News Round-up and Open Thread for Tuesday, July 11

by: Sharon GR

Tue Jul 11, 2006 at 09:02:05 AM EDT

• Gov. Corzine yesterday confirmed that 45,000 state workers will be paid for time off during the state shutdown. The unions are happy about this, but critics such as State Senator Stephen Sweeny complained that it's just "more days off for state workers this year" while private sector workers who were affected will not recieve compensation.
• Meanwhile, lines at Motor Vehicle offices are exceedingly long as state residents make up for lost business time; some offices may be opening early. The courts are trying to reschedule missed hearings into an already-backlogged system.
• Merchants in Our Fair State are readying for the sales tax increase, which goes into effect Saturday. Get your big ticket items by Friday!
• Newark Mayor Corey Booker laid out his plan for the first 100 days of his administration, including plans to increase police patrols and a new office of child and family service.
• New Jersey is sending 250 National Guard members to the Mexican border later this month. The original plan was for 650, but New Mexico has recieved many more soldiers than expected.
• The Gypsy Moths are back, estimated to infest over 125,000 acres in South and Central Jersey this year. Great.
• While the Bush Administration refuses to do the same, the Meadowlands Commission has decided to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol in their district. The commission has plans for land use, renewable energy (go solar!), landfill-gas use, land preservation and transportation in order to comply with the treaty. Yay for the Meadowlands!!

Open Thread: What's on your mind, BlueJersey?