Senator Tom Kean Calls on Governor to End Attacks on Freelance Reporters & The Media

Local Publisher Set to Reduce Community Coverage After Being Fined by State for Using Independent Contractors

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (photo) called on the Murphy Administration to end its attacks on

independent contractors and the media after the Westfield Leader was fined for not classifying freelance reporters and photographers as employees.

“Many people choose to freelance for a variety of reasons, and those self-employed individuals make it possible for small media outlets like the Westfield Leader to offer comprehensive coverage of local government meetings, school sports, and community events,” said Kean. “Unfortunately, the Westfield Leader has been forced to end its freelance program completely after being fined by the Murphy Administration. I’d like for Governor Murphy to explain to the Leader’s many former contributors how his assault on the company that paid them has improved their situation or that of the community they proudly served. This is a clear example of how the Governor’s flawed labor policies will hurt New Jersey families and further erode a media industry that is already struggling to survive.”

According to the Westfield Leader

, it was forced to end its freelance program after the New Jersey Department of Labor fined the paper’s publisher going back to 2015 for not treating freelance reporters and photographers as employees.

Under the Governor’s direction, the State has fined a variety of businesses and services,

including Uber

, that have allowed freelancers and independent contractors the freedom to work when they want and the opportunity to earn extra income at their own pace.

Kean has been a vocal opponent

of efforts by Democrats in the Legislature to codify through

S-4204

the Murphy Administration’s treatment of independent contractors as employees under State law.

“Some people have a full-time job and want the opportunity to freelance to earn extra income to support their families, and others have caregiver responsibilities that prevent them from working traditional 9 to 5 jobs,” added Kean. “In 2020, we shouldn’t limit people’s ability to work based on some outdated 1950s mentality of what a job should be. Governor Murphy should stop denying the overtaxed people of New Jersey any opportunity to work.”

Camden County Offering Free Senior & Disabled Legal Workshop

The Camden County Board of Freeholders, the Department of Health and Human Services – Division of Senior and Disabled Services, and the Surrogate’s Office are holding free legal workshops for senior and disabled residents of Camden County. Those attending the workshop receive, at no cost, a Last Will and Testament, an Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will), and Power of Attorney.

Senior participants are required to be Camden County residents aged 60 and over, while disabled citizens must be aged 18 and over. Workshops are limited to 35 people per session and pre-registration is required. All workshops are held at the Camden County Store at the Voorhees Town Center. To register, please call (856) 566-2920.

January Workshops:

Monday,

January 6th at 2 PM

– pick up February 6th

Monday

January 13th at 2 PM

– pick up February 13th

Monday,

January 21st at 2 PM

– pick up February 20th

Monday,

January 27th at 6 PM

– pick up February 27th

People Like Pennsylvania But…..

By Steve Bittenbender |

The Center Square

The number of Americans on the move might have reached a 65-year-low in 2019, but Census Bureau data shows Pennsylvania ranked among the top states for both attracting and losing residents.

A recent report

by STORAGECafé, which bills itself as a storage rental marketplace, reports that Pennsylvania is the 10th most popular destination for people moving from another

state. In 2018, the state attracted 253,000 newcomers.

Pennsylvania attracted more residents from New Jersey than anywhere else. The site reported that 44,000 people crossed the Delaware River to make the Keystone State their new home.

Yet, the report, which uses Census Bureau data, indicates only six states lost more residents. Pennsylvania saw 240,832 move out, with 17,000 moving next door to Ohio.

Part of the reason why so many may be making those moves is due to the fact they’re inexpensive. Moving the possessions from a two-bedroom home in New Jersey to Pennsylvania cost, on average, about $2,400. That was the least expensive interstate move.

Pennsylvanians moving to Ohio paid average moving costs of about $2,500. Nearly 10,000 people moved from Pennsylvania to Delaware, at an average cost of up to $3,700 per move.

STORAGECafé worked with United Van Lines in determining the moving costs and did not factor packing or insurance.

Earlier this year, the Pew Charitable Trusts

released a study

about the migration patterns for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city. The study noted that about 60,000 residents leave the city annually, roughly 10,000 more than it attracts.

Of those who left the region, the main reason for moving elsewhere was because of job opportunities. Pew research indicated that 44 percent moved away for work; the next highest response – moving closer to friends and family – garnered just 11 percent of respondents.

Pew said since it was the first time such a study had been conducted, it was uncertain if these issues are lingering ones within the city.

“What is clear is that there is not one overarching reason for relocating,” the Pew report states. “Most of those who left Philadelphia characterized themselves not as fleeing the city but, rather, as seeking new opportunities elsewhere.”

