Category: Bergen County
DESPITE TTF DEAL, IT’S STILL UNCLEAR WHEN ROADWORK WILL RESUME IN NEW JERSEY
file photo by Boyd Loving
JOHN REITMEYER | OCTOBER 4, 2016
Christie’s executive order idled some 3,000 construction workers during the warm weather. Can it be lifted in time to make a dent in outstanding projects?
With the political impasse over transportation funding that has gripped Trenton for the past three months now settled, New Jersey lawmakers are scheduled to vote tomorrow on the legislation that will hike the state’s gas tax by 23 cents. The proposed increase already has Gov. Chris Christie’s endorsement and is expected to pass with bipartisan support.
But still uncertain is exactly when Christie will be willing to lift a hold on state-funded road, bridge, and rail projects that’s been in effect since July and how much that shutdown, which sidelined an estimated 3,000 construction workers, has impacted New Jersey’s economy and its residents. In some places, local officials simply ignored the construction freeze since the state money had already been promised, but others were concerned about possible fines and are now anxious to see the road crews return to work.
Christie, a Republican, announced on Friday that he is ready to sign off on the gas-tax increase needed to renew the state Transportation Trust Fund since Democrats who control the Legislature say they will authorize more than $1 billion in new tax cuts. If approved and signed into law this week, the gas tax increase isn’t expected to go into effect immediately, but officials say it would likely be in place by the beginning of November at the latest.
Still, the construction freeze remains in effect and Christie’s office offered no clear idea yesterday of when it will be rescinded.
Opponents call N.J. 23-cent gas tax hike deal ‘insane’ and ‘appalling’
By Samantha Marcus | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on October 04, 2016 at 5:16 PM, updated October 04, 2016 at 7:52 PM
TRENTON — With the state Legislature poised to approve a 23-cent-a-gallon increase in the gas tax Wednesday — along with a decrease in the sales tax and the elimination of the estate tax — budget analysts and consumer advocates complained bitterly on Tuesday that the average New Jerseyan would pay a lot more at the pump while getting little in the way of tax breaks.
Various efforts by the governor and legislative leaders to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund have repeatedly brought these groups together to warn that the tax cuts will benefit a relatively few wealthy residents while undermining such Democratic priorities as environmental oversight, funds for education and aid for the state’s poorer residents.
The latest tax plan, the result of negotiations between Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, and Democratic leaders in the Senate and Assembly, eliminates the estate tax, raises the Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor, eliminates taxes on much pension and retirement income, slightly reduces the sales tax and creates a tax break for veterans.
The 23-cent-per-gallon increase on gasoline sold in the state will finance an eight-year, $16 billion transportation program that will draw another $16 billion in federal matching dollars.
Speaker Paul Ryan Endorses Rep. Scott Garrett
October 4,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In an odd turn of events Rep. Garrett has received an endorsement from Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.
It has been well documented that Garrett has had a sometime contentious relationship in the GOP leadership .
“Throughout my tenure in Congress, Scott Garrett has been a consistent voice in Washington working to protect taxpayers,” said Ryan. “He has been a reliable ally in the fight to reduce wasteful spending and to balance the budget.”
Ryan’s endorsement emphasizes Garrett’s record as a consistent conservative leader who can get results in Washington D.C.
“I am proud to receive the support of Speaker Ryan,” said Garrett. “The Speaker is a principled leader on reining in our federal budget, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future. There are many serious issues that need to be tackled in the next Congress, and I am eager to continue to help to solve problems to help the people of New Jersey and the Fifth District.”
TONIGHT, Blue Moon Mexican Cafe will donate 20% of the check to the American Cancer Society
TONIGHT, Blue Moon Mexican Cafe will donate 20% of the check to the American Cancer Society. Please share with family and friends and help support this cause.
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42 Kinderkamack Rd Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
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327 Franklin Ave Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Bridgegate witness says Cuomo and Christie discussed cover story
By Ryan Hutchins
10/04/16 12:03 PM EDT
NEWARK, N.J. — Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie personally discussed how to handle the fallout from the George Washington Bridge lane closures, even agreeing to release a report covering up the incident, according to the admitted mastermind of the political revenge scheme.
Cuomo’s administration — referred to in testimony as “Albany” — told the top official at the bistate Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to “lay off” Christie following the incident, former Port official David Wildstein testified here in U.S. District Court.
Reader says Gas Tax Deal , The only common sense was reduction in the estate tax
The only common sense was reduction in the estate tax. It should be immediately eliminated if the full gas hike is immediate. Everyone I know has already changed their domicile to Florida and “self-exiled” for 182 days per year in order to preserve their money.
Forcing those with expendable income to go elsewhere for 6 months a year hurts nj economy but you can’t explain that to some moron democrat .
