The U.S. Retirement Market is in BIG TROUBLE as annual benefits paid out are now larger than total contributions. Actually, the amount of net withdrawals were the highest in history. When payouts become larger than contributions… then we have the making of the typical PONZI SCHEME.
Americans who have invested their hard-earned money into a 401K, had no idea that it was the Greatest Ponzi Scheme in history. Unfortunately, when the markets crack, so will the value of the U.S. Retirement market. On the other hand, Americans who were wise enough to purchase physical precious metals will protect their wealth as the U.S. Paper Retirement Market collapses.
According to the most recent data by the ICI – Investment Company Institute, the U.S. Retirement Market ballooned to a new record high of $25.3 trillion at the end of 2016:
“Any regulation that is outdated, unnecessary, bad for workers, or contrary to the national interest will be scrapped.”– Donald J. Trump
YEARS OF GOVERNMENT OVERREACH: President Donald J. Trump has inherited the bloated regulatory regime of the past Administration.
According to the American Action Forum, the regulations from the Obama Administration cost United States taxpayers a total of $873 billion.
The Obama Administration issued 3,037 finalized regulations.
GETTING GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE WAY: Today, President Trump signed legislation to help eliminate unnecessary, harmful, and job-killing regulations.
Earlier today, President Trump signed four bills under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), in one of the few times the CRA has been used to cancel Federal regulations.
House Joint Resolution 37 will roll back the “blacklisting” rule that empowers big law firms to get rich by suing American companies and workers who contract with the Federal Government.
House Joint Resolution 44 removes the Bureau of Land Management’s “Planning 2.0” rule to prevent further centralization of Federal land management decisions at the expense of local citizens.
House Joint Resolutions 57 and 58 eliminate layers of bureaucracy that could have cost State and local school systems millions of dollars, while encouraging freedom and innovation in our schools.
CUTTING RED TAPE ACROSS THE GOVERNMENT: President Trump has signed Executive Orders and legislation to cut regulations that get in the way of Americans.
President Trump has required that for every new Federal regulation, two existing regulations be eliminated.
President Trump ordered agencies to create Regulatory Reform Task Forces to identify costly and unnecessary regulations.
President Trump signed an Executive Order instructing Federal agencies to minimize the burden of the Affordable Care Act on Americans while he works to repeal and replace it.
President Trump signed legislation, House Joint Resolution 38, to prevent the burdensome “Stream Protection Rule” from causing further harm to the coal industry.
President Trump signed legislation, House Joint Resolution 41, to eliminate a costly regulation that threatened to put American mining and energy companies and their employees at an unfair disadvantage.
President Trump directed the Secretary of Commerce to develop a plan to streamline Federal permitting processes for domestic manufacturers.
President Trump signed an Executive Order expediting the environmental review and approval processes for domestic infrastructure projects.
President Trump directed the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a full review of the burdensome regulations required by the Dodd-Frank Act.
President Trump ordered a re-examination of the Department of Labor’s “fiduciary rule,” to make certain that it does not harm Americans as they save for retirement.
KEEPING HIS PROMISES TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: President Donald J. Trump has promised the country he would cut needless regulation.
While campaigning for President, Donald Trump promised to cut regulations massively.
While campaigning for President, Donald Trump vowed to cut any regulation that is outdated, unnecessary, bad for workers, or contrary to the national interest.
State Police and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Seize 14 Kilos of Fetanyl
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Camden City NJ, A cooperative investigation by the New Jersey State Police Trafficking South Unit and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cherry Hill Office resulted in the arrest of Yahmire Boardley, 22, of Camden, N.J. and the seizure of 14 kilograms of fentanyl.
On Thursday, March 16, State Police detectives from Trafficking South, Hazmat, K-9, Crime Suppression South, and T.E.A.M.S Units along with agents from HSI, U.S. DEA Camden HIDTA, U.S. DEA Camden Resident Office, and officers from the Camden County Police Department executed several search warrants throughout the city as the result of a month-long investigation. Investigators seized a total of 14 kilograms of fentanyl from multiple locations and arrested Boardley at his city residence.
Yahmire Boardley was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute. He was processed at the New Jersey State Police Bellmawr Station and lodged at the Camden County Jail pending a bail hearing.
