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Trenton NJ, As part of the state’s coordinated response to address the novel coronavirus outbreak, Governor Phil Murphy today declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency, effective immediately, to ramp up New Jersey’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Continue reading Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency,To Ramp Up State’s Coronavirus Efforts
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Ridgewood NJ, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs today announced measures to prevent unscrupulous retailers from attempting to unlawfully profit from New Jerseyans’ fears about the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Continue reading AG Grewal Warns Retailers: Do Not Try to Profiteering from Coronavirus Fears
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Senator Joe Pennacchio said a ban on single-use bags approved by the New Jersey Senate today is bad public policy that will inconvenience consumers and put their health at risk.
“The bag ban is bad policy,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “It creates a major inconvenience for consumers, raises costs, has dubious environmental benefits, and raises serious health concerns.”
Continue reading Senator Joe Pennacchio Says , “Plastic Bag Ban Bad Policy”
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Trenton NJ, Legislation sponsored by Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Chair Senator James Beach and Senator Kristin Corrado, which would restrict how certain individuals can settle sexual assault and harassment cases, cleared the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee today.
By Tom Bracken and Michele Siekerka, Opportunity NJ
Trenton NJ, Governor Murphy’s recent Budget Address painted an optimistic picture of New Jersey’s current financial health and future prospects, declaring victory on goals that included “restoring fiscal responsibility” and “delivering property tax relief” as if the work were already done. While we appreciate the Governor’s commitment to business growth, workforce development, and investments in infrastructure, making New Jersey a competitive regional powerhouse means forging a difficult path ahead — and this budget proposal won’t get us there.
Continue reading Increased Taxes and Spending Won’t Help New Jersey Grow
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EWING NJ, Governor Phil Murphy, joined by State health and emergency management officials at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center, highlighted New Jersey’s preparedness measures amid the global novel coronavirus outbreak. New Jersey has no confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Continue reading NJ Governor Murphy Updates the Public on the Status of Coronavirus in the State
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Test results have come back negative for the person in New Jersey who was under investigation for novel coronavirus.
There are no other persons in New Jersey who are currently approved and awaiting testing for the virus that causes COVID-19.
By Doug Steinhardt
When I was in law school, I played piano at local piano bars to help support myself. I’ve always been a jazz music fan, and one of my favorite quotes is from jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, who said, “The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.”
I always thought that wisdom liberating. It reminds me there is no script for creating or problem solving. It’s also a great measure of self-accountability. If Monk’s quote taught me anything it’s that in life, I’m my only obstacle. I never blame the piano if the song doesn’t sound right.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Assemblyman Erik Peterson is calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to refund taxpayers with the $1 billion tax revenue windfall announced by the treasurer.
The treasury department said the state was moving up its revenue projections for the current fiscal year by $1 billion. The Murphy administration has included the increased revenue in its $41 billion budget with about $300 million going to public employee pensions.
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New York NY, striking a blow to the Murphy Administrations sanctuary policies a federal appeals court said the Trump administration can withhold funds from New York City and seven states including New Jersey that have declared themselves sanctuaries from federal immigration policies, setting the stage for possible U.S. Supreme Court action.
The decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan overturned a lower court ruling ordering the administration to release funding to New York City and seven states; New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts, Virginia and Rhode Island.
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Mt Holly NJ, A New Jersey state trooper was arrested today on charges that she received images of child pornography from a second trooper during sexually explicit text exchanges with him in 2018 and failed to report the conduct to police.
Andrea V. Knox, 35, of Mt. Holly, N.J., was arrested on charges of official misconduct (2nd degree) and possession of child pornography (3rd degree). Knox, who is assigned to Troop D Moorestown Station, was released after a first court appearance. She has been suspended by the New Jersey State Police.
Continue reading NJ State Trooper Arrested on Child Pornography Charges
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Governor Phil Murphy presented his budget proposal and its the biggest budget in NJ history $40.9 billion raising spending by 5.5%.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said Governor Phil Murphy’s budget proposal for FY 2021 does nothing to encourage New Jersey families to stay in the Garden State.
“Anyone who’s looking for a plan to make New Jersey more affordable will be disappointed by a budget proposal from Governor Murphy that raises taxes and makes no effort to constrain costs,” said Kean (R-21). “In a year when state revenues are booming, the governor’s spending plan represents a missed opportunity to demonstrate fiscal discipline and provide real tax relief to New Jerseyans.”
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Trenton NJ, Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi roasts the Murphy budget :
“Today was Governor Murphy’s Budget Message. On its face someone could listen and say “I support that” or “I welcome the middle class relief” being proposed. Unfortunately our true middle class will never see any of the promised items put forth today. One can just look to one of the very first statements made during the speech that NJ is finally “putting the breaks on the financial roller coaster” we have been on. This statement is surreal in light of the fact that NJ has increased spending by $6.3 BILLION in just 3 years. This represents an 18% spending increase in a 3 year period. We are doubling down on spending practices that got our state into its current fiscal mess. We keep hearing the message of Fairer and Stronger for the middle class.
Continue reading Murphy’s Budget Represents an 18% Spending Increase in 3 Years
Statement by Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA
CEO and Executive Director
New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
Trenton NJ, Governor Phil Murphy delivered a budget address with significant consequences for New Jersey’s future. There’s much at stake. New Jersey is facing a fiscal crisis and we are not committing ourselves to the difficult decisions that will put the state on sound financial footing.
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Trenton NJ, NJBIA President and CEO Michele N. Siekerka, Esq. issued the following statement regarding Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed FY 2021 budget today.
“NJBIA appreciates Governor Murphy’s efforts to prepare a state budget that makes investments in New Jersey’s future, particularly given our state’s considerable fiscal challenges. We support investments in NJ TRANSIT and workforce development proposed today, and await more details on potential public health benefits savings.
Continue reading Murphy’s Massive Proposed FY 2021 Budget , Just More Taxes
