Democrats were plotting to oust Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Wednesday unless he agreed to post a bill to restructure Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for a vote today. To oust Prieto would be a heavy lift, unseemly even by Trenton standards. A full six hours after Observer’s story, after a flurry of frantic phone calls among Democrats, it surfaced that one of the lawmakers reportedly at the center of the plot said she would have no part.
Quote of the Day: “At this time I would not want to oppose Vinny.” – Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin
Democrats Plot to Oust Prieto Unless He Caves on Horizon
In an explosive development, a group of Democratic lawmakers is planning to oust Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Thursday if he refuses to post a bill that would restructure New Jersey’s largest health insurer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, three sources told Observer.
Salvador Rizzo, Observer Read more
Now or never for Christie and Democrats on NJ shutdown
The last time there was a government shutdown in New Jersey, 45,000 workers considered nonessential were told to stay home, Atlantic City’s casinos closed for three days, the state lottery stopped selling tickets, and courts, motor vehicle offices and racetracks went dark.
Bob Jordan, Asbury Park Press Read more
Report: Solving NJ Pension Crisis Requires Tax Hikes, Benefit Cuts
New Jersey’s next governor and Legislature must make cuts to retiree health care costs and raise several taxes to diffuse the “fiscal time bomb” created by inadequate payments to the public worker retirement system, according to a new policy report released Wednesday.
Christian Hetrick, Observer Read more
With $1.4 million in new bills, cost of law firm running Atlantic City now at $2.5 million
The bills from the West Orange law firm tasked since November with running Atlantic City for the state of New Jersey now total $2.5 million, according to invoices released by the state late Wednesday.
Amy S. Rosenberg, Inquirer Read more
Senate Health Plan Would Cost NJ Billions
The U.S. Senate now appears unlikely to vote on the Republican healthcare reform plan this week, but opponents pledged not to slack their fight against a bill they said would cost New Jersey nearly $22 billion in federal funding over a decade — and some $60 billion during the next 20 years.
Lilo Stainton, NJSpotlight Read more
Frelinghuysen talks health care, other issues
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11, who did not address a group of protesters outside his Morristown office on Tuesday afternoon, engaged a much more receptive audience later in the day while hosting a telephone town hall.
William Westhoven, Daily Record Read more
Fewer are homeless in NJ, but the count comes with an asterisk
There may be fewer homeless people in New Jersey this year than were counted in 2016, but within that population there is a larger number who are considered “chronically homeless,” according to a survey that provides a snapshot of individuals and families without a stable place to live.
Jacqueline L. Urgo, Inquirer Read more
NJ Primary Spending Topped $42 Million, a State Record
The primary races for governor this year were the most expensive in state history, with candidates and independent groups spending $42.5 million, according to the state’s election watchdog agency.
Christian Hetrick, Observer Read more
Christie signs fireworks bill in time for Fourth of July
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has signed a bill to legalize the sale of sparklers and certain novelty devices in the state, just in time for Fourth of July celebrations.
Associated Press Read more
NJ Senate Panel to Weigh Expansion of Transparency Laws
A stalled effort to update and expand New Jersey’s transparency laws will be heard by the Senate budget committee on Thursday, reviving hopes for a pair of bills from Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) after a setback in 2015.
Alyana Alfaro, Observer Read more
A new future for Lacey’s radioactive waste?
Tons of radioactive material destined to linger here long after Oyster Creek Generating Station closes would find a new home — likely thousands of miles away — under legislation advanced Wednesday by a congressional committee.
Amanda Oglesby, Asbury Park Press Read more
Boardwalk games: NJ inspects to see if they’re fair
Do you think the games on the boardwalk are fair?
On Wednesday, state inspectors were on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach to make sure game operators and retail establishments were playing by the rules. In recent weeks, they have made the rounds here and in Seaside Heights and discovered 20 locations with alleged violations. It’s part of the state’s Safe Summer program.
David P. Willis, Asbury Park Press Read more
Hoboken mayoral field includes 3 council members and a freeholder
With Mayor Dawn Zimmer having rocked the local political landscape by bowing out of her bid for re-election, Hoboken’s November mayoral race is a wide-open contest whose declared candidates now include four elected officials already representing the city in one way or another.
Steve Strunsky, NJ.com Read more
Toms River Council slams Democrats’ school funding plan
Council members here have a message for state legislators: a new school funding proposal would prove “catastrophic” for township taxpayers.
Jean Mikle, Asbury Park Press Read more
PETA animal-testing protest targets Morris pharmas
Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals staged protests Wednesday outside of the New Jersey headquarters of three international pharmaceutical companies to protest their business affiliation with an outside company PETA says abuses animals used for drug testing.
William Westhoven, Daily Record Read more
Editorial: Poor kids are under attack by Congress. Will Christie pile on?
Apparently, this still needs to be said: Just like having a congenital heart defect or childhood leukemia is not a choice, neither is being born to poor parents.
Star-Ledger Read more
