| | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | Presented by |  | | | Good Tuesday morning! Parental advisory suggested: Two years ago to the month, Democratic boss George Norcross told Senate President Nick Scutari to “go fuck yourself” over a dispute in campaign funding in South Jersey. The feud simmered for some time. “He will have to answer to his caucus why he isn’t helping in any meaningful way,” Norcross said of Scutari that September. Then, in January 2024, the Union County Insurance Fund Commission dropped in PERMA Risk Management Services, a subsidiary of Norcross’ insurance brokerage Conner Strong, in favor of Acrisure, whose managing member for the region is Gary Taffet, a Middlesex County Democratic insider. Norcross and Scutari must have patched things up at some point, because Scutari will be “special guest” at a March 24 fundraiser for Norcross’ super PAC, American Representative Majority, according to an invitation. You’ll never guess who it’s honoring. (It’s George Norcross). It’s $3,500 a head at Carlucci’s Waterfront in Mount Laurel if you want to sing kumbaya with them. The spat did nothing to hurt Democrats while it raged in 2023 and they clawed back their legislative losses from two years before. But it’s probably good news for well-connected South Jersey officials who need a pension boost through legislation. But it comes the same month Norcross got his indictment tossed, and after Scutari, like Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, has declined to comment on Assembly Republicans’ effort to impeach Attorney General Matt Platkin. I’d like to know what led to this detente, but Norcross and Scutari declined to comment. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: My wife/pun tester Emily, Chris Smith, Clinton Calabrese WHERE’S MURPHY? In Newark at 11 a.m. for a North to Shore Festival Announcement QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The rushed process lends itself to the cynical view that their top priority is to just get it done and out of the way, like a kid rushing through their homework before the school bell rings.” — Ras Baraka, on the budget process TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com | | | | A message from New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers: When big auto manufacturers make the mistakes, it's the local technicians who pay the price. Instead of covering recall costs, automakers shift the cost to neighborhood new car dealerships, leaving hardworking techs underpaid for critical repairs. A4380/S3309 ensures fair pay for technicians and holds automakers accountable. Learn more and take action here. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
LAWMAKERS CONSIDER PITCHFORK BAN — New Jersey lawmakers worry ‘horrendous’ rate increases will spark ‘crisis’, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: New Jersey lawmakers are bracing for skyrocketing electricity prices to fuel voter outrage this summer. Utility bills are set to increase by about $25 a month in June, thanks to a power supply crunch within New Jersey and across a 13-state power market that the state relies on. During a three-hour Monday hearing of the state Senate’s oversight committee, lawmakers seemed ready to entertain laws that just months ago might have seemed radical, like allowing utilities to own power plants again — something they haven’t been able to do since deregulation over a quarter-century ago. The Senate hearing was called to discuss surging demand for power from AI data centers, but the driving force was concern about the rate hikes. Sen. Bob Smith, a Middlesex County Democrat who chairs the Senate’s Energy and Environment Committee, said the rate shock will be “horrendous” across New Jersey. “There’s going to be thousands of people with pitchforks and tar looking to tar and feather whoever they think is responsible for this,” Smith said.
THE TAX ON BOOZE WILL HELP — “'It's very sobering': Trenton watches budget chaos in Washington with anxiety, concern,” by The Record’s Katie Sobko: “Senate President Nick Scutari, along with state Sen. Paul Sarlo and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, the budget chairs in their respective chambers, are watching the federal budget process play out in Washington with concern. Moments before Murphy’s address on Tuesday, Sarlo said that while the speech is usually the starting point of the budget process, it is ‘really a starting point due to uncertainty of the federal dollars.’ 'This budget could be a complete makeover in a couple of weeks,’ he said. ‘We need to find out what the federal, especially on the Medicaid dollars, and as always thank God we have a healthy surplus … but revenue raisers have got to be the last, last resort.' Sarlo went on to say there are going to have to be cuts during the budget process this year to minimize the need for the state to raise revenue through sales tax hikes. Pintor Marin, his counterpart in the lower chamber, said the Legislature has to wait and see what happens in Washington as Congress drafts a budget of its own in March. ‘Right now, it’s in our minds, but we’re not really talking or looking at anything in particular,’ she said.” AN ESCALATING PROBLEM — “Number of broken NJ Transit station elevators, escalators climb 12%; find out where here,” by the Asbury Park Press’ Olivia Liu: “In 2024, there were 2,725 elevator and escalator incidents at NJ Transit rail stations, according to a spreadsheet obtained via an Open Public Records Act request. Those incidents could include things such as freeing entrapped passengers, shutting down an elevator for cleaning or putting an escalator out of service for maintenance. It