Giants, Jets, Devils, and Nets games. Going to the races. Springsteen, Bon Jovi, the Circus. We all have memories of fun times spent with family and friends at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and other sites developed by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
Last week, I talked about Chris Christie and the unemployment tax rate hike that he is saddling all NJ employers with by making ridiculous promises during the campaign and pointing fingers now that he already can't deliver. And being that employment taxes are the area where I specialize in professionally, it was something that I knew about and followed throughout the campaign.
What I found humorous about his already broken promise is how he blamed the Federal Government for this tax hike if loans to NJ were not forgiven. Now, this is not isolated to NJ, as 40 states' unemployment reserve funds are either in or approaching bankruptcy. But the irony here is that Christie was very outspoken about not having the Federal Government interfere when it was convenient to do so during the campaign, and now he wants the Federal Government to bail him out of his broken promises.
The reality is that, immature holding of his breath and irresponsible finger pointing aside, there are things that other states are doing, which NJ can also do, that would be constructive and productive - that is if Christie is interested in doing things other than pass blame and throw up his hands.
--Continue fully funding the Extended Unemployment Insurance Benefits. This program provides an additional 20 weeks of benefits to the existing 26 weeks of benefits that workers who lost their jobs already receive. Pursuant to provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the extended benefits are funded completely by the federal government until December 31, 2010.
---snip---
--Extend the federal waiver of interest payments and interest accrual on loans received by state unemployment trust funds through the end of 2012. Currently, the waiver expires at the end of 2010.
---snip---
--Forgive the $1.2 billion loan to New Jersey's UI Fund, especially given that New Jersey employees, who are hurting, contribute to the UI Fund and the State contributed significant funds over the past two years.
Here is some context: Michigan (for the 2nd time since the early 90s) failed to repay the federal government for its loan for the UI fund, and all MI employers have to pay an additional $21 per employee in Federal Unemployment Tax as a result (I talked about how Christie's lack of understanding of the way unemployment taxes impact businesses would cost NJ employers the same $21 per employee, although at the time, I used $42 per employee, which was applicable to the most recent state to default on its' federal loan - New York a few years ago). A number of states have increased rates, wage limits that the unemployment tax is paid on or issued surcharges to replenish their funds. Florida employers are asking the legislature to reduce the increased assessment and I have other clients that are trying to do similar legislative routes in other states.
And here is where I agree and disagree with Buono:
Continuing to fully fund UI benefits is one approach I agree with, as well as waiver of interest and penalties - although I would caveat that to a degree. But in order to really help NJ employers, I would go a step further and have the state not "charge" employers with the unemployment benefits paid out to claimants if those benefits are funded by the federal government. This last matter is a NJ matter that will directly help NJ employers without making what I think is an unrealistic plea (or in Christie's case, demand) for a loan forgiveness when almost every other state is in the same boat.
The unemployment tax rates are impacted by 2 things within the employer's control and one that isn't: benefits paid out and taxes paid in are pretty much within the employer's control (to a degree). The amount of benefits paid out statewide and the level of the state fund is not. Right now, I think employers are charged for additional weeks of benefits as directed by the federal government, and possibly also by the additional eligible claimants from the stimulus bill. Removing those from the "employer calculation" would help individual employers as well - especially since the state isn't paying for such benefits.
Desperate times call for creative solutions, and Buono's proposal gets most of the way there. On the other hand, finger pointing, hypocrisy and a lack of leadership is precisely what is not needed.
Looks like it is going to be a long four years....
Most of the attention has been on the battle for power between Steve Sweeney and Dick Codey, but with a new Senate President comes many new committee chairs and PolitickerNJ had some information yesterday:
State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden) will become the new chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, a position that will take on increased clout for a Democratic-controlled Senate confirming appointments made by a Republican governor. Scutari was no pushover for Gov. Jon Corzine's appointees - he takes his advise and consent responsibilities seriously, and does not view Judiciary as a rubber stamp. That's something Gov.-elect Christopher Christie's front office will need to take into consideration And Scutari is intellectually superior to the current chairman, State Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge).
Sarlo is expected to become Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee when State Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Metuchen) becomes Majority Leader.
And in the Senate, it looks like Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark), a protégé of Newark political leader Stephen Adubato, might replace Shirley Turner (D-Lawrence) as chairman of the Education Committee. A fair assumption is that Ruiz will share Adubato's fervent support for charter schools.
Turner could wind up a casualty of the contest for Senate President; she backed incumbent Richard Codey (D-Roseland), while Ruiz supported the likely winner, Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford).
We'll have to see who is left without a seat when the music stops. And we still get to play more games before the music stops on the Assembly side. The leadership vote is scheduled for November 23.
Governor Corzine tweeted earlier today that he will hold a press conference to announce his running mate for the Lieutenant Governor on Saturday. While more details are to come, Senator Ray Lesniak had this to say about all of the public discussion that has gone on over the potential choice:
"I think it may be just a lot of Democrats like myself liking to talk to the press. That's inside baseball and inconsequential. What matters is what the Governor's ultimate choice and we'll see when he makes that announcement,"
So we still have a few days left to talk inside baseball and speculate some more about who the Governor will choose. Speculation has centered around a final three choices of Barbara Buono, Loretta Weinberg and Randal Pinkett, who kept his name in the running today saying he would consider running if the Governor wanted him.
So who do you think Corzine will choose? Take the poll and let us know what you think.
There have been rumors flying all day long about when, where and who Governor Corzine would be announcing as his running mate. Much of the speculation has centered around Dr. Randal Pinkett. Despite a report in the Asbury Park Press saying Pinkett would be named to coincide with the visit of President Obama Thursday, PolitickerNJ said the Governor will wait until after the event to make his pick. Here is some information from his biography and a video talking about some of his accomplishments:
Dr. Randal Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author, scholar and community servant. He is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, NJ. BCT Partners works with corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations in the areas of housing and community development, economic development, human services, government, healthcare and education
What do you think of Pinkett's name being floated out there as a potential running mate with the Governor? What are the practical and political implications of his choice. Take the poll below the fold and tell us how you feel.
The Legislature could pass the budget tomorrow, nearly two weeks before the June 30 deadline and leaders are voicing confidence that they have the votes:
Senate Budget and Appropriations chairwoman Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) and Assembly Budget chairman Louis Greenwald (D-Camden) said today that the budget is on track for approval.
"Obviously it's not over until it's over, but I'm guardedly optimistic that we'll have the votes tomorrow to pass it out of the Senate," Buono said.
"I'm confident we'll have the votes in the Assembly," Greenwald said.
Senators Vitale and Van Drew have indicated they may oppose the budget and have voiced concerns. Republicans plan to put on a show and will unanimously oppose. With a 23-17 margin in the Senate, the Democrats will need to hold everyone else to pass the budget. We'll see tomorrow.
Sitting among an audience that included New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill, state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Metuchen) attended, she said, "to celebrate the success story of a city that has pulled itself up by its own bootstraps."
A short-list candidate for lieutenant governor, according to Democratic Party sources close to Corzine, Buono either clerked or practiced law in New Brunswick for 18 years.
"I'm a couple of weeks away from that (making a decision about LG)," Corzine told reporters.
Will be in Rutherford tomorrow, stopping by the Pancake House around 11 am with Kathe Donovan, hope to see you there
Vincent had an in depth looks at the prospects for both the Republicans and for the Democrats a few weeks ago, but we've seen some additional names added to the list since. Who do you think is the frontrunner now?
Governor Jon Corzine is set to undertake the historic task of selecting an individual to run as the Democratic candidate to become the first Lieutenant Governor in New Jersey history.
On Monday, we looked at the potential Republican picks for Lieutenant Governor. Today, below the fold is a diverse list of ten possible Democratic contenders. It is subjective and, more than anything, written to solicit the opinions of Blue Jersey readers on the strengths and weaknesses of each potential pick.
Standing in front of his Haddon Heights home at 11am this morning, and surrounded by what he admitted was a hastily-assembled group of supporters, Rob Andrews announced he will give up his seat in Congress representing NJ's 1st Congressional District, and challenge Jon Corzine for his party's nomination for Governor.
From his statement:
I did not intend, or plan, to challenge my Governor in the primary process. I do so with regret, and respect. But New Jersey needs fresh stewardship, and new ideas. I have decided that I will place my name and my credentials before the people of New Jersey to serve as their new Governor. The people of New Jersey deserve to choose their governor. With respect for Governor Corzine and his public service, I will offer them that choice in this historic year of change, of challenge and of opportunity.
