Gov. Chris Christie’s administration, in what it says is an effort to control auto insurance costs, proposed Monday to overhaul New Jersey’s rules to limit medical expenses for people injured in car crashes.
Dozens of revisions to the state’s personal injury protection, or PIP, system would change fees paid to same-day surgery centers, reduce costs associated with alternative providers such as chiropractors and clamp down on attorney’s fees in arbitration cases. (Symons, Gannett)
Christie says technology investments a priority for Motor Vehicle Commission
Gov. Chris Christie said Monday he would consider restoring $5.5 million to the budget for technology upgrades after two computer crashes hampered operations at the Motor Vehicle Commission last month.
Christie blamed Democrats for cutting funds for technology upgrades in the current budget but said he’d be open to restoring the money if the Democratic-controlled Legislature sent a supplemental appropriations bill to his desk. (Dellis Santi, The Associated Press)
State Workers Unions joining forces to counter Christie
In an unusual show of collaboration, New Jersey’s public worker unions plan to join together to try to upend Gov. Chris Christie’s signature accomplishment this year: cuts to their pensions and health-care benefits.
Public workers, rather than Democrats, have been the Republican governor’s greatest foil. He gained national attention after calling on teachers to accept salary freezes and blaming the state’s financial woes on workers’ compensation packages, which he mocked in town-hall-style forums across the state. (Fleisher, The Wall Street Journal)
>Kasschau Memorial Shell’s season wrapping up Friday, July 29, 2011 Last updated: Friday July 29, 2011, 12:02 PM BY EILEEN LA FORGIA STAFF WRITER The Ridgewood News
Harmony Celebration Chorus “Sweet Adelines” will be the featured performers on Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Kasschau Memorial Shell in Ridgewood. Harmony Celebration Chorus has performed at the Shell many times throughout the past years.
Formed 45 years ago as the Ramapo Valley Chorus, there are 55 members in the group which was renamed four years ago. The all women’s chorus members range in age from 24 to 84.
Forty members are expected to sing at the Shell concert. The music will include “Danny Boy,” Broadway songs from “La Cage” “Best of Times,” the “King and I” and “I Have Dreamed.” The “Star Spangled Banner” is among the patriotic songs.
>Balanced Budget Amendment is the Key to Addressing our Fiscal Crisis
Just last week, House Republicans put forth an honest solution to address our nation’s debt crisis by passing the Cut, Cap and Balance Act with bipartisan support. This was a straightforward, common-sense approach that satisfied the president’s request to raise the debt ceiling while tackling our country’s addiction to debt by reining in Washington’s out of control spending.
The bill would immediately cut the deficit by $111 billion in 2012, institute enforceable caps on spending as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) over the next ten years, and require a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution to avoid ever having to face this problem again. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats tabled the bill, essentially killing the bipartisan effort of the House without so much as debating, much less voting, on the measure.
So here we are, just four days out from President Obama’s August 2nd deadline and we still have not seen action from Democrats in the Senate to address our debt crisis. Furthermore, in the case of President Obama, we haven’t even been told what his plan is to raise the debt ceiling. Understanding the urgency of forging a solution that can pass both chambers of Congress, House Republicans stepped up to the plate again today by putting forth yet another proposal to raise the debt ceiling—the Budget Control Act of 2011.
As Speaker Boehner will readily admit, the bill brought to the House floor today is far from perfect. It is not the ideal solution that I or many of my Republican colleagues would like to see come out of this process, but it does satisfy the president’s request to raise the debt ceiling while upholding our commitment to equal-or-greater spending cuts and enacting a balanced budget amendment. Since Senate Democrats and the Obama administration have drawn a hard line and opposed every good-faith effort by Republicans to reach a compromise, it is my sincere hope that they finally meet us halfway by getting on board with this sensible solution to resolving our country’s debt crisis.
President Obama continues to publicly oppose this bill, arguing that the two-step process in which the debt ceiling will be raised would force us to have to revisit this debate again six months from now. The President has also expressed opposition to a balanced budget amendment, naively claiming that “we don’t need a constitutional amendment to do our jobs.”
What remains a mystery to me, is why the president, who seems so intent on avoiding this issue in the future, opposes the very thing that will prevent us from ever facing this crisis again. A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, by its very design, is the only mechanism that will prevent us from having to address this issue again in the future. Should we not choose this path to budgetary reform, not only will we be saddled with another crisis down the road, but the severity of the situation at that point will be far worse and require even tougher sacrifices.
This is a moment of profound importance for the future of our country. We have an opportunity to reverse a 50-year trend towards out of control spending and unfunded entitlements that threaten to destroy our country from the inside out. Just this week, The Wall Street Journal published an editorial explaining the crushing burden our entitlement programs have on our federal budget process. According to The Wall Street Journal, “The looming debt downgrade only confirms what everyone knows: Congress has made so many promises to so many Americans that there is no conceivable way those promises can be kept. Tax rates might have to rise to 60%, 70%, even 80% to raise the revenues to finance these promises, but that would be economically ruinous.”