represents an increase of 12.3% from 2,426 incidents in 2023. Public transit is not always intuitive for new passengers. For people in wheelchairs, parents with strollers and seniors with limited mobility, a broken elevator can torpedo travel plans.” NEW JERSEYANS PLAN TO WEIGH IT DOWN WITH STONES, SINK IT IN AN ABANDONED MINE — “Buoyant NJ tax-revenue outlook boosts forecast by $360M,” by NJ Spotlight News’ John Reitmeyer: “Despite concerns about a potential recession and the impact of drastic policy changes up for consideration in Washington, D.C., state government revenue forecasters in New Jersey are saying tax collections are going to grow more than they first thought. For starters, upgraded economic projections released last week for the remaining months of state government’s July-to-June fiscal year added more than $360 million to the expected bottom line in the near term, pushing the grand total for annual revenue collections to $54.9 billion. Leading the way was the income tax, which is now projected to generate more than $20 billion by the time this fiscal year closes at the end of June, according to updated budget documents released by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration.” SOME DOGE BOYS JUST GOT A RAISE — “A racist and pornographic Zoom bomb causes progressive group to cancel event with NJ governor candidate Ras Baraka,” by the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Aliya Schneider: “A progressive organization’s Zoom event with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to discuss his campaign for New Jersey governor was abruptly cancelled on Sunday after a racist and pornographic cyber attack broke loose. Action Together New Jersey organized the informational event about Baraka’s campaign to kickoff a series spotlighting candidates for governor. Baraka is one of two Black men running for the seat in a crowded primary. Sunday’s Zoom attack was multi-pronged, according to people who attended the meeting. The chaos included pornographic videos of Black men, racist slurs and attacks, and what appeared to be a young boy — or bot disguised as one — praising President Donald Trump. The civic advocacy group and progressive Democrat have both experienced similar attacks before.” — “Baraka files over 11,000 signatures on nominating petitions” — “Atlantic County Democrats back Sweeney for governor” — “N.J. drops nearly 225,000 from voter rolls” — “Medicaid risk? Murphy budget relies on extra federal funding” — “New Atlantic City casino PILOT talks on hold due to budget uncertainty” — “Gun legislation sparks disagreement among New Jersey Republicans” — “Brennan and Bhalla call on Gov. Murphy to conditionally veto ballot redesign bill” | | | | A message from New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers:  
| | | | | TRUMP ERA | |
POWELL GETS CHUBB — “Federal Reserve Bank will bring its cash center to Central Jersey,” by MyCentralJersey’s Mike Deak: “The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has bought the former Chubb Insurance headquarters at Mountain View Road and I-78 to build a 400,823-square-foot building to manage the circulation of cash and coins. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York purchased the 118-acre site for $57.35 million in December … according to the bank, the center will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. About 40 workers will work early morning and late evening shifts … The new center will support the New York Fed’s critical cash processing services and operations, including the circulation of U.S. dollars and coins to support economic activity. The center's goal is to ensure that sufficient currency is in circulation to meet public demand by paying, receiving, verifying, and authenticating currency on behalf of banks and credit unions.” — “Rep. Menendez named regional vice chair of DCCC ahead of midterm elections” | | | | CALIFORNIA DECODED: The technology industry and its key characters are driving the national political narrative right now, but it is also a uniquely California story. To understand how the Golden State is defining tech policy and politics within its borders and beyond, we’ve launched POLITICO Pro Technology: California Decoded. This new daily newsletter will track how industry players in Silicon Valley are trying to influence state and national lawmakers – and how government officials are encouraging or foiling those figures. Sign up now to get a limited, free trial of this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. | | | | | | | LOCAL | |
IMPEACH PLATKIN! — “Paterson makes it through month without anyone getting shot. First time in 14 years,” by the Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “For the first time in more than 14 years, the city made it through an entire calendar month in February without anyone getting shot … Public officials and community leaders attributed the February lull in gun violence to a variety of factors. The month started with federal authorities announcing indictments against 11 alleged members of the violent 100k Enterprise street gang from North Main Street. Paterson had already seen a substantial increase in police presence in high-crime areas, through extra patrols paid for with $8 million in overtime in 2024. The money for that overtime mostly came from an infusion of state funding because of the Attorney General’s ongoing takeover of the Paterson police department. Activists asserted that grassroots crime intervention programs run by community groups also have played a role in stopping shootings. On top of all that, most people cited the unusually cold weather this winter as being a major factor in curtailing gun violence.”
