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It’s the taxes, silly: How high taxes in New Jersey hurt the middle-class and small businesses the most

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file photo by Boyd Loving
What is the Most Pressing Issue for the Village of Ridgewood

August 21, 2017 at 8:01 AM

We still have five months to go in 2017 and New Jersey has already topped several lists this year we all wish it hadn’t. With long-term liabilities mushrooming to 360 percent of total assets, New Jersey was ranked the state with the worst fiscal health in the country for the third consecutive year by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

For the fifth consecutive year, New Jersey saw more residents leave than any other state, with 63 percent more departures than arrivals.

According to recent McKinsey study, New Jersey has been among the worst states for economic growth, with GDP increasing an average of just 0.3 percent between 2005 and 2015 – nearly five times lower than national GDP growth over the same period.

There’s not one single explanation for all of these trends, but there is oneparticular list New Jersey sits atop that comes pretty close to providing an answer: our state has the worst business tax climate in the nation, according to the independent nonprofit Tax Foundation, an unfortunate distinction the state has had for the last three years.

High taxes make New Jersey less attractive to businesses and residents. Skeptics often claim this is an exaggeration and that few actually move just because of taxes. But even if we put aside departures like the high profile move made by fund manager David Tepper to Florida a few years ago, those opposed to lowering tax rates have to reckon with the fact that most people are leaving for new job opportunities. Why aren’t these opportunities in our state? Perhaps it has something to do with the uninviting business environment created by unnecessarily high taxes.

The common refrain from opponents of tax cuts, especially cuts for businesses, is that they only benefit big corporations and the wealthy. But in many cases high taxes hurt the middle-class and small businesses more than the rich and powerful. Here are a few examples:

https://www.njbiz.com/article/20170821/INDINSIGHTS/170829999/its-the-taxes-silly-how-high-taxes-in-new-jersey-hurt-the-middleclass-and-small-businesses-the-most

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US District Court to Hear Bail Case of NFL Fan in Test for New Jersey’s current bail reform laws

former U

photo former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement

August 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Camden NJ, in a test for New Jersey’s current bail reform laws a US district court will hear oral arguments in the on Tuesday, August 22 at 3:00 PM in the case of Holland v. Rosen.  The case concerns a Dallas Cowboys football fan involved in a bar fight, who claims he was denied his constitutional right to bail by a New Jersey judge.

Filed by former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement on behalf of Brittan Holland and Lexington National Insurance Corporation, which represents others in Holland’s situation, the suit maintains that New Jersey’s current bail reform laws are illegal.  Clement, widely regarded as one of the greatest constitutional litigators in recent history, contends that bail is guaranteed in the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.

The case brings a different perspective to New Jersey’s controversial bail reform laws which took effect on January 1.  The outcome of the case may have an impact on bail laws throughout the country.

The class action suit of Holland v. Rosen will be heard in oral arguments in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey before Judge Jerome B. Simandle.

Dallas Cowboys football fan Brittan Holland was arrested and charged following an argument and fight with a Philadelphia Eagles fan in Winslow Township on April 6.  He was subsequently ordered to be released wearing a GPS ankle monitor pending his trial.

His release imposed upon him by these specific conditions, Holland claims he was denied the option of bail, to which he should have been guaranteed in the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.  Because he was forced to wear the bulky ankle bracelet — “a modern-day scarlet letter,” the suit reads — his “liberty is sharply curtailed…he cannot shop for food or basic necessities and cannot take his son to baseball practice.”

The suit contends that this action reflected the unlawfulness of New Jersey’s bail reform laws, which took effect on January 1.  Intended to make things fairer for defendants who lack the financial resources to be bailed out, the new system calls for judges to utilize a risk assessment tool to determine whether to hold defendants in jail or release them on a simple promise to appear.

Former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement filed the suit on behalf of the fan and Lexington National Insurance Corporation, which represents others in Holland’s situation.  Clement is expected to be present for the hearing.

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Van Emburgh Avenue Apartment complex would have negative impact on local community

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Our quiet, serene, beautiful and peaceful neighborhood on Van Emburgh Avenue stretching from Washington Township into Ridgewood and made up of 100 percent single family homes is about to be shattered by a court-ordered imposition of a 44-unit apartment complex. This mandate is to satisfy some nebulous rules about complying with Affordable Housing politically-correct social engineering forced on our town by the state.

