MURPHY to give 100 days speech Wednesday — BOOKER wants guaranteed jobs for everyone — EXOTIC TICK found in NJ Presented by Pre-K Our Way

By Matt Friedman ( [email protected] ; @mattfriedmannj )

Good Monday morning!

Jeff Van Drew is a “Gun Sense Candidate,” according to Moms Demand Action.

This has caused a bit of an uproar among progressives in the district, where Van Drew’s voting record — especially his votes against many pieces of gun control legislation — has them arguing for one of the three progressives running against him. How the NRA, which gave Van Drew an 'A' rating, and Moms Demand Action can both bestow favorable designations on Van Drew seems puzzling. (Two of Van Drew’s primary challengers, Tanzie Youngblood and William Cunningham, also got the designation from Moms Demand Action).

Here’s a statement from Brett Sabo, volunteer leader with the NJ chapter of Moms Demand Action: "Gun safety is a non-partisan issue and we are excited to see Garden State candidates from both sides of the aisle recognize that as well. The goal of the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction program is to identify candidates who have pledged to support common-sense gun safety measures if elected into office. We welcome those who pledge to stand up to the gun lobby by putting the safety of our families and communities ahead of gun industry profits. "

It makes some sense for a gun control advocacy group to want to get in good with a Democrat who's almost certain to win his primary and who’s the heavy favorite to win the general. But if Van Drew votes against some or all of the package of gun control bills the Senate will take up two days after the primary, it will certainly raise some questions.

WHERE’S MURPHY? At a NJ Transit maintenance facility in Newark at 10:30 am to talk about agency’s funding. “Ask the Governor” tonight at 7 pm on News 12 NJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Former Assemblyman John Rooney

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Look at the candidates. One is Korean and one is Italian. They are not working right. This is not working right for the taxpayers. It’s nonsense … I’m the only person who can control the government in Palisades Park … You may think I’m old but I don’t feel like it. I’m a young man and can accomplish my American dream.” — Charles Park, a Democratic mayoral candidate in Palisades Park

WHAT TRENTON MADE

YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THE TITLE — Gov. Murphy will give a speech Wednesday titled “Building a Stronger and Fairer New Jersey: An Address by Governor Murphy Marking 100 Days in Office,” according to an invitation to the event. 11:30 am at the Trayes Hall/Douglass Student Center at Rutgers-New Brunswick. A source who requested anonymity because he forgot his name tells me to expect Murphy to talk about his first 100 days in office, and what he’s done to make New Jersey “stronger and fairer.”

OIL — Murphy signs bill to block offshore drilling in state waters, by POLITICO's Danielle Muoio: Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill on Friday that will prohibit offshore drilling in state waters, dealing a blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to open the East Coast to drilling exploration. In addition to banning drilling in state waters, the bipartisan legislation would prohibit the state Department of Environmental Protection from issuing permits that would allow a company to build facilities, like pipelines, that are meant to aid offshore drilling in state waters. The latter provision is key since the Trump administration's proposal only targets federal waters off the East Coast, so prohibiting drilling in state waters wouldn’t block the effort. New Jersey’s legislation makes it much harder for a company to drill in federal waters by blocking the use of critical infrastructure in state waters. The signing shows how New Jersey is leading the charge among East Coast states that have vowed to use any legal means at their disposal to block the controversial proposal. Read the report

TRIAL BALLOON POPPED — This much is true: As of Friday Adam Alonso was looking to exit the Murphy administration and seeking to head up the Bergen County Democrats. It was first reported by David Wildstein and I confirmed that Alonso was looking to leave to head up Bergen Dems, though Alonso and Stellato still haven’t returned calls about it. Well, the news didn’t go over so well with Bergen Democrats — whose reactions were probably somewhat similar to Weinberg’s. And Stellato then said he wasn’t leaving early, but didn’t go as far as to say he’s running for reelection in June. By Sunday, Alonso told Wildstein that he’s not going anywhere . As of right now, it looks like a big miscalculation on Alonso’s part — and Murphy’s, if he helped plan it.