Fentanyl is one of the deadliest opioids. While it has been spotlighted for killing celebrities including Prince, it also has been responsible for a growing death toll in New Jersey, where 417 deaths were attributed to fentanyl in 2015. Used to treat acute pain, fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. In addition, seven fentanyl knock-offs have been sold on the street in New Jersey, usually disguised as less-powerful drugs like heroin or oxycodone, triggering overdose deaths. The Attorney General’s Office issued an emergency order last year adding those fentanyl knockoffs to the list of drugs subject to the strictest level of state control.
“This is a huge bust. By arresting this alleged drug dealer and seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin, the State Police and HSI stopped many thousands of doses of this lethal opiate from reaching the street,” said Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino. “Our ongoing interdiction of major drug traffickers is just one aspect of our multi-faceted efforts to fight the tragic epidemic of opiate addiction, but it is an important one that, in this case, undoubtedly saved many lives. Another area of focus for our office includes a new strike team that has criminally charged six doctors with indiscriminately prescribing pain pills for profit.”
“This massive seizure of fentanyl, which is a highly addictive and lethal opioid, almost certainly saved lives,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This cooperative effort between the New Jersey State Police, HSI, and our other law enforcement partners demonstrates our resolve to aggressively target anyone peddling this poison in our communities.”
“Through multi-agency operations such as this one, we’re working to stop the flow of opiates into our communities and save lives,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend our partners in the State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this outstanding investigation.”
This case is being prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.
Charges are mere accusations the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty.
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Kim DePaola’s car is at the center of a double murder in New Jersey — and her son’s friend could be one of the victims … TMZ has learned.
Two badly burned bodies were found in the ‘RHONJ’ star’s torched car Friday — both had reportedly been shot in the head … execution style.
We’ve learned Kim’s son, Chris, was the one who regularly drove the car. We’re told a friend drove Chris to the airport last Wednesday, and was in possession of the car while Chris was out of town.
By Rebecca Everett | For NJ.com
on March 14, 2017 at 6:32 PM, updated March 15, 2017 at 7:12 AM
MOUNT HOLLY TWP. — The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a statement slamming Burlington County officials for releasing an immigrant that federal officers wanted held.
The release said that ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations were later able to arrest the man in question, Denner Dos Santos, 22, a Brazilian, in Mount Holly on Feb. 22.
ICE said that the county “failed to honor a detainer lodged by ICE” to hold Dos Santos when he was in custody back in July.
ICE can make detainer requests to local law enforcement or jails to hold an individual that ICE suspects is “subject to removal from the United States” for 48 hours past the time they would have originally been released.
It allows time for ICE officers to take that person to a facility where they can be held pending deportation hearings.
Khaalid H. Walls, a spokesman for ICE, said that the agency filed its detainer request with the county July 11, and yet Dos Santos was released the following day.
Sommelier reveals why you should ALWAYS choose the cheapest wine from the menu at restaurants (and the reason will surprise you)
Restaurants know diners will buy wines in the second or third cheapest slot Sommelier Mark Oldman says best value wine is often the cheapest on the list He said wines one above the cheapest will have been marked up to target diners
By Imogen Blake For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 06:00 EDT, 13 March 2017 | UPDATED: 11:49 EDT, 13 March 201
If you thought you had been outsmarting restaurants by plumping for the second or third cheapest wine on the list, then think again.
Contrary to popular belief, the wines one or two above the cheapest at a restaurant is no more likely to be of better quality or value than the lowest priced glass or bottle on the list, according to sommelier Mark Oldman.
He says restaurants know diners will often opt for one above the cheapest, and will place wines with higher mark-ups in these coveted slots.
Trenton, NJ – In preparation for Winter Storm Stella expected to arrive in New Jersey tonight, Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate the preparation, response and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies. Commuters are asked to use extreme caution while traveling across the state.
“This severe winter storm is expected to produce tonight through Tuesday afternoon significant snow accumulations, winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour, freezing temperatures, widespread coastal flooding and hazardous whiteout travel conditions,” Governor Christie said. “During these threatening conditions, I urge all New Jerseyans to remain off the roads so our first responders and public safety officers can safely and efficiently handle emergency situations.”
New Jersey roads are expected to be impassable due to significant amounts of heavy, blowing, and drifting snow, low visibility and whiteout conditions, with the highest impact expected from late Monday night through Tuesday afternoon. Forecasted snow accumulations from five to more than 20 inches are expected in some areas of the state.
Due to the severe winter storm, the State of New Jersey has authorized the closing of state offices on Tuesday, March 14 for all non-essential employees. Essential employees should report to work on their regular schedule.