I spoke against this mandate at a recent Township of Washington Planning Board for the following reasons: Many of the Township and Village residents moved here specifically to get away from densely-packed areas which have multi-family complexes.

The construction mud and noise pollution will disrupt our peaceful lives and enshroud us in a cloud of dust and dirt probably for something like two years. The now-empty land parcel they are plopping this monstrosity in is practically across the street from Immaculate Heart Academy High School. This will mean that the dozens and dozens of parents who drop their daughters off at school each morning will now be competing in traffic with arriving construction workers — excavators, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers, painters, sheetrockers and landscapers, etc.

Since most people nowadays have two cars, and are two-worker households, that will mean that 88 more cars belonging to potential residents will join the traffic during the early mornings; and that number of cars doesn’t even include arriving faculty.

The loud sounds of earth movers, bulldozers, backhoes, bucket loaders, cement trucks and dump trucks as well as huge rigs delivering lumber, massive sanitary and storm pipes, roofing supplies, siding and landscaping materials will disrupt our peaceful existence.

Even if 12 of the residents of the 44-unit apartment complex have children, that means 100 brand new instant neighbors on our street.

The trouble with politically-correct mandated solutions to social concerns is that they don’t take into consideration the impact on the existing local governments. The prime example being the local school system population, police, fire, street sweeping and snow removal.

I want to urge the Township of Washington and The Village of Ridgewood to join Park Ridge and Hillsdale to put the question of “Affordable Housing” rules on the November ballot and put pressure on our state Legislature to straighten out the rules and regulations of these mandated nightmares.

Edward Galorenzo

Washington Township

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Art Of Motion in Ridgewood Open House

Art of Motion, Ridgewood
Thu, August 24, 2017
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Art of Motion, 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Ridgewood NJ, Art of Motion is currently taking registration for the 2017 Fall Semester! They are proud to announce several new classes including Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pilates/Yoga/Cardio Barre, Acro, Voice and Musical Theater!

Please visit their website for more information about registration and their new classes! ArtofMotion.org Contact their office at 201-652-5800.

Art of Motion looks forward to seeing you in the fall!

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Reader suggests Protest Groups Should Pay Ridgewood Police Overtime

ridgewood police chief

Good question , who is going to pay the safety bill. because how this looks we are going to have a lot of these event’s . we need to come up with a plan , or call in the county police.

Did they fill out the proper paperwork for permit. And to the village manager this is more overtime for police department now. Are we going to have these demonstrations now every week. No went to the overtime want to $600,000 last year, when is this going to stop.

Our Police Chief attends many of the gatherings in Ridgewood. it is a sign of respect for the purpose of the gathering as well as a means to assure that there is no interruption from individuals with violently opposing views. The Police are definitely not there to frighten individuals but to protect them. We certainly don’t need an incident of car into crowd here in Ridgewood.

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RIDGEWOOD YMCA INTRODUCES NEW INSTRUCTIONAL SWIM PROGRAM LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 5

swimming

August 20, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Nationally, the Y is “America’s Swim Instructor” and the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming. The Y introduced the country to the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago, (1909), and each year, the Ridgewood YMCA teaches more than 500 children invaluable water safety and swimming skills.

We have recently updated our swim program to help students at all ability levels progress at their own pace. Created by the YMCA of the USA, the new swim lesson curriculum has been extensively tested at YMCA’s across the nation. Class sizes are limited in number to ensure safety and optimal instruction.

The new swim program is divided into 3 age appropriate class categories The first category is Swim Starters for infants and toddlers age 6 months to 3 years. Accompanied by parents, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills.

The second category is Swim Basics for youth ages 3 up to 14 years. Students learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by learning various swim skills.

The last category is Swim Strokes for school age children, teens and adults who have mastered the fundamentals. Students will learn additional water safety skills and build upon their stroke technique.

Parents are invited to attend our information sessions to learn more about the new swim program and staff will be on hand to help guide your decision for class enrollments. Join us on Wednesday, August 23 or Wednesday, August 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Room#2. Light refreshments will be available.