TAXES — “Murphy open to tax amnesty program but worries about 'one-off solutions',” by POLITICO’s Ryan Hutchins: “Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, both Middlesex County Democrats, proposed the idea on Thursday and quickly won the backing of state Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester). Murphy said at an unrelated press conference on Friday that he also had been weighing such an approach but that he had concerns about relying on one-time revenue sources. ‘We think it’s got a lot of elements to it that are attractive,’ Murphy said during the press conference in Point Pleasant Beach. “The only hesitation we’ve got is we’re trying like heck to get away from relying on one-off solutions. So that’s a concern, but I think that’s one they share as well.” Read the report

HE MUST HAVE BEEN IN A … HURRY — “Did Rush Limbaugh get rush-hour police escort from Newark to NYC to attend gala?” by NJ Advance Media’s Chris Sheldon and Craig McCarthy: “The Port Authority is looking into claims that the agency provided a police escort for Rush Limbaugh who was hustling from Newark Liberty Airport to downtown Manhattan to make an evening event earlier this month. And it could have been the conservative radio personality who tipped authorities to the potentially improper incident when he boasted on his show about the special treatment he said he received from Port Authority Police Superintendent. ‘We recently became aware of this matter and are investigating internally,’ Port Authority Media Relations Director Ron Marsico said in an email Friday night when asked about the alleged escort with ‘lights and sirens’ during rush-hour traffic on April 12. Limbaugh had flown into Newark from D.C. that night to fill in for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis as a speaker at the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation's 2018 Semper Fidelis Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan, according to a transcript of his radio show.” Read the report

WELL KNEE-JERK TOUGHER SENTENCES FOR DRUG OFFENSES HAVE WORKED SO FAR — “He had enough fentanyl to kill millions of people, but he’ll be out of prison in 6 years,” by The Record’s Steve Janoski: “When the New Jersey State Police arrested Daniel Vasquez and Jesus Carrillo-Pineda in a North Bergen parking lot last June, the two men had between them enough fentanyl to kill every person in New Jersey and New York City. How is such a thing possible? Because fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid with which dealers dust their heroin to kick up the high, is exponentially stronger than its sister narcotic. The North Bergen seizure, which netted a total of 45 kilograms, could have yielded 18 million lethal doses, the Attorney General’s Office said. But when sentences came down three months ago, Vasquez, who was charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, was given six years in state prison. Carrillo-Pineda, who was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, got 10 years. And with that, the case cast a light on a profound irony buried in New Jersey law: Though fentanyl is far more lethal than heroin, the penalties for selling it can be significantly less severe. Some lawmakers are moving to change that, despite the resistance from advocacy groups who say harsher penalties only harken back to the failed drug wars of the past.” Read the report

—"A few seconds and this drug saved 16K people from the brink of death” Read the report

A message from Pre-K Our Way: The Governor and Legislature are working on a state budget – funding new pre-k spaces for New Jersey’s 3- and 4-year-olds and their working families! This is a difficult time in our state. Growing NJ’s pre-k is really important. Thanks! Let’s maintain momentum for pre-k expansion! Visit prekourway.org for more information

EDUCATION — Sweeney: Jersey City’s ‘irresponsible’ teachers contract shows need to change school funding, by POLITICO’s Linh Tat: Senate President Steve Sweeney on Friday called the Jersey City school board “irresponsible” for giving teachers what he said amounts to an average 8.25 percent pay raise over two years. The raises come as the district faces a $71 million budget deficit and as it continues to receive millions more in state aid than it should while hundreds of other districts remain underfunded. He called it “Exhibit A” for the need to correct the funding formula. Read the report

NEW ACTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MURPHY IF THIS GOVERNOR THING DOESN’T WORK OUT — “Studios 'lining up at the gate' to film in New Jersey once tax credit bill is signed,” by The Record’s Michael W. Curley Jr.: “With the state's film tax credit bill now past the Senate and the Assembly, production companies are eager to work in the Garden State, say those in the industry. Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, said production companies are ‘lining up’ to bring their studios across the Hudson River. ‘Everyone is lining up at the gate,’ he said, adding he knows of at least four people who want to build studios in the state, including one in Montclair.” Read the report

MEANWHILE, THE ARBITRATION CAP REMAINS EXPIRED — “New Jerseyans can now prepay their property taxes,” by The AP: “New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law that allows property owners to prepay their taxes. The bill, which was signed Friday, stems from the federal tax law change enacted last year. The law capped state and local tax deductions on federal returns at $10,000. That's a big deal in New Jersey where many voters itemize their taxes and the average property tax bill is nearly $9,000 a year. The new law retroactively permits residents to prepay their property taxes for 2018 in 2017.” Read the report

R.I.P. —“Bill Dowd, former Assemblyman dies at 74” Read the report

—“NJ lawmakers hear from both sides on marijuana legalization” Read the report

—“PARCC's long goodbye won't end standardized tests in New Jersey” Read the report

—“Group says gun violence a $1.2 billion drain on New Jersey” Read the report

—“Phil Murphy wants to raise taxes $1.5B. How much would that actually cost you?” Read the report

THE TRUMP ERA

READING YOUR DISTRICT — “Lance roars at Trump again. MacArthur purrs in his lap,” by The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran: “So, this is a telling moment, one that history will remember. And as it happens, New Jersey has two Republican members of Congress in neighboring swing districts that offer a study in contrasts. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th) is taking the high road, signing on as a sponsor of legislation to protect Mueller, and give a panel of three judges the final word on firing him. Only a handful of Republicans have joined him. Yes, it's true that Lance is scared to death of losing in November … But folks, he's doing the right thing here. ‘I intend to be the lead Republican on this,’ says Lance (R-7th). ‘I have been in the Republican Party a lot longer than Donald Trump has.’ Taking the low road, as usual, is Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-3rd), Trump's most loyal supporter in New Jersey ... He won't support the bill to protect Mueller. ‘Mueller should be left alone to complete the investigation and get to the truth, whatever that may be,’ said Chris Russell, his campaign spokesman. Ok, but what if Trump fires him? MacArthur refuses to discuss that, just as he's refused to hold town hall meetings to discuss his other peculiar votes. Maybe it's just me, but I suspect he's hiding under his desk because he has no good answers. He wants to be on the Trump team. He swallowed the pill.”Maybe it's just me, but I suspect he's hiding under his desk because he has no good answers. He wants to be on the Trump team. He swallowed the pill.” Read the report

—“Rep. Tom MacArthur and Democratic challenger Andy Kim wage battle over bipartisanship” Read the report

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH 2020 — “Cory Booker’s new big idea: guaranteeing jobs for everyone who wants one,” by Vox’s Dylan Matthews: “Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) has a big idea: give 15 local areas federal money so they can guarantee all their residents a job. The Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act, announced by Booker on Friday, would establish a three-year pilot program in which the Department of Labor would select up to 15 local areas (defined in the bill as any political subdivision of a state, like a city or a county, or a group of cities and counties) and offer that area funding so that every adult living there is guaranteed a job paying at least $15 an hour (or the prevailing wage for the job in question, whichever’s higher) and offering paid family/sick leave and health benefits. The idea of a government job guarantee ensuring all adults who want employment get it has a long history in American politics, but it has gained popularity as the Democratic Party has sought to embrace bigger and more ambitious economic policies in the wake of the 2016 election.” Read the report

—“Cory Booker Wants The Social Justice Mantle On Marijuana” Read the report

18TH SCANDAL WAS THE LAST STRAW — @RepLoBiondo : “Yes EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt should resign. Wrong fit from start for agency dedicated to protecting our environment. #EarthDay2018 reinforces our need to promote pristine planet via clean air & water, leaving it better for future generations. Requires leadership & balance.”

CONTROLLING PARTY OF ONE OF THE RICHEST COUNTIES IN THE COUNTRY IS NEARLY BROKE — “Morris GOP nearly broke,” by NJ Globe’s David Wildstein: “Morris County Republicans lost money on their winter fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club and have a paltry $13,956 in their warchest, according to a report filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. The money-losing event and the low cash-on-hand heading into a potentially competitive general election is expected to be an issue in the June election for Morris County Republican Chairman. One of the candidates, Ronald DeFilippis, is the Finance Chairman for the county GOP. He faces Rob Zwigard in a race that has already turned nasty.” Read the report

—"The list: Dems who've scored big using website for small donations" Read the report

—“Students rally to save teacher who faces death sentence in Egypt” Read the report

—“Jersey mom fights for her daughter inside a congressman's D.C. office” Read the report

—“Veterans bring 'country first' mentality to politics | Di Ionno” Read the column

LOCAL

IN OTHER NEWS, DAVID SAMSON HAS COMPLETED HIS ONE-YEAR SENTENCE OF BEING CONFINED TO HIS MANSION — “Former Asbury housing chief gets 5 years in prison for stealing $90K,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Kathleen Hopkins: “Despite pleas from family members to spare an ailing man from prison, a judge on Friday sentenced the former executive director of the Asbury Park Housing Authority to five years behind bars for stealing $90,000 from the public agency. In sentencing Mark Holmes to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Ellen Torregrossa-O'Connor said she recognized the hardship it would pose to him and his family. But she noted that he diverted money from government grants that were intended for social, educational and cultural programs to benefit the residents of Asbury Park so that he could give himself an unauthorized $50,000 annual raise for almost two years.” Read the report

CAMDEN — Can Camden’s next schools superintendent continue district’s gains? by POLITICO’s Linh Tat: For months, the question had been whether Gov. Phil Murphy would keep Paymon Rouhanifard on as superintendent of the state-controlled Camden City School District. But the tables turned when Rouhanifard, who was appointed in 2013 by then-Gov. Chris Christie when the state took over the district, recently announced he would step down this summer with a year left in his contract. The question now is who Murphy will hand pick to steer the district as it looks toward regaining local control. While the district has seen gains in proficiency and graduation rates under Rouhanifard, as well as big drops in suspension and dropout rates, the next superintendent is inheriting a school system in which the work is far from complete. Read the report

HEADLINE WILL SERVE AS STORY EXCERPT — “Bengali backyard barbecues, Latino power flexing at City Hall, conventional campaign tactics v. guerilla engagements, raw numbers v. headlines and the remainder of time in Paterson (with VIDEOS)” Read the report

PATERSON —“Ex-Paterson official sentenced in Hudson County police corruption case,” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “A former Jersey City police officer who recently served on the Paterson zoning board was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Wednesday for his role in a corruption case involving 11 law enforcement officers in Hudson County. Ehab Abdelaziz, 38, pleaded guilty to engaging in a conspiracy in which he received money for off-duty police assignments that he never performed, according to a press release by U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.” Read the report

R.I.P. — “Paterson police officer from Wayne dead after one-car crash” Read the report

—“Paterson fire chief’s retirement payout is now more than $300,000” Read the report

—“Baraka, Chaneyfield Jenkins spar at Newark mayoral debate” Read the report

—“Trenton councilwoman calls again on Chester to resign” Read the report

—“A cache of syringes befoul a favorite South Jersey fishing spot” Read the report

—“Hudson County pols speak fluent acrimony: Political Insider” Read the column

—“South Jersey councilwoman claims spot with Philadelphia Eagles” Read the report

EVERYTHING ELSE

SPOON! — “Exotic tick found on Hunterdon County farm was first in country,” by MyCentralJersey’s Nick Muscavage: “An exotic tick species not known to the United States was found on a farm in Hunterdon County — and there could be more. Until the recent discovery, the East Asian tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was never found in the United States, according to a state Department of Agriculture news release. How it arrived in New Jersey remains a mystery. The tick, which is also known as the Longhorned tick, was found on the farm in November 2017 and was identified by the Center for Vector Biology at Rutgers University, the Hunterdon County Department of Health and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. The farm on which the tick was found on in Hunterdon County was not made publicly known.” Read the report

VROOM! — “Lawn mower racing makes a comeback in Ocean County,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Lauren Carroll: “Saturday was a beautiful day to enjoy the sunshine and take the lawn mower out for the first ride of the season. Out in West Creek, instead of trimming the grass, lawn mower riders were tearing up the racetrack. The Eagleswood Volunteer Fire Company held a lawn mower racing event, which included stock races, front engine ‘IMOW’ division, youth division and highly modified ‘FX’ division. Firefighter and owner of Crick Crew Racing, Dennis Seely Jr., organized the races to raise money for the fire house renovations and well as the Boy Scout Troop #117.” Read the report

—“NJ Senator Cory Booker will be Temple University's commencement speaker” Read the report

—“College student's N-word tirade prompts online uproar” Read the report

—“Meet Mara Justine, the N.J. teen phenom who's dominating on 'American Idol'” Read the report

FOR MORE political and policy news from New Jersey, check out Politico New Jersey’s home page: http://politi.co/1JiYTDg

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