Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson today slammed the New Jersey Superior Court’s Appellate Division’s opinion vacating two previous rulings on PILOT programs with casinos after a two-year wait. “The Appellate Court never indicated the trial court made a mistake, but rather the procedure was flawed because it relied on certified legal affidavits as opposed to sworn testimony,” Levinson said. “I am told that in 99% of similar cases, certified affidavits are the norm, not the exception.”
Attorney General Matt Platkin and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn LaTourette announced an environmental justice settlement over long-standing gasoline and waste oil contamination at a former gas station and garage in Orange, along with environmental enforcement actions at gas stations in Newark and Irvington, an auto dismantling business in Trenton, and the Rivers Edge Mall in Long Branch.
The New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors has endorsed State Sen. Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon), a Democrat, for Congress in the 9th district. “Her leadership in the New Jersey State Senate, particularly on issues that resonate with the Latino population, makes her the ideal candidate to represent our communities in Washington, D.C.,” the group said.
A bipartisan group of mayors and local elected officials met with Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) to discuss their concerns over delays at New Jersey Transit. “New Jerseyans deserve better than a ‘Summer of Hell’ year after year – so I’m fighting to build an affordable, accessible public transportation system that our families can rely on,” Sherrill stated. “That’s why, prior to my meeting with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, I wanted to hear directly from mayors from across my district to learn more about the most pressing transit issues families are facing.”
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) presented an $850,000 check to fund pedestrian and bike paths in Merchantville. “Community Project Funding grants invest in our communities and support economic development, job creation, and critical projects that improve the quality of life,” said Norcross. “I’m proud to have secured this funding for the Borough of Merchantville to upgrade our infrastructure and enhance safe recreational opportunities for our neighbors.”
Legislation to fund summer tuition aid grants sponsored by State Sens. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) and Robert Singer (R-Lakewood) was signed into law today. “As tuition rates continue to rise, this bill makes a critical investment in financial aid, empowering students to reach their academic goals faster with less debt,” Singer said. Linda Carter (D-Plainfield), Cody Miller (D-Monroe), and Luanne Peterpaul (D-Long Branch) sponsored the bill in the Assembly.
New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech attended a rally to save Hoboken University Medical Center and Christ Hospital in Jersey City; they employ a combined 2,000 union members and are in danger of closing.
A new law sponsored by State Sens. Carmen Amato (R-Berkley) and Anthony Bucco (R-Boonton) to increase penalties for residential home burglaries was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday. I’m glad to see that the Governor worked with Republicans to prioritize the safety of our most vulnerable residents,” said Amato. “We represent a significant senior population in South Jersey that will benefit greatly from this law deterring criminals from breaking into and burglarizing our homes.”
A new garden was dedicated last week at The Guidance Center in Millville in honor of the late James Hurley, who served as minority leader in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature.