It’s Wednesday, and in West Deptford, Republicans are in need of a new candidate as their Township Committee hopeful has dropped out of the race after allegedly posting comments on social media calling for the rape of a reporter. In Trenton, Democrats begin work to skirt the governor and raise the state minimum wage while Senate President – and Democratic gubernatorial hopeful – Steve Sweeney used the start of school to promote his plan for pre-k expansion. The start of classes also saw Gov. Chris Christie veto a bill to use retired police officers to provide school security and turn up the heat on state teachers following his decision to end an agreement with Pennsylvania – a move that will raise taxes on New Jersey residents who work in that state. For all this and the rest of the state’s political news, read on.
Quote of the Day: “Our leadership reviewed all the facts surrounding this matter and we cannot find any reasonable reason to believe Mr. Krawitz’s account was hacked in anyway,” – A statement from the West Deptford Republican Organization, calling for candidate Michael Krawitz to withdraw from the race for Township Committee.
West Deptford candidate drops from race after Facebook scandal
Michael Krawitz is withdrawing his candidacy for West Deptford township committee a day after sparking a social media uproar for allegedly harassing a female journalist on Facebook.
Jessica Parks, Inquirer, Read more
NJ Democrats begin Christie end-run on minimum wage
Democratic state lawmakers are fast-tracking a bid to have voters next year decide whether the minimum wage should be increased to $10.10 per hour, over Republican Gov. Chris Christie’s objections — with additional hikes to be phased in over a four-year period.
Bob Jordan, Asbury Park Press Read more
Christie: Does NJEA want me to ‘short’ pension payment?
Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday blasted the state’s largest teachers union, saying its stand against a money-saving health benefits proposal forced him to end New Jersey’s longstanding reciprocal income tax agreement with Pennsylvania that will raise taxes for some Garden State residents.
Claude Brodesser-Akner, NJ.com Read more
Rutgers Republican club won’t endorse Donald Trump
Rutgers University’s student Republican club is the latest college GOP organization declining to endorse Donald Trump for president, according to a report by student newspaper The Daily Targum.
Brent Johnson, NJ.com Read more
Armed, retired cops in N.J. schools? Not yet, says Christie
Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday conditionally vetoed a bill that would have put armed retired police officers in public and private schools and colleges to provide security.
Claude Brodesser-Akner, NJ.com Read more
Non-profit group sues to stop financing for American Dream Meadowlands
A non-profit group opposed to the issuance of $1.15 billion in bonds to help fund construction of the American Dream Meadowlands project filed suit on Tuesday against the state agency that approved the bond issue last month.
John Brennan, The Record
As 1.4M students return to school, N.J. education faces a year of profound change
Students shuffled nervously through the doors at Smith Middle School in Ramsey Tuesday morning, trying to spot familiar faces and find their homerooms on their first day back to school.
Hannan Adely, The Record Read more
Senate leader Sweeney touts statewide pre-K in Trenton
Senate President Stephen Sweeney visited Trenton’s Grant Elementary School on Tuesday to tout his plan to expand the state’s pre-kindergarten system, one day ahead of children returning to classrooms.
Greg Wright, NJ.com Read more
Fulop out-of-town party plans have critics grumbling
Mayor Steve Fulop’s critics are taking aim at the mayor’s plans to commemorate the end of summer with barbecues in Paramus and Freehold.
Terrence T. McDonald, The Jersey Journal Read more
Sweeney sweeps up urban allies in fight against Christie’s ‘fairness formula’
State Senate President Stephen Sweeney is on a mission to squash Gov. Chris Christie’s school funding reform proposal, and parents and politicians in cities that would stand to lose the most funding under the governor’s formula are joining his fight.
Jessica Mazzola, NJ.com Read more
NJ economy: Shooting ourselves in the foot?
New Jersey’s economy, not long ago bumbling near the bottom of the pack, has improved in the past year, but it continues to face obstacles that prevent if from picking up steam, business leaders say.
Michael L. Diamond and Devin Loring, Asbury Park Press Read more
Garrett praised for supporting bill he voted against
In endorsing Rep. Scott Garrett (R-5th Dist.), a group of veterans touted his co-sponsorship of the Zadroga Act, the legislation named for a New York City police officer from North Arlington, James Zadroga, who died after being exposed to toxins at the World Trade Center site after 9/11. The Auditor, NJ.com Read more
Christie signs school-related bills in Caldwell visit
Governor Christie is beginning a new school year battling an old adversary on multiple fronts.
Dustin Racioppi, The Record Read more
Former Christie cabinet member lands high-profile Rutgers job
Rutgers University’s new health care network has hired Mary E. O’Dowd, the state’s former health commissioner, to oversee its programs that promote healthy living for people across the state.
Susan K. Livio, NJ.com Read more
Opinion: In Bridgegate trial, politics as usual under Christie will be judged
When the trial of two former Christie administration staffers for their role in the closing of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee three years ago begins on September 19, it will arguably be the most closely watched legal proceeding since the Abscam courtroom drama captured national attention 36 years ago.
Carl Golden, NJSpotlight Read more