Road conditions will be available at the New Jersey Department of Transportation website at https://www.511nj.org/.
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP — A 75-year-old man was charged with selling guns out of his home in an Ocean County senior community.
18 firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns, plus a large amount of ammunition and cash were seized from the Eton Road home of John Figlar on Friday, according to Berkeley Police.
Police said they were acting on a tip that Figlar was selling the weapons without the required permits and were considered street level sales.
If you ever want service for any sewer repair or drain problems, I highly recommend this local company to work with. They are reliable, reasonable and very professional that handled my sewer repair in a very nice manner with patience, like the old school way.
Their name is A1 Sewer and Drain. They showed up on time, which is not obvious for contractors. They did the job well with a warranty and charged a very reasonable price.
Ridgewood NJ, the regular public meeting of the Ridgewood Village council will feature Graydon Pool Fees,Ridgewood Water irrigation policies, sewer discharge fees, parking, the Stable rental and Recognition to 2016 Boys Cross Country!
VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
MARCH 8, 2017
8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamations
Declare March Red Cross Month
Declare March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
C. Declare March as DeMolay Month
8. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to 2016 Boys Cross Country North 1, Group 4 State Sectional Champions
9. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
10. Village Manager’s Report
11. Village Council Reports
12. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
3588 – Amend Chapter 269 – Water Irrigation Schedule and Water Emergencies – Limits watering of lawns for both governmental and non-governmental properties to two days per week, year-round. Irrigation by a hand-held hose or drip/micro irrigation system is allowed any day. Defines the exceptions to this ordinance as well as the hours when watering of lawns is permitted, and enforcement policies and procedures.
13. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
14. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-68 THROUGH 17-70 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
17-68 Title 59 Approval – Water Billing and Data Collection/Processing Services –Approves the specifications for Water Billing and Data Collection/Processing Services prepared by Ridgewood Water, pursuant to Title 59
17-69 Award Contract – Water Billing and Data Collection/Processing Services (NTE $237,395) – Awards the second year of a two-year contract to the sole responsible bidder, Computil, Inc., 30 Controls Drive, Shelton, CT
17-70 Authorize Agreement for GIS Data Exchange from Ridgewood Water to Bergen County for Use by Public Safety – Authorizes a GIS Data Sharing Agreement between the Village and Bergen County for the GIS Data Exchange from Ridgewood Water to Bergen County. This GIS data will be used by Bergen County and other Municipal public safety agencies in order to deliver emergency services.
15. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3589 – Establish Rules and Regulations for Rental of Rooms in The Stable – Establishes rules and regulations for rental of rooms at The Stable, including an application form, Hold Harmless Agreement, and Certificate of Insurance. Also establishes Class Usages, based on the group’s affiliation with the Village; whether or not they are charitable and/or civic in nature; and the size of the groups.
3590 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Establish Rental Fees – The Stable – Establishes various fees for the use of rooms in The Stable, depending on the group’s affiliation with the Village; whether or not they are charitable and/or civic in nature; the size of the groups; and the hours the rooms are rented
3591 – Repeal Chapter 29, Historic Preservation Commission, Amend Chapter 190, Land Use and Development, and Repeal Chapter 251, Swimming Pools – This ordinance deletes duplicative or obsolete provisions in the Village Code; clarifies the meaning and application of existing regulations; reconciles conflicting and/or inconsistent provisions in the Village Code; addresses various omissions in the Village Code; and provides for more reasonable and more rational development standards
16. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3581 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Prohibit Parking – Sections of Sherman Place 3582 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Angle Parking
3583 – Amend Chapter 238 – Sewers and Sewage Disposal – Addition of Masticated Food Waste
3584 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage Disposal – Liquid Waste Acceptance Program Fees 3585 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Bus Stops
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-71 THROUGH 17-82 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
17-71 Endorse Submission of Recycling Tonnage Grant – Annual resolution which endorses the submission of the Municipal Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and designates John R. Spano, Recycling Coordinator, to ensure that the application is properly filed
17-72 Approve Budget Reserve Transfers – Annual resolution which transfers money in the 2016 budget from departments which have excess funds to those departments which do not have adequate funds
17-73 Award Contract Under State Contract – Purchase of Parts and Related Services – Fleet Services – Awards a contract under State contract for various parts and related services used by the Village’s Fleet Services Division
17-74 Title 59 Approval – Horticultural Supplies – Approves the plans and specifications for Horticultural Supplies for the Years 2017 and 2018 prepared by the Parks and Recreation Department, pursuant to Title 59
17-75 Award Contract – Horticultural Supplies (NTE $45,000) – Awards a contract to the low bidder, SiteOne Landscape Supply, 100 Weyerhauser Road, Mahwah, NJ. The Parks Department budget will pay $35,500 and the Project Pride budget will pay $9,500.
17-76 Title 59 Approval – Coach Bus Transportation Services – Approves the plans and specifications for Supply of Coach Bus Transportation Services prepared by the Department of Parks and Recreation, pursuant to Title 59
17-77 Award Contract – Coach Bus Transportation Services – H.I.L.T. (NTE $9,000) –Awards a contract to the low bidder, Vanderhoof Transportation Co., Inc., 18 Wilfred Street, West Orange, NJ
17-78 Title 59 Approval – Concession Refreshment Services – Graydon Pool – Approves the plans and specifications for Concession Refreshment Services – 2017, 2018, The Water’s Edge Café, Graydon Pool
17-79 Award Contract – Concession Refreshment Services – Graydon Pool –Awards a contract to the sole proposal by Michael Sims, Mellsworth Foods, Inc., 102 East Main Street, Ramsey, NJ which will pay the Village $9,300 for the summer season
17-80 Authorize Payment for Settlement of Property Damage – PSE&G Pole ($6,643.95) – Authorizes the payment for settlement of property damage to be paid to PSE&G for damage sustained to their pole which was caused by a Village vehicle
17-81 Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Appraiser –Appoints Ernest Del Guercio, SCGREA, CDA and Darren Raymond, MAI, of Associated Appraisal Group, 266 Harristown Road, Glen Rock, NJ to provide professional appraisals of several properties
17-82 Appoint Member to Green Team Advisory Committee – Appoints Christopher Rutishauser as the staff member of the Village of Ridgewood for a term which expires on 12/31/17 and Emily Shovlin as a resident member for a term which expires on 12/31/19
18. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
By Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on March 01, 2017 at 7:56 AM
The Cape May County Sheriff’s Office has applied enter a partnership with federal immigration officials to be be authorized to enforce immigration laws, according to a report on PressofAtlanticCity.com.
The Monmouth and Salem county sheriff’s offices as well as the Hudson County Department of Corrections are already part of the 287(g) program, PressofAtlanticCity.com reported.
The partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement allows officers who work for agencies which are part of the program to arrest and detain people who are in the country illegally.
Sheriff’s officers in Cape May would first take a four-week ICE training course. Every two years, they’d attend a one-week refresher course.
The FBI’s investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn is spurring fresh debate about a controversial law on foreign surveillance that is set to expire at the end of the year.
Republicans have expressed outrage over reports that Flynn’s calls to a Russian ambassador were intercepted by law enforcement.
That’s music to the ears of civil liberties and privacy advocates, who have long argued that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and particularly Section 702, should be curtailed.
“It shows the need for restrictions on sharing and restrictions on use,” Nathan White, senior legislative manager at Access Now, told The Hill. “You don’t want to build the wall again, but it shows that information that is collected for a legitimate purpose can be used in ways that you may not agree with.”
A strong majority of Americans say the U.S. economy is running strong, and most believe the upward trend will continue under President Trump, according to a Harvard-Harris poll provided exclusively to The Hill.
The survey found that 61 percent view the economy as strong, against 39 percent who say it is weak.
A plurality, 42 percent, said they believe the economy is on the right track, versus 39 percent who said it is on the wrong track.
Trump and congressional Republicans have claimed credit for the turnaround, noting numerous polls in 2016 that showed that many Americans wanted change in the nation’s capital. Democrats counter that former President Obama handed a healthy economy to Trump and point out that the unemployment rate has dropped under 5 percent. At a press conference on Thursday, Trump said he inherited “a mess.”
Among Republicans surveyed in the Harvard-Harris poll, 60 percent are satisfied with the economic trajectory, versus 23 percent who are dissatisfied. Only 33 percent of Democrats said the economy is on the right track, while 48 percent said it is headed in the wrong direction.
At 65 percent, Trump voters are the likeliest to say the economy is headed in the right direction.
“It’s really a surprising turnaround given how negative voters have been about the economy since 2009,” said Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard-Harris poll. “But jobs remains the number one issue and a lot of the change in sentiment anticipates tax cuts and infrastructure programs.”