CHRIS SMITH TO BLAME ANTIFA — “Medicaid cuts: How many millions could your Monmouth or Ocean County hospital lose?” by the Asbury Park Press’ Michael L. Diamond: “The Jersey Shore's health care providers could see millions of dollars in cuts — and thousands of its residents could lose insurance coverage — under a plan by Republican lawmakers to scale back Medicaid, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone and advocates argued Friday. The proposed cuts of at least $880 billion nationwide over the next decade would ripple through the Shore's hospitals, nursing homes and home health programs — just as the giant baby boomer population continues to retire and is expected to need more care, they said. ‘This is simply unacceptable,’ Pallone said. ‘We can't have this level of cuts.’” THEY’VE GOT NO MONEY TO TAKE — “Tropicana Atlantic City says it's being 'overrun' with homeless,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s John O’Connor: “Tropicana Atlantic City has been feeling the effects of the resort’s homelessness problem as dozens have been finding their way into the building daily to shelter from the cold weather, an executive told city officials Friday. 'Over the last six weeks or so, we’ve been completely overrun here,' Chris Downey, Tropicana’s vice president of casino operations, said during the city’s Clean and Safe meeting. 'We’re evicting about 20 people a day, so we’re really fighting a rising tide here. In fact, we evicted 13 Friday morning alone.' Homeless people enter the building through a variety of entrances, including fire stairs. Police remove them from the property, but that doesn’t deter them from coming back, Downey said.” TRENTON — “N.J. pastor used mystery substance to knock out, sexually assault teen, cops say,” by NJ Advance Media’s Anthony G. Attirino: “A Trenton pastor charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old used a substance in an unmarked bottle to incapacitate the teen on two occasions, authorities said. Charles B. Brinson, 64, was arrested on Feb. 19 … The 16-year-old told officers the first assault occurred in mid-January and the second on Feb. 12 at Brinson’s home on Brinton Avenue, according to an affidavit filed by police in support of the charges. Both assaults occurred in the pastor’s bedroom, where Brinson kept 'a bottle of a clear substance and a black top with no labels on it,' authorities said. Brinson placed the substance to the 16-year-old’s nose, which caused the teen to lose consciousness, authorities said.” FLASHBACK TO 2018 — “Trenton council may backtrack on renaming street honoring family of pastor with ‘checkered’ past” DRUNK AND ORDERLY — “Hoboken officials tout first ever LepreCon with no arrests, just 49 calls for service,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “Hoboken officials are touting the first ever LepreCon bar crawl that resulted in no arrests this past weekend, with only 49 calls for service to the police department. Between Saturday at 12 noon and 4 a.m. on Sunday morning, there were 49 calls for service, including five special complaints: three for public urination, one for open container, and one for disorderly conduct, according to city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer. There were also 16 motor vehicle summonses issued, four ambulance calls, and zero occupancy violations issued by the fire department, in connection with the bar crawl. Last year, the St. Patrick’s Day-themed bar crawl resulted in five arrests, up from just two in 2023. — “Code enforcement officer tried to extort bribes from [Newark] business, officials say” — “Amid community outcry, ICE releases statement on arrests of N.J. restaurant owners” — “First NJ deadly bird flu case in feral cat found in Hunterdon County” — “CRDA launches $77M in energy upgrades at Atlantic City Convention Center, Boardwalk Hall” | | | | A message from New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers: Their Mistake. Your Bill.
Big auto manufacturers make billions but push car recall costs onto local dealerships and consumers, even refusing to pay a fair wage to the local technicians fixing their mistakes. Instead of taking responsibility, they find ways to shift the cost of their mistakes to hardworking families and small businesses.
A4380/S3309 ensures automakers cover their fair share--protecting workers, families, and local businesses from unfair financial burdens. This legislation holds automakers accountable, stopping them from shifting costs they should be paying onto you.
It's time to level the playing field. Support A4380/S3309 and make sure automakers pay their fair share.
Learn more and take action here. | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
HOW ABOUT LAYING OFF THE COMMERCIALS? — “BetMGM to lay off 83 workers at Jersey City headquarters as sports betting market slows,” by The Record’s Daniel Munoz: “BetMGM, one of the nation’s largest online gambling companies, will lay off 83 employees at its headquarters in Jersey City, as it copes with slower growth in the sports betting industry. The layoffs are set to go into effect on May 27, according to a public notice the company filed in late February with the New Jersey Department of Labor … Nationwide, sports betting revenue was down 29% in December, compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the American Gaming Association, a trade group.”
FANDUELING NARRATIVES — “FanDuel cuts the ribbon on new Jersey City office in Newport neighborhood,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “FanDuel cut the ribbon on a new Jersey City office in the Newport neighborhood, specifically 111 Town Square Place, on Thursday afternoon. ‘As a consequence of legislation I prime-sponsored launching a regulated and taxed sports betting market in NJ, @fanduel is bringing 400 jobs to Jersey City (out of nearly 2,000 in the industry now in JC) and today opened its offices here,’ state Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32) wrote on Instagram.” — “Drugmaker Eisai will cut 57 jobs at North Jersey headquarters” — “With 3 times as many wildfires already this year, New Jersey fears 'quite a fire season' is coming” — “Nearing one-year anniversary, Battleship New Jersey team reflects on dry dock experience” — “‘It’s cool’: Rutgers University is attracting a growing number of adult learners” — “Black South Jersey preachers seek to provide hope during turbulent times” | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | |
