Under The Dome

by: Bill Orr

Sat Dec 18, 2010 at 11:15:00 AM EST

TICKLER FILE
Anti-Bullying - Governor Christie still has not signed this bill which was passed November 22. The bill automatically becomes law if he does not sign it in within about 45 days, but he also has the option of vetoing or conditionally vetoing it. Will our bully veto an anti-bullying bill? Seems unlikely, but he's taking his time.

Federal ARC funds - Will Christie remit $271 million to the Feds by December 24? Federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood offered to return $128 million of the $271 million the feds are charging the state, and deposit that money into a fund to be used for future New Jersey transportation projects.

"Keep the N in NJN" - There has been a compromise which cedes authority to the State Treasurer to negotiate a sale with the legislature retaining the right to approve any deal. As a result Christie granted NJN a reprieve with additional funding to operate through next June. The only thing clear about NJN's future is that Christie wants its staff off the State payroll. With so much uncertainty some have been obliging him by seeking employment elsewhere. Let's get a good deal done and soon!

"I got the horse right here. Can do, can do." - With enthusiasts supporting the continuation of Meadowlands horse racing and legislators seeking to make it happen, Governor Christie announced on Friday the state will fund the operations and purses of the Meadowlands for the first three months of next year while the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey negotiates a lease to turn control of the track to an investor. "This guy says the horse can do."

MONDAY SENATE FLOOR VOTES BELOW

Bill Orr :: Under The Dome

MONDAY SENATE FLOOR VOTES
A3273 Sponsored by Senator Weinberg, this bill requires filing of application for expansion of Medicaid coverage for family planning services - something which the governor should automatically do, but which anti-abortion forces oppose. It has already been passed on the Assembly floor.

S1 Sponsored by Senator Lesniak and having undergone revisions, this controversial bill reforms procedures concerning affordable housing and abolishes the Council on Affordable Housing. It has been reported out of an Assembly committe but not yet reached the floor.

S11 Sponsored by Senators Sweeney and Whelan, this bill directs establishment of Atlantic City Tourism District; broadens powers and duties of CRDA; transfers Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority and its functions to CRDA. It has been reported out of an Assembly committee, but not yet reached the floor.

Tags: Atlantic City Tourism Department, crda, COAH, Family Planning Medicaid, Senator Whelan, Senator Sweeney, Senator Lesniak, Senator Weinberg, Meadowlands Racing, NJN, Secretary Ray LaHood, ARC, Anti-Bullying Bill, Chris Christie, (All Tags)

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Under The Dome | 1 comments

Keep the NJ in NJN (0.00 / 0)

Unfortunately, there is no commitment from the Christie administration to continue funding through June. Indeed, our members were told yesterday that they would not be laidoff on January 1st. But they were also told that there layoff notices are still in effect and apparently can be laidoff at any time.

The lack of a commitment to fund NJN for six months is devastating. The uncertainity may force many members into an earlier retirement than they anticipated in order to protect their health benefits and younger members may find jobs elsewhere, robbing NJN of the Human capital needed to operate a broadcast facility

Equally devastating is the impact on fundraising. Who wants to underwrite, fund or contribute to an organization that appears to be threatened daily?

Dudley Burdge
CWA local 1032 representing NJN employees

by: cwadudley @ Sat Dec 18, 2010 at 18:23:07 PM UTC