The gas tax massive increase will get pissed away by the democrats who control the state legislature.
The proper way to get more bang for the buck is to allow non Union construction companies to perform the work. I see the same 3 contractors doing the majority of the work.
That explains why it costs nj 2 million per mile, the most in the USA
Garrett Hammers Fed Chairwoman on Political Conflicts of Interest
September 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, During a congressional hearing on Wednesday Rep. Scott Garrett (R., N.J.) questioned Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen about alleged conflicts of interest on the board. The congressman asked specifically about Fed governor Lael Brainard and her donations and connections to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s defense of the central bank as non-partisan came under attack on Wednesday, as a Republican congressman cornered her on whether a key policy maker would have a conflict of interest in discussing a post in the next U.S. president’s administration.
Fed Governor Lael Brainard has donated to Clinton’s campaign and is widely viewed as a potential Clinton pick for Treasury secretary. Yellen hesitated and then demurred when Representative Scott Garrett of New Jersey asked whether Brainard would have a conflict of interest if she were indeed in talks with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s campaign about a position
Governor Christie, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Prieto reached a tentative agreement to finance the Transportation Trust Fund
September 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, late Friday while all eyes were on the Hoboken Train tragedy and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Governor Christie, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Prieto reached a tentative agreement to finance the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).A special legislative session will be called next week to ratify this agreement so it is subject to change.
The following are some of the details that have emerged :
0.23-cent gasoline tax increase…bringing total to 37.5 cent/gallon tax on gasoline
Sales tax cut: On 1/1/17, the sales tax will go from 7% to 6.875% and in 2018 to 6.625%.
Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor to 35 percent of the federal benefit amount beginning in tax year 2016
Tax Savings for Retirees: Increase the New Jersey gross income tax exclusion on pension and retirement income over four years to $100,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for individuals and $50,000 for married/filing separately
Eliminate the Estate Tax: Phase out the estate tax over the next 15 months, replacing the current $675,000 threshold with a $2 million exclusion after January 1, 2017 and eliminating the estate tax altogether as of January 1, 2018
Tax Savings for Veterans: Provide a personal exemption on state income taxes for all New Jersey veterans honorably discharged from active service in the military or the National Guard.
New Jersey ranked dead last in 2017 State Business Tax Climate Index
picture Steven Sweeney and Vincent Prieto and the Trenton gang
September 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, It’s that time of the year again! The Rax Foundation released their 2017 State Business Tax Climate Index, which allows you to compare you state’s business tax burden across 5 major categories and taking into account over 100 variables. New Jersey ranked dead last in business tax climate . The report credits Trenton leadership with, “some of the worst-structured individual income taxes in the country.”
This year, the states at the top of the pack are Wyoming (1), South Dakota (2), Alaska (3), Florida (4), Nevada (5), Montana (6), New Hampshire (7), Indiana (8), Utah (9), and Oregon (10).
The states at the bottom of the pack include Louisiana (41), Maryland (42), Connecticut (43), Rhode Island (44), Ohio (45), Minnesota (46), Vermont (47), California (48), New York (49), and New Jersey (50).
According to the Tax Foundation ;the states in the bottom 10 tend to have a number of shortcomings in common: complex, non-neutral taxes with comparatively high rates. New Jersey, for example, is hampered by some of the highest property tax burdens in the country, is one of just two states to levy both an inheritance tax and an estate tax, and maintains some of the worst-structured individual income taxes in the country.
See how your state ranks on the map below or by clicking the button at the bottom of this email for the full report: https://taxfoundation.org/article/2017-state-business-tax-climate-index?mc_cid=8afd5cb450&mc_eid=c834f22e2e
Legalize marijuana push in N.J.: Should it be treated like cigarettes or booze?
By Claude Brodesser-Akner | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on September 27, 2016 at 1:42 PM
TRENTON — Lawmakers from both political parties are mulling whether New Jersey should legalize marijuana, but differ over whether it should be more leniently regulated and taxed like cigarettes, or more restrictively, like alcohol.
Late last week, Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll (R-Morris) introduced a bill (A4193) that legalizes marijuana, treating it and marijuana products in the same fashion as tobacco, which is sold only to those over 19 years of age.
Carroll’s bill would also provide for records expungement for certain past marijuana offenses.
Governor Christie Announces Counterfeit Fentanyl Ban and Expanded Recovery Coach Program
September 27, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Jersey Combats Opioid Abuse with New Initiatives During National Recovery Month
Trenton NJ, Expanding his commitment in the fight against opioid addiction in the Garden State, Governor Chris Christie today announced new initiatives in recognition of National Recovery Month, including an Emergency Order to ban the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of seven illegal knock-offs of the highly addictive opioid “fentanyl” and an expansion of the state’s Recovery Coach Program.
“We are doubling down on our efforts to combat the epidemic of opioid addiction – a pervasive crisis in communities and neighborhoods throughout our nation. This past summer, I was joined by 45 other governors in a compact through the National Governors Association to carry on this battle, and today we continue New Jersey’s leadership role, in part, by becoming one of the first states to take on the use, sale, and distribution of illicit fentanyl analogs produced by drug trafficking networks,” said Governor Christie.
The Office of the Attorney General and its Division of Consumer Affairs is issuing an Emergency Order to ban the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of seven illegal knock-offs of the highly addictive opioid “fentanyl” which are being manufactured by drug dealers. Additionally, the Governor announced the expansion of the Recovery Coach Program, which connects persons who have been saved from drug overdoses to people who can help them find treatment.
These initiatives were among several unveiled by the Governor as he was joined in his outer office by cabinet members and former Governor James E. McGreevey, director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), which was funded by the Christie Administration to provide addiction treatment, transitional housing, job training and employment to ex-offenders with substance use disorder.
FENTANYL EMERGENCY ORDER
This Emergency Order issued by Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino adds seven “fentanyl analogs” – derivatives of the regulated prescription drug – to the list of Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) in New Jersey, subjecting them to the strictest level of state control.
Used to treat acute pain, fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fentanyl knock-offs, often more potent than their legal prototype, have been sold on street corners across New Jersey, usually disguised as much less potent drugs like heroin, oxycodone, or other abused prescription drugs. The result has been deadly. Last year, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration listed New Jersey as one of five states hit hardest by a “surge” in fentanyl-related deaths. The total had reached 150 by mid-year, according to the latest available statistics.
“Those responsible for supplying the drugs that caused these deaths will no longer be able to fly under the legal radar in our state,” said Attorney General Porrino. “We are empowering our law enforcement agencies with the legal clout to arrest and fully prosecute anyone caught manufacturing, distributing, or possessing these lethal drugs.”
Knock-offs covered by the order include: Furanyl Fentanyl, 3-Methyfentanyl, 3-Methyl Butyrylfentanyl, Valeryl Fentanyl, Norfentanyl, Para-Florobutyryl-Fentanyl, and Carfentanyl. Under the order, manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession of the chemicals is now a third-degree crime. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a three- to five-year term. The Order will remain in effect for 270 days, or until a regulation is adopted through an administrative process to formally classifying the counterfeit drugs as Schedule I CDS.
EXPANSION OF THE RECOVERY COACH PROGRAM
Already demonstrating success in Camden, Essex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic counties, the Recovery Coach program connects people who have been saved from drug overdoses – often with the opioid reversal drug Narcan — with recovery coaches who can provide guidance and support and help them into treatment for their addiction. The Governor announced the program will be expanded into six more counties – Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Hudson, Gloucester and Middlesex.
Recovery coaches, who often are in recovery themselves, are on-site in hospital emergency rooms in the five counties where the program already operates. They tap into their own personal recovery experience to help individuals when they are most vulnerable and need support. This initiative ensures a continuum of care for individuals recovering from an overdose reversal.
NARCAN REBATE EXTENSION
The Christie administration reached a deal this summer with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to extend for another year the ability for police departments and other public first responder entities to continue purchasing the opiate antidote Naloxone at a significant discount. Under that agreement, California-based Amphastar will continue to provide a $6 rebate for each Amphastar Naloxone syringe purchased.
Naloxone – often referred to by its most commonly known trade name Narcan – is an opioid antagonist drug used to reverse overdoses of heroin and other opiate-based narcotics. More than 500 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the New Jersey State Police, are now trained and equipped to administer the drug. Statewide, there were 7,222 deployments of Naloxone by law enforcement and EMS personnel in 2015. Law enforcement and EMS have deployed Naloxone more than 6,000 times so far this year.
In 2015, New Jersey became the third state to obtain a contractual commitment from Amphastar to provide discounts on Naloxone-related purchases. Under the new agreement struck with Amphastar, the Attorney General’s Office will continue to act as administrative conduit in the rebate process.
LEGACY OF FIGHTING ADDICTION
The initiatives announced today continue Governor Christie’s extensive efforts to combat the epidemic of opioid addiction, including: mandatory, statewide drug courts; expansion of New Jersey’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to include interstate data-sharing; statewide availability of the overdose reversal drug Naloxone (Narcan); a historic infusion of funding to expand capacity for behavioral health treatment; and formation of an Interim Management Entity (IME), a telephone hotline that provides access for the uninsured and those on Medicaid to addiction treatment.