If we do nothing, if we sit back and let this cancer grow, we risk becoming the next Greece. Speaker Boehner’s Budget Control Act of 2011 is not perfect, but it does take that bold first step in the right direction. It sets the stage for this Congress to make real structural reforms to give our children and our grandchildren hope that they, too, will grow up in a land of opportunity with the freedom to pursue their own American dream.
Ridgewood NJ – A vehicle owned by the Village of Ridgewood, and being driven by a Village employee, was stopped on South Maple Avenue earlier this week in connection with a checkpoint established by Ridgewood PD and the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV). The vehicle was observed to be displaying a NJDMV inspection sticker that expired in April of 2010 (yes, 2010 – see for yourself). Inspectors from NJDMV conducted an emissions test using equipment in their Mobile Inspection Unit. The vehicle passed all emissions tests and no summons was issued to the driver because he possessed a valid license, vehicle registration, and insurance card
> MENENDEZ’S SILENCE DURING DEBT DEBATE IS DEAFENING AND REVEALING
(Ridgewood, NJ): On Wednesday, conservative Republican U.S. Senate candidate from New Jersey Ian Linker blasted Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) for his absence and silence during the debt limit negotiations. With only six days before the August 2 deadline, lawmakers from both parties have been outspoken in asserting their views regarding the framework for an agreement on the debt ceiling and how to address the current trillion dollar plus annual budget deficit.
“So Where is Bob Menendez during these negotiations? The future of our nation is at stake and Bob Menendez is focused on the News Corporation hacking scandal taking place in Great Britain. How to solve the debt crisis involves making tough decisions that will affect the people of New Jersey in a very direct way and Bob Menendez is missing in action. This is inexcusable conduct from a U.S. Senator,” Linker said.
Linker continued, “The federal government is incurring debt and spending money at an alarming rate. The government borrows $ .46 of every dollar it spends and this year’s budget is $1 trillion more than last year’s budget, which means the government has grown 25% since last year. This reckless pattern must end and it must end now. If the Democrats in the Senate are unwilling to make the tough choices, are unwilling to cut spending in a dramatic and serious manner, and are unwilling to balance the federal budget, then we will just have to wait until Republicans retake the Senate in 2012 to enact these vital reforms, and retake it we will.”
>The Debt Ceiling: Just the Facts Garrett discusses the ongoing debate to raise the debt ceiling on CNN.
Each year, Congress is tasked with the job of establishing a budgetary framework to dictate how the federal government will spend its money. When the decision is made to spend more than the amount we take in, we have to finance the excess spending by accruing debt that must later be paid off.
Over the course of history, borrowing by the federal government has been a common practice. Many presidential administrations have run deficits and many have added substantially to the national debt. Additionally, many Congresses have raised the debt ceiling before. In fact, since 1962, Congress has voted 74 separate times to raise the debt ceiling.
Given our country’s penchant for taking on more debt, one has to wonder why it is so difficult to do it again this time. Why all the sudden is Congress so opposed to extending the borrowing limit when they’ve done it so many times before? The answer becomes much clearer when we consider a few facts.
In 1980, the national debt represented just over 40% of the nation’s entire economy. Today, this figure has grown to represent 100% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and our debt is projected to double the size of our economy by 2035. Since 1960, total government spending at all levels has risen from 27% to 37% of GDP and is set to reach 50% by 2038 under the current projections.
Our nation’s entitlement programs are becoming so large – and will consume such a significant portion of our finances – that it will be impossible for us to fund other areas of our government without borrowing substantially from the rest of the world at very high interest rates.
As you can see, while past administrations and Congresses have had the luxury of extending the borrowing limit with relatively little consequences to the overall economy, I think we can all agree that we’ve reached a moment of reckoning. If we do nothing, if we choose to put off the tough decision for another day, we are at risk of becoming the next Greece.
So the question remains: How do we move forward?
There are many competing proposals that are floating around that can become complicated and confusing for everyone following at home. The approach that I and many House and Senate Republicans have put forth would cut government spending by $111 billion next year and place enforceable caps on discretionary spending levels going forward. And to avoid this issue in the future, it would require Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution in exchange for raising the debt ceiling to the level requested by the president. This plan would seek to tackle the deficit through spending restraints, not tax increases.
The competing proposals are very different in nature, but ultimately have the same end goal in mind, which is to restore the prosperity of our great nation. I respect my colleagues across the aisle and understand their motivations for supporting the approach they’ve endorsed. These are certainly tough choices that will affect many Americans and will make unfortunate cuts to some popular programs.
As Vice Chairman of the House Budget Committee, I can assure you that these cuts are not being made as a function of protecting “special interests” or targeting helpless victims. Instead, these are being made in response to a 50-year trend of fiscal irresponsibility and excess spending that forced us to this point. This is exactly the kind of discipline and honesty we need right now in Washington to avoid even harsher predicaments in the future.
Drill baby Drill : Christie gas plan, drilling debated
The formal debate over Gov. Chris Christie’s push to rely more on natural gas as part of New Jersey’s future energy policy was launched Tuesday at a public hearing attended by hundreds of environmentalists, power company officials and members of the public.
