Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Government hasn’t been working the way it can – the way it should. And here in New Jersey, a broken budget is at the heart of so much of that. For too long, too many in Trenton have taken the easy way out – opting for a quick fix, instead of laying the foundation for a solid future.” – Governor Sherrill in her first budget address
TOP STORY: The Drama in the Room: Sherrill’s 2027 Budget Address
The state broke warm weather temperatures this week, but a major cooldown is coming, according to NorthJersey.com.
Inflation spiked in the state last month, according to NorthJersey.com.
Governor Sherrill doubled down on her opposition to surveillance pricing.
Governor Sherrill’s budget proposal includes more funding for NJ Transit, but not everyone is happy where the money is coming from, according to NJ.com.
Data center development battles are quietly reshaping state politics, according to NJ Globe.
The state is under fire for releasing student test details late, according to NJ Herald.
Cape May County introduced a $223M budget that cuts the tax rate and raises the tax levy, according to Cape May Herald. Property value surges are aiding the budget, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Commissioners back lawmakers’ attempt to block coastal building rules, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Hudson County may join Kearny in the HHI heliport lawsuit, according to Hudson County View.
Passaic County expanded addiction treatment, recovery, and prevention services.
Former Sussex County Freeholder D’Angeli passed away, according to NJ Globe.
Union County reached a settlement with an employee, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: Sherrill delivered budget address, got tough in Trenton
Alex Zdan won the backing of the Monmouth GOP, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, O’Rourke announced endorsements.
In CD11, Mejia and Hathaway trade charges of extremism, according to NJ Monitor.
In CD12, Mayor Cohen won the backing of the Middlesex Democrats. The Somerset Democrats’ Veterans Caucus endorsed Commissioner Robinson.
Labor leader Shaun Sullivan passed away, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Ciattarelli returns; in CD11, Mejia countered GOP narrative; in CD7, Bennett secured Hunterdon Dems backing; in CD11, Hathaway hopes to turn district red; ICE saga putting heat on Bucco
Lawmakers are renewing the push for youth sports background checks, according to NJ.com.
Governor Sherrill nominated her first judge, according to NJ Globe.
The state’s higher revenue projection may avert a crisis for the current budget, according to NJ Spotlight.
Assemblyman Stewart introduced legislation to remove barriers for domestic violence survivors from obtaining IDs when they leave abusive situations without their personal documents.
Assemblyman Inganamort was named to a emerging GOP national leaders list, according to NJ Globe.
Over 70 groups urged Governor Sherrill to sign the Voter Empowerment Act.
Business groups applauded the Governor’s budget cuts, but voiced concern on business tax increases, according to BINJE.
NJ Right To Life criticized Governor Sherrill’s budget allocation to Planned Parenthood.
ICYMI: Leaders powwowed on budget; Statehouse preparing for budget; Sherrill announced hires; Sherrill warned of ‘serious structural deficit’
In Atlantic City, the NAACP leader spoke out against ICE, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Beach Haven, inspection fees are increasing, according to the Sandpaper.
In Bernardsville, a school referendum easily passed, according to NJ Hills. There was no objection to affordable housing laws, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, the city wants to allow alcoholic beverage sales at some special events, according to TAPinto.
In Chatham, officials and residents discussed affordable housing plans, according to NJ Hills.
In Cherry Hill, a large office complex was designated a potential affordable housing site, according to 70and73.com.
In Chester, the council won’t officially oppose a federal immigration detention center, according to NJ Hills. A meeting revealed squabbles among rescue groups, according to NJ Hills.
In Clifton, housing ordinances are changing, according to NorthJersey.com.
In East Windsor, a packed meeting debated a data center, according to TAPinto.
In Egg Harbor Township, Castellano was sent to the Pinelands Council amid development concerns, according to the Press of Atlantic City. A school referendum passed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Haddon, a meeting probed the school funding formula, according to the Retrospect.
In Harding, the round four affordable housing obligation was cleared, according to NJ Hills.
In Hawthorne, officials aren’t allowed to remedy the ‘appalling’ conditions of a property, according to TAPinto.
In Jersey City, Mayor Solomon says a property tax hike will happen this year with state aid, according to Hudson County View.
In Little Egg Harbor, residents discussed affordable housing, according to the Sandpaper.
In Little Falls, concerns were raised over state housing mandates, according to TAPinto. Budget transfers were approved, according to TAPinto.
In Long Hill, ‘Run For Something’ endorsed Mansi Patel for committee, according to NJ Hills.
In Madison, the council heard arguments for and against banning gas-powered leaf blowers, according to NJ Hills.
In Montclair, the school referendum vote was partially approved, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Morris, aging schools push a potential referendum, according to Morristown Green.
In New Brunswick, a 45-story apartment tower was approved, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Oakland, the independent candidate overwhelmingly won the do-over council election.
In Paterson, Council President Mimms thanked Governor Sherrill for proposing an increase in transitional aid to cities.
In Phillipsburg, a new solar farm offers steep cuts to electric bills, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Plainfield, the council president vowed to bring back virtual public comment, according to TAPinto.
In Raritan, the town is racing to meet the affordable housing deadline, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Red Bank, infrastructure bonds advanced, according to TAPinto.
In Ridgewood, the budget was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, a lawsuit looms over the DHS facility, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, the mayor broke a tie as virtual meetings are blocked, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Seaside Heights, a school referendum was approved, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Spring Lakes, a affordable housing plan was finalized, according to TAPinto.
In Upper, the committee must vote again on the cannabis zoning ordinance, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Washington, an ordinance review raised public questions, according to NJ Hills.
AROUND THE WEB:
Back from war, New Jersey couple is already planning return to Israel
Deena Yellin, NorthJersey.com
- They spent much of the last week in an Israeli bomb shelter, then scrambling to get home. But Teaneck’s Stephanie Hausner and Josh Lipowsky are already planning their return.
Affordability? Mikie’s massive budget slashes popular tax rebate
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill used her first budget address to pitch what she called an “affordability budget,” promising spending discipline, record property tax relief, and no new taxes on everyday New Jersey residents.
If County Government Is Transparent, Why Hide the Camera?
Cape May County Herald
- At a meeting of the county commissioners on Feb. 27, the board was once again asked by a member of the public to provide remote video access to its meetings.
Seven things we learned from Sherrill’s first budget
Tom Bergeron, BINJE
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill delivered her inaugural budget address Tuesday, the first big step in her effort to fulfill her campaign mission of making New Jersey more affordable while improving government accountability and transparency, she said.
Oceanport OK with casino, baseball at Monmouth Park; not more apartments
Dan Radel, Asbury Park Press
- To save thoroughbred racing at their racetrack, the operators of Monmouth Park have said alternative revenue streams are needed. That could end up changing the look of the park significantly.
Orthodox leaders don’t want more multifamily homes in Toms River
Jean Mikle, Asbury Park Press
- A group of Orthodox Jewish leaders has taken a stand against a proposed zoning change that allow multifamily housing to be built on two pieces of land on Route 9 and Route 70.
Who are the biggest losers in Sherrill’s budget? Democrats | Opinion
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- After listening to Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s first budget address on Tuesday, March 10, her fellow Democratic allies who control the Legislature might wonder: With friends like Sherrill, who needs Republican enemies?
White House should heed judge’s warning on US Attorney’s Office chaos
Terrence T. McDonald, NJ Monitor
- The most chaotic place in the Garden State right now may be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Jon Bon Jovi and Cory Booker NJPAC event in Newark
Tom Bergeron, BINJE
- You wouldn’t think there would be much in common between U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and rocker/actor Jon Bon Jovi. One was a lifelong bachelor and didn’t get married until last year at age 56. His wife is 18 years younger. The other has been married to his high school sweetheart for 37 years and they’re both 64.
Ratepayer Protection Amps Up in Surge to Support Consumers
Gina G. Scala, The Sand Paper
- On the same day New Jersey’s four electric distribution companies delivered rate stabilization plans to state officials, the White House announced the signing of the ratepayer protection pledge by the nation’s largest tech companies. “Under this new agreement, Big Tech companies are committing to fully cover the cost of increased electricity production required for AI data centers – and that would mean prices for American communities will not go up, but in many cases, will actually come down,” President Donald J. Trump said March 5.
No, There Wasn’t A Zombie Apocalypse In Manahawkin
Jason Allentoff, Jersey Shore News
- If you were trying to get home Tuesday afternoon on Route 72 and found yourself trapped in bumper-to-bumper traffic stretching as far as the eye could see, you probably had a few questions — and maybe a few choice words. Some of those words may have been in the salty category.
Meet the richest people in New Jersey: See Forbes’ NJ richest list
Tamara Walker, Asbury Park Press
- Forbes magazine released its rankings of the richest people across the globe — in real-time. The Real-Time Billionaires wealth-tracking platform provides ongoing updates on the net worth and ranking of each individual confirmed by Forbes to be a billionaire.