The news was a surprise, even for Andrews, who made headlines - and not a few enemies - with an unexpected primary challenge to Senator Frank Lautenberg, just days after promising the entire NJ Democratic delegation that he would not. The acrimonious nature of the race, including repeated references to the incumbent's age (Lautenberg was 84, Andrews 50) forced Democrats to take sides. Most sided with the eventual winner, Lautenberg, but the process may have further alienated South Jersey Democrats from their counterparts further north. It also damaged Andrews' credibility quotient, with wife Camille Andrews accused of merely keeping his seat warm for him in the event of his failure to capture the nomination from Lautenberg. When he lost, badly, to his elder, he did indeed return to that seat he swore he was done with.
Last year's race was largely seen as Andrews' test-run at a real state-wide campaign this year, but after a crushing defeat by a Senator he had made out to be, well, addled and well past his prime, the conventional wisdom was that he'd learned a lesson, and would live to fight another day.
A day perhaps come rather sooner than is convenient for Corzine. It's a bad time to be an incumbent governor with the economy - state and national - in the shape it's in. And that has been reflected in bad polling news for the Governor.
A trio of state Senators introduced Andrews to the group; Ray Lesniak, Joe Vitale and Bob Smith, who were in turn brought to the microphone by Asm John Wisniewski. Newark Democratic powerbroker Steve Adubato was there but did not speak. SJ Democratic Chairs Beach, Angelini and Perr and Norcross were also not called to the microphone. Today's announcement is seen as another sharp challenge to the balance of power by Norcross.
Barbara Buono, who endorsed Andrews last year, was not there. She is rumored to be on Corzine's shortlist for Lieutenant Governor. Democratic heavy-hitters who endorsed Andrews in '08, but were missing from this morning's announcement, included included Majority Leader Steve Sweeney, and Speaker Joe Roberts. Andrews mentioned both in his remarks, expressing deep respect, and that both had been informed late last night of his intentions.
Andrews' track record over the last year is widely seen as hubris, over-reaching and a notable failure of an ascendant South Jersey politician to capture the Senate seat in the name of the power structure in South Jersey. There was considerable resentment inside the Democratic Party, but particularly inside the Democratic Congressional delegation, with Pascrell and Pallone the most vocal.
Andrews briefly flirted last year with the possibility of leaving politics altogether and going to Goldman Sachs which, ironically, Corzine used to run. But now, the loss of support among his House colleagues - not to mention what Lautenberg may think of him - may be a factor in Andrews' choice to switch playing fields entirely, and compete with an incumbent Governor struggling with a national economy in freefall, a mountain of inherited state debt, and a likely challenger, Chris Christie, who fashions himself a heroic corruption-buster.
Promoted: From Jay's vision, to reality. (Let's hope.) -JG
Old b-roll footage can be intriguing to watch, including this clip with Senator Barbara Buono from last summer's paid family leave bill signing. She praises the leadership skills of Sen. Steve Sweeney -- who's since become Senate majority leader. It kinda got me thinking about what's possible for GLBT rights in New Jersey.
And most of all proud of what we fight for all the time. So to pull off a win that's long overdue, it's a very sweet feeling. It's hard to remember a day this happy in Trenton.
Earlier this month, Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), Chair of the State Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, scored points for fiscal responsibility and common sense by advocating the elimination of pension credit for part-time government employees. This past week, she scored a touchdown when she pledged to reject any attempts to insert "Christmas Tree items" into the budget for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. She also proposed the restoration of $62 million in proposed cuts in municipal aid, including $37 million in eliminated tax relief for towns with fewer than 10,000 residents.
As New Jersey copes with its increasing budget woes, perhaps the Legislature should consider several measures that would help reduce out-of-control spending: unannounced audits and the elimination or transformation of pension credit for part-time government work.
Middlesex County Democrats are expected to support Rob Andrews for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination against incumbent Frank Lautenberg. State Sen. Robert Smith has endorsed Andrews, and sources say that Senate Health Committee Chairman Joseph Vitale and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Barbara Buono will also back the Congressman from Camden County.
The Senate Budget Committee just voted on the Senate bill # S786, the Family Medical Leave act. By a vote of 8 to 5 the bill was released to the full Senate.
Here's how the breakdown looked from my vantage point.
Senator Barbara Buono assumed the chair of the powerful Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee just in time to hear exec branch policy wonks discuss Corzine's debt restructuring plans. (Note to self: next time, bring a book.)
At press time they are still at it so stay tuned for the substantive detail. (Basically the Governor's surrogates are making the pitch, echoing much of what Corzine laid out in this state-of-the-state. Followed by questions from lawmakers which I may or may not stick around for.)
But for now I have some anecdotal observations to share.
First of all, Madam Chair ain't messing around kids. So turn your phone off and take the chit chat elsewhere. Those were the new "groundrules."
Then there's that punctuality thing. Erstwhile Chairman Bernard Kenney tended to run pretty late out of the gates. And Wayne Bryant before him was worse (usually.) But this term we'll be starting on time. Today that meant 3pm and I couldn't be more thrilled to not be waiting around just to wait around.
Senators Ruiz, Redd wait for their first panel hearing to commence.
I should have known something was different when I arrived early and saw newly minted Senators Teresa Ruiz of Newark and Camden's Dana Redd prepping for their first day, presumably shaking off some first day jitters.
"How adorable," I thought to myself, "the newbies are early. I wonder if I should bring them a Snickers (because it's gonna be a while.")
Turns out they were simply early for work, preparing to join Buono on the budget panel.
Senator Buono (D-Middlesex) welcomes Senator Cunningham (D-Jersey City)
In addition to Ruiz and Redd, Senators Stack, Cunningham, O'toole, Oroho and Hanes were all joining this Senate panel. Tom Kean Jr. was a re-joiner. Wearing an arm-cast no less. (Let's hope he didn't hurt his hand punching liberal bloggers in the nose.)
Kean started off last session on this panel but took a hiatus. Ten points for the best haiku or limerick to explain why you think he took the sabbatical. Be clever and sympathetic.)
It's tough to make any conclusions when they are still yackety-yacking, so I will part with a prediction: these pols will get their hits in and say what they have to say and Corzine's plan will pass in relatively short order. I would GUESS mid-March at the latest.
Looks like the Family Medical Leave bill is back on the docket! This Monday (the 28th) Chairwoman Barbara Buono has budget committee hearings scheduled and Family Leave is number three on the playlist. To confirm, thats January 28th, committee room 4, 1pm at the statehouse.
This is terrific news as Sen Buono was one of the original sponsors of this legislation that stalled in committee over the lame duck. And now she runs the panel taking it up first.
If you're so inclined come show your support on Monday, because I know the business community will have their lobbying game on, too. Last time we got thoroughly out-hustled by the nay-sayers who managed to keep the bill from advancing out of Assembly Labor Committee.
Personally I don't want the progressives have their head handed to them again as we did last time when the assumption was "this'll pass the lame duck no prob."
Seen around Trenton
This one from the shady ladies who lunch file: I was sitting in Cafe NJ (the Statehouse eatery) minding my own beeswax when I saw one of the cafeteria workers put out a tray of food to indicate today's specials.
No sooner did Miss Thing arrange the entrees just so and walk away.... when someone comes by and scoops up the whole tray of food and casually walks off!
It happened so fast I didn't even have time to be judgmental about it.
In any event, this is the first time in my career that I have tagged a blog post with the word "shoplifting."
Senator Buono: "As a mother of four, I refuse to allow this sort of discrimination to go unaddressed."
Hot off the press release press: Buono/Weinberg bill to strengthen hatecrimes laws signed into law by Governor Corzine. This measure adds protections to transgender youth in NJ schools.
Says Barbara Buono, primary sponsor:
The signing of this legislation shows New Jersey's commitment to protecting its residents from the ignorance that fuels hate crimes, bullying and other similar actions.
In addition to gender and identity expression, national origin and disability are also included under the measure.
Added Loretta Weinberg, another primary sponsor of the new law:
Enacting this legislation shows that we in New Jersey refuse to tolerate discrimination and intolerance on any level.
Promoted from the diaries by njdem: I think this is an interesting discussion
As an employee of a state university, I was particularly struck with the horror that unfolded at Virginia Tech several months ago. At the time, I was teaching one class that met in a basement room with windows that were designed not to be opened located about nine feet above the floor. Another class met on the fourth floor of a building. I'm well aware of being the leading authority figure in the classroom and that even student-on-student violence is likely to involve me as well.
I'm glad that the all-too-obvious vulnerability of students and faculty at our schools is being taken seriously. I can't help but think, though, that Barbara Buono's proposal to put internal door locks on doors isn't going to do much good - and it could cause some very real problems.
"With the escalation of guns and violence in our schools, we need to be proactive and rethink our strategies to keep our
children safe and secure," said Buono, a Middlesex County Democrat. "No strategy is foolproof. This adds a layer of
protection that security cameras and metal protectors do not provide."
She's right that no strategy is foolproof. But door locks are not the protection she seems to think they are. Join me after the page flip.