Recently, the state’s Drug Monitoring Initiative at the Regional Operations and Intelligence Center earned national recognition by the National Governors Association and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy for its groundbreaking efforts to monitor drug activity in the state. Their work there has enabled law enforcement and public health experts to better understand the supply chain, trends, implications, and threats from illicit drug activity and to notify the public of potentially lethal batches of drugs in the region as overdoses are reported.
In addition, this year marks the second anniversary of the Governor’s creation of the Facing Addiction Task Force, a 12-member team of leaders and experts from inside and outside of government to fight drug addiction through treatment and prevention. Led by Pastor Joe A. Carter of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, the task force has been developing strategies to destigmatize, prevent and treat the disease of addiction with a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
In July, Governor Christie along with 45 other governors, signed the National Governors Association’s Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction, committing to fight the epidemic. That compact urges the governors to take steps to raise awareness of opioids and addiction, reduce the inappropriate prescribing of painkillers and facilitate treatment and recovery for those already addicted.
“We have made impressive gains in this fight, and we know there is more work to be done,” added Governor Christie. “With these new initiatives and the alliance of the National Governors Association, we should be able to help more and more people break the cycle of addiction, to reclaim their lives and to improve the lives of all of us dealing with the consequences of opioid addiction in society.”
AS MORE NJ STUDENTS GO HUNGRY, MORE COLLEGES OPEN FOOD PANTRIES
TARA NURIN | SEPTEMBER 27, 2016
Amid growing recognition that some students are going hungry, Rutgers-New Brunswick is the latest university in New Jersey to open a food pantry
Ramen noodles. Priced around 13 cents a bag, they’ve been a staple of college life for decades, helping the archetypal “starving student” afford tuition, housing, books, and the occasional beer. But the typical shrug in reaction to this paradigm is giving way to real concern as institutions of higher learning realize that hunger on campus is a serious problem that’s hurting students’ ability to learn.
This summer, Rutgers University-New Brunswick became the latest of at least five New Jersey colleges and universities — and more than 300 nationally — to install a free food pantry on campus. So far, about 30 students have taken advantage of Rutgers’ non-perishable goods. But the need is far greater.
Garrett Announces Teaneck Democrat Mark Schwartz Endorsement
September 27,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Garrett for Congress today announced an endorsement from Teaneck Democratic Councilman Mark Schwartz.
“As a long serving Teaneck Councilman, and as an active resident of the 5th District, I’ve gotten to know many great and honest leaders,” said Schwartz. “One thing I’m proud of is being unafraid to admit when a great leader belongs to the opposite party. As a Democrat, Congressman Garrett and I don’t agree on every issue, but we do agree on two important issues for me and my community. Scott has never voted to raise taxes on our families – period. He is also one of the best friends Israel has in all of Congress, and we should be honored to give him our votes and send him back for another term. It’s imperative that Scott be able to continue his work, and I’m honored to put Teaneck ahead of party and reach across the aisle to give him my support.”
Schwartz’s support highlights Garrett’s record as an advocate for the State of Israel.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Councilman Mark Schwartz,” said Garrett. “Mark is a tireless advocate of the people of Teaneck and the 5th district. On issues close to home, there can be no compromise. Mark and I agree that we can never raise taxes on our families, and that we can never compromise the security of the United States and Israel.”
Rep. Garrett has sponsored and cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation supporting Israel’s right to defend its sovereignty, recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, and condemning Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. He introduced the Jerusalem Embassy Recognition Act, and cosponsored the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act. As an outspoken member of the Iran Sanctions Conference Committee, he called for full implementation of strong sanctions against the Iranian regime, and has subsequently opposed President Obama’s Iran nuclear arms deal.
Garrett Calls on FDA to Answer Questions About EpiPen Monopoly
September 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood bog
Ridgewood NJ, Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to express concerns over the near monopoly currently held by Mylan Pharmaceuticals on the EpiPen (epinephrine injection) which is used in the treatment of severe allergic reactions. The price of these life-saving devices has skyrocketed recently, making them unaffordable for many Americans families.
“Like many government bureaucracies, the Food and Drug Administration stifles innovation and creates unnecessary roadblocks that end up hurting the American people,” said Garrett. “In this case, their short-sightedness has made a common treatment that millions of Americans rely on prohibitively expensive. The FDA has a job to protect Americans and ensure the food and drugs we use are safe, but they also need to make sure their actions don’t hurt the very people they’re trying to protect.”
The letter, signed by a number of Members of Congress, asks the EPA to allow other companies to make alternatives to the EpiPen product by streamlining the FDA review process. Specifically, the letter asks:
– If the FDA can clarify whether any barriers exist to the approval of safe alternative products to EpiPens.
– How many alternatives to Mylan’s EpiPen are currently being reviewed by the FDA
– Where these alternatives are in the review process
To read the entire letter, click here.