Information, program overview tools and FAQs can be found on our website www.ridgewoodymca.org.

Registration for the new swim classes begins Monday, August 21 at 8:30 a.m. You can register online at www.ridgewoodymca.org or call 201.444.5600 x500. Classes begin September 5.

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AN EVENING WITH DARRYL STRAWBERRY

DARRYL STRAWBERRY

Sept 20, 2017 @7:00PM [doors open 6:30] | MMC

August 20,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wyckoff NJ,  the Cornerstone Church presents “An Evening with Darryl Strawberry” on Wednesday, September 20.

Darryl is a former MLB star who spent 17 seasons playing professional baseball for the N.Y. Mets, L.A. Dodgers and N.Y. Yankees. Widely known as one of the most feared sluggers in the sport, Darryl’s personal life was often plagued with addictions, abuse, divorce, cancer and even jail time.

Both men and women are invited to this special evening as Darryl shares personal stories from his long MLB career and how he found true redemption and restoration from his troubles and addictions. This is a wonderful outreach opportunity, so start inviting your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to join you.

The cost is $15 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance prior to Sunday, September 17. Doors open at 6:30pm and the event will begin at 7:00pm. Since space is limited, this is an advance ticket purchase only event. No tickets will be sold at the door, so sign up early to secure your ticket(s). Please note that Darryl will be on hand to share his story-no autographs will be signed.

the Cornerstone Christian Church
495 Wyckoff Avenue
Wyckoff, New Jersey  07481 201.891.1651
[email protected]

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UPDATE : Water Main Replacement Project at Stream Crossings in the Village of Ridgewood

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August 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water’s contractor, Fred Devens Construction, has begun site clearing and necessary road work in preparation for the water main replacements at each of the below stream crossings.  Unfortunately, tree/shrub removal is required at each of these locations to access specified work areas. We remain sensitive to the environment and landscaping will be restored. As construction work is scheduled to continue into the winter months, final restoration of trees/shrubs is planned for the Spring of 2018.

Linwood Ave. at the Saddle River
North Irving St. at the HoHoKus Brook
East Ridgewood Ave. at the HoHokus Brook
Spring Ave. at the Hohokus Brook

Fred Devens Construction will continue to coordinate with the Ridgewood Police Department for all traffic control measures as needed. We anticipate that there will be ongoing road closures and detours at these locations depending on the schedule of construction activities. The next phase of construction will be focused on the E. Ridgewood Ave. stream crossing, followed by the N. Irving stream crossing. For project updates, please check back on our website or like us on Facebook @RidgewoodWater.

.

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Exclusive: Murphy Plans to Raise $1.3 Billion in Taxes

Phill Murphy -Sara Medina del Castillo

Tax hikes for millionaires, hedge fund managers, large corporations and pot smokers anchor Democrat’s plan.

Phil Murphy’s proposed tax increases would raise roughly $1.3 billion a year, his spokesman told Observer on Thursday, releasing for the first time a cost estimate of the Democratic gubernatorial nominee’s plans to pay for a multitude of campaign promises.

A separate $80 million to $100 million would be generated through savings from reining in out-of-network health care costs for public workers covered by state plans, the spokesman said, for a total annual gain of $1.4 billion in revenue.

https://observer.com/2017/08/exclusive-murphy-plans-to-raise-1-3-billion-in-taxes/?utm_campaign=new-jersey-politics&utm_content=2017-18-08-10376743&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=channel-new-jersey-politics-distribution

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Pro-Cop Killer Joanne Chesimard Group Pays a Visit to Ridgewood

People’s Organization For Progress

photo by Boyd Loving

August 18,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at the “Anti Hatred/Anti Violence” candlelight vigil the Ridgewood Police reported “No” incidents during the peaceful assembly of several hundred local residents. Again not really sure one would have reasonably expected any.

In addition to Chief Luthcke, Ridgewood Tax payers paid at least five (5) other Ridgewood Police members were observed in active service during the event.

Interesting to note one the participants “Anti Hatred/Anti Violence” candlelight vigil was the People’s Organization for Progress or POP for short. A group looking to have cop killer Joanne Chesimard removed from the Most Wanted Terrorists List. Know we know why the police presence .

The People’s Organization for Progress (POP) is an independent, grassroots, community based, politically progressive (communist) association of citizens working for racial, social and economic justice and greater unity in the community.

The main purpose of POP is to work for the immediate improvement of conditions in our community and the fundamental transformation off this country towards a more just society…..hummm through Communism , didnt learn anything from North Korea or Venezuela I guess.

from their website :

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) is calling a MARCH FOR REPARATIONS: A march to demand Reparations for African Americans from the United States government for the enslavement of our African ancestors. The march is scheduled to take place a year from now on Saturday, June 24, 2017, 12 noon in Newark, New Jersey.

On July 6th, the People’s Organization for Progress participated in a press conference and rally in support of beleaguered Essex County College professor Lisa Durden, who was recently suspended and then terminated  for a recent appearance on Fox Five in a debate segment on The Black Lives Matter Movement.

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) calls upon the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to remove Assata Shakur (Joanne Chesimard) from its Most Wanted Terrorists List.  She does not belong on the list because Ms. Shakur was never charged nor convicted of an act of domestic or international terrorism.

Is the mayor or the police supporting this ? Are residents supporting this ?

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Amneal Pharmaceuticals Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Lorazepam Oral Concentrate an anxiety disorder drug

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August 14, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Amneal Pharmaceuticals
[email protected]
631-952-0214 x338

Bridgewater NJ, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC is voluntarily recalling 13 lots of Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL, to the Consumer level due to a defect in the dropper markings. The Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL, product is packaged with a dosing dropper, supplied to Amneal by a third party. In a few instances, the dropper is printed with the dose markings in reverse number order, has no dose markings or has dose markings that are shifted. Amneal learned about the issue from a Consumer’s report. To date no adverse events related to these dropper defects have been reported to Amneal. The below picture shows examples of a dropper with the correct print, along with examples of droppers with the defects.

Risk Statement: There is a significant likelihood that the dropper marking errors will result in dispensing either less than, or more than, the prescribed dose. There is a significant probability of a serious health consequence if more than the prescribed dose is dispensed and potential serious adverse events include – drowsiness causing trauma; increased anxiety; increased accidental injury to self or others (e.g., hip fracture, motor vehicle accident); which in the most serious circumstances could result in permanent decreased function or death.

The product is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. It is packaged in an individual carton, identified with the code: NDC 65162-687-84, which contains a 30mL amber glass bottle of liquid produced by Amneal, a package insert with patient information, and a plastic dropper sealed in a clear plastic bag. The affected Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL, lots are the following:

Lot NumberExpiration Date
06876016A08/2018
06876017A08/2018
06876018A08/2018
06876019A09/2018
06876020A09/2018
06876021A09/2018
06876022A09/2018
06876023A11/2018
06876024A12/2018
06876025A12/2018
06877001A02/2019
06877002A02/2019
06877003A03/2019

The product can be identified by the lot number printed on the bottom-right side of the blue and white label, with the Amneal logo, on the amber bottle supplied with the dropper, in a blue and white carton, with the Amneal logo. The Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL was distributed nationwide to wholesalers.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals has notified its wholesale customers by a Recall Letter to return all recalled lots. Amneal is notifying pharmacies by providing a Recall Letter and a supply of replacement droppers to all pharmacies that may have received any of the recalled lots. There is no safety issue with the bottled product itself. To avoid any interruption in supply or access to the medication by the patient, pharmacies are instructed to immediately discard the dropper included with the recalled lots and replace it with the dropper included with the Recall Letter. Amneal also is providing the pharmacist with a sticker which the pharmacist is required to place on the box to alert the patient and other pharmacists that the dropper has been replaced. Pharmacists are instructed to notify all Consumers impacted by the recall of the potential defect and the need to exchange a defective dropper. Consumers are instructed to discontinue use of any defective dropper and return it to the place of purchase for a replacement. If Consumers are unsure whether their droppers are defective they are encouraged to confirm with their dispensing pharmacy.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 631.952.0214 x338 or [email protected] on Monday through Friday from 9AM through 5PM Eastern Time. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, or by fax.

