmemann: “Many reporters of my (advanced) age got their starts on small daily or weekly papers, back then fixtures in most every town or suburb. Mine was The News Tribune in Woodbridge, N.J. … Looking back at those papers isn’t just the nostalgia of an old newspaperman. They were the building blocks of community, democracy, politics. Their loss is a major reason behind the acute polarization and political confusion we are suffering today. … The News Tribune was an afternoon paper, which was typical for northern New Jersey, where the big New York papers dominated the mornings. … It was a great school for a rookie reporter. … The paper had a special hell for a new reporter after the first mistake that required a correction: The person would be made to get up on the round editors’ desk in the middle of the newsroom and eat a hot chile from a jar kept especially for the ordeal by Elias Holtzman, one of the veteran editors. I took my turn, gagging as the pepper burned a permanent fear in my mind of getting it wrong.” —“Mom was dying. Then assisted living facility dumped her stuff and kept sending bills, son says” —“2 N.J. hospitals hit with cybersecurity issue affecting ERs across country” —“Posts on Ramapo College professor's Facebook page about Israel-Hamas war called antisemitic” —“N.J. pro wrestling legend gets 17-year prison sentence for fatal DUI crash” —“NJ business owners shared their views on economy in 2023. Were they upbeat or not?”
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