Administration officials said New Jersey’s energy pricing stands to improve from the state’s proximity to abundant Marcellus Shale gas reserves in northern and western Pennsylvania. But the drilling process has raised safety and environmental concerns. (Jordan, Gannett)
Subsidizing Failure : Newark’s deeply troubled Barringer High awarded federal SIG grant
Newark’s Barringer High School, arguably the most troubled high school in New Jersey, is about to get some federal help.
The high school that became notorious last year for fights in the hallways and chaotic scheduling in the classrooms is one of three Newark schools slated to receive multimillion dollar School Improvement Grants from the Obama administration. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
>No the Village is not dead yet: we bowed to developers and people with new money thinking that we had to give way to excess in order to remain viable. Of course, just the opposite was true.
I have been here since the 60’s and think it is still a great town. Yes, its changed a lot, but its not dead yet. And it needn’t die if folks step up and speak up.
The real problems started in the 90’s into the 2000’s. There is an attitude of those moving to town who thought “I can afford a house here, the town owes me.” Or, “I bought this property, I can do what I want with it.” A densely populated area can’t exist with that mind set.
Village management — the council, the village manager, the department heads — all scraped and bowed to developers and people with new money thinking that we had to give way to excess in order to remain viable as a town. Of course, just the opposite was true.
So, for too many years we tolerated someone who behaved like a drunken fool in the manager’s office. And when he couldn’t manage, key service departments, like the building department, grew out of control, In that department, for instance, we ended up with an uncomprehending management that unevenly applies the building and zoning laws of the Village through an apparent ignorance — if not outright hostility == of what the laws mean. And the years dominated by our two recent mayors were very much mis-spent. Taxes rose, services declined and civility and charm left. Its interesting to note that one recent mayor hightailed it out of here as soon as he retired. Apparently, he wasn’t going to go down with the ship he had mis-directed.
All the while, the attitude grew that it was ok to take from the Village and there was no corresponding need to give. The core value of what it meant to be a simple Village where you can relax in your backyards and your children can go to the best schools gave way to a grandiosity. We need the best hospital; we need turf fields; we need a hotel in the middle of town; we need a parking/commercial space/apartment complex; we need bigger houses; etc. Some of those things we truly did and do need, and some we don’t. But there never seemed to be a genuine effort to compromise. For instance, while I may never again set foot on one of the natural or turf fields or the new Habernickel park, I happen to think open space and athletic fields and even lights for night time use constitute a good use of my tax dollars. Yet, I think it is moronic for anyone to suggest that eigth graders must practice until ten on school nights. I like Valley hospital, but think it is moronic to in effect surrender an entire portion of our town to let the Hospital grow so that it is commercially viable to the point where it seeks to attract customers from all over the tri-state area.
What to do? First, a return to civility. (And, as I look back, perhaps my post passes the border of what’s civil.) Second, a return to core values. Re-set Village standards and then set a clear course. Personally, I think we should remain a really great place to relax in your back yard and send your children to the best schools. Others, may see it differently and believe that we need to become of the urban tide. I think the greater challenge — but the far greater reward — lies with remaining a Village.
Some of the new council members might bring us there. Valley is first testing ground. If the planning board’s change in our municipal laws, and the master plan that has quided us for many years, is approved by the council, then I do think its time to sell my westside home before it is further devalued. A second test is the hundred apartments proposed for down town. I cringed when I heard one council member comment that a hundred apartment dwellers would flock to the village, and increase the tax base without draining Village services. I think that member has had time to rationally reflect since then. But imagine the effect of a hundred new apartments, attracting a 100 new couples and 200 hundred new cars competing for parking and street space in the middle of town.
I suppose we will see soon enough which direction we take.
>Real Estate : Obama Considers Renting Out Foreclosed Homes the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ – According to the Wall Street Journal the Obama Administration is seriously considering allowing foreclosed homes to be rented out to help stabilize the housing market.
The Wall Street Journal reports:“The Obama administration is examining ways to pull foreclosed properties off the market and rent them to help stabilize the housing market, according to people familiar with the matter.
While the plans may not advance beyond the concept phase, they are under serious consideration by senior administration officials because rents are rising even as home prices in many hard-hit markets continue to fall due to high foreclosure levels.
Trimming the glut of unsold foreclosed homes on the market is “worth looking at,” said Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in testimony to Congress last week.”
Socialized housing , government as landlord?? Private contractors meaning corporations who make favorable political donations getting control over housing with no clear title to that property?
It sounds like just another bailout for administration cronies with the end result being the government taking more control over a failing economy .
Join Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital’s Wisdom Panel Photo Contest! Upload a photo of your mixed breed dog to The Ridgewood Vet Facebook wall (www.facebook.com/ridgewoodvet). The top 3 dogs with the most “likes” by August 15th will win a free Wisdom Panel Professional, Mixed Breed Genetic Analysis and a gift vertificate to the hospital! Please download the attached flyer for official rules. Good Luck!