Complete and submit report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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NJ Transparency Law Poised for 21st Century Makeover

Jeff Voigt Ridgewood Council

file photo by Boyd Loving Councilmen Jeff Voigt has his OPRA troubles

By Donald Scarinci • 08/15/17 2:22pm

On the heels of several important decisions in the New Jersey courts, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has advanced long awaited legislation to amend state’s Open Public Records Act. The bill (S1046) aims to improve and modernize the statute, while also boosting transparency.

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) has been calling for reform for several years, but has seen prior attempts stall in committee. “There is no issue that overrides the public’s right to know what we in the Legislature and what our municipalities are doing on their behalf,” Weinberg said prior to the budget committee vote.

The OPRA statute has undergone few significant changes since it was enacted in 2002. Since then, the nature of government records has changed, largely due to the proliferation of the Internet, email and cell phones. One provision of S1046 would extend public record obligations to quasi-governmental organizations engaged in service to the public, such as the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey School Boards Association. Another would allow residents to send records requests via email.

https://observer.com/2017/08/nj-transparency-law-poised-for-21st-century-makeover/

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President Trump signs the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 Improving Veterans Healthcare

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“In just a short time, we’ve already achieved transformative change at the VA—and believe me, we’re just getting started.”—President Donald J. Trump

August 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, GIVING VETERANS A CHOICE: President Donald J. Trump is giving veterans a choice in the healthcare they receive so they can receive the right care, at the right time, from the right provider.

President Trump signed the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 to authorize $2.1 billion in additional funds for the Veterans Choice Program (VCP).

Veterans become eligible for care under the VCP if they live more than 40 miles from the closest eligible VA medical facility, wait times are over 30 days from the clinically indicated date, or they meet other special criteria.
The VCP has improved veterans’ access to care, and since its inception has resulted in more than 21.6 million appointments, serving over 1.8 million unique veterans.
This new funding will ensure VCP-eligible veterans continue to receive care in their communities from providers they trust.
While initially created as a temporary program in 2014, VCP has proven to be a valuable addition to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system.

The Act empowers the VA to hire the very best people at competitive rates for senior positions so our veterans receive the best care possible.

The Act expands the VA’s direct-hiring authority, which will increase the speed at which the VA can onboard qualified people for VA jobs.

The Act authorizes 28 major medical facility leases, including some that have been on hold for over three years.

PUTTING VETERAN CARE FIRST: President Trump is making veteran healthcare a priority of his Administration and has moved quickly to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system.

The Administration has implemented a new White House VA hotline, staffed principally by veterans, to help veterans.
Under President Trump, the VA fired 677 employees, suspended 238, and demoted 32, as part of the President’s effort to restore integrity and accountability to a department charged with supporting our Nation’s heroes.

The VA is the first agency to post information on employee disciplinary action online.

President Trump signed the Veterans Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, improving senior VA officials’ ability to fire failing employees while establishing important safeguards to protect whistleblowers.
The VA is beginning the process of adopting the same electronic health records as the Department of Defense.
The VA has acted to increase transparency and accountability by launching an online “Access and Quality Tool” to provide veterans a way to access wait time and quality of care data.
Wait times are now posted online for each of the 168 medical centers managed by the VA.
The VA plans to dispose of 430 vacant buildings in the next 24 months, and is reviewing another 784 underutilized buildings.

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Reader says things in New Jersey will Only get Worse

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Public sector worker greed has destroyed the state of NJ…. worst state finances, worst state economy, net migration out, highest state & local property taxes in the U.S.A. Until we vote out the Democrats in Trenton and the public safety, teacher and NJ Transit lackeys in our municipalities, it will get worse.

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Reader says the Feds want to get in the pot business for tax reasons

POT-SMOKING-KID

The Empty Suit (BOOKER)must have spent too much time in the “Choom Wagon”. To have the Feds get in the pot business for tax reasons as the country further stupifys itself is insane. The latest buzz is about an opioid crisis and the government wants to sue the drug manufacturers. If they could collect taxes on heroin, would they whistle a different tune?

Recently President Donald J. Trump Directed the Administration to Use All Appropriate Authority to Respond to Opioid Emergency. Building upon the recommendations in the interim report from the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, President Donald J. Trump has instructed his Administration to use all appropriate emergency and other authorities to respond to the crisis caused by the opioid epidemic.