The Census Bureau reported that 31.4 million Americans moved in 2019. That’s the lowest total since 1954, and the percentage of Americans who moved, just 9.8 was an all-time low since the bureau began tracking residential moves in 1947.

Of those who moved, about 4.6 million moved to a new state.

published here with permission of The Center Square

U.S. Democratic Primary Congressional Candidate John Flora (NJ-10) Says Media Attacks are Unfair

January 3, 2020,

OPEN LETTER FROM US DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JOHN FLORA (NJ-10)

“Dear Reader:

The media has put a spin on my words and has framed me as an anti-Semite. That is simply not true. My name is John Flora. I am a teacher and resident of Jersey City.

I hear what goes on and I see what goes on. I also know about distractions to progress.

This allegation and gas-lighting from a radio “personality” has distracted everyone from my words. I was not speaking against the Jewish community. I was speaking for them. I was also speaking for the Black community. I was speaking for the entire community. Why is that being framed as anti-Semitic?

I am being accused of supporting actions against Jews by someone who obviously doesn’t even know my life path. I already released a statement on the massacre that occurred in my neighborhood, attended interfaith vigils, visited the shooting site, and was on the news discussing the tragic events as a concerned parent. But 101.5 radio personality Judi Franco must have missed all of that.

I never condoned hateful words at an inappropriate time. I also do not agree with the actions taken by the media to twist my press release and say I was holding a vigil for the accused. My message was that we still need to talk as a city, as a nation. The radio station responded by email stating “Our initial reporting mischaracterized what your news release said. We have corrected the body of the article”.

The discovery of this radio host’s op-ed of my alleged racism comes to a surprise to my friends and family who know me. My record of helping my environment and teaching children of all faiths and backgrounds is certainly not reflected in her opinion of me. I have done nothing but celebrate the diversity of Jersey City and will continue that work for NJ-10. I refuse to let a radio personality, especially one suspended from her job for referring to the Attorney General of New Jersey as “Turban Man”, to smear my reputation. She is simply lying to all of you about me.

To be very clear, there is a problem in Jersey City and elsewhere that is causing anti-Semitic feelings. I do not validate these feelings. I just know they still exist and need to be repaired. Everyone involved should be searching for more tolerance, not more division spurred by misleading headlines.

I am running as a progressive Democratic Primary Candidate in New Jersey’s 10

Congressional District. Our campaign is spreading a message of hope, tolerance, and love for all, and I will always demand that for my constituency. But I will not sit back and become someone taken down for sheer lies and mistruths.

In Solidarity,

John Flora

Thomas C. Epley of Runnemede age 62

Thomas C. Epley, suddenly on January 3, 2020, of Runnemede. Age 62.

Beloved husband to Eleanor (nee Guenette). Devoted father to Lisa Ramtahal (Antonio). Loving grandfather to Hanna, Elisabeth, and Juliet. Cherished son of Margaret (nee Todd) and the late Millard B. Epley Jr. Dear brother to the late Millard B. Epley III “Bud”.

There will be a viewing from 9am to 11am Wednesday at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Funeral service 11am at the funeral home.

Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville.

Family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Thomas’s memory to Trinity Lutheran Church 200 E Clements Bridge Road Runnemede, NJ 08078.

Egg Harbor Township Man Murdered in his Home

MAYS LANDING- A 24 year-old man is the victim of a fatal shooting in his Egg Harbor Township home, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

At 11:20 p.m., Thursday, January 2, Egg Harbor Township Police received a 911 call with a report of a shooting at 109 Vermont Avenue. When police arrived they found a male resident of the home who was the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. Arturo Barrera III was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy will be performed today. No arrests have been made and this appears to be an isolated shooting incident. This shooting is an active and ongoing investigation in coordination with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at

609-909-7800

or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at

http://www.acpo.org/tips.html

and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at

609-652-1234

1-800-658-8477

(TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at

http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/

. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

Democrat Congressional Candidate Flora Says ICE Contract with Essex County Jail Has To Go!

(January 4, 2020)–US Democratic Primary Congressional Candidate John Flora (NJ-10) has a clear message for leadership in Essex County.

“We are a sanctuary state, not a detention state,” said Flora. This comment comes in response to the Essex County Freeholders’ recent decision to approve the creation of a civilian task force to oversee the Essex County Correctional Facility. “We need to stop housing ICE detainees in Newark. It has succeeded more in tearing families apart than in finding criminals or making our neighborhoods safer.”

Flora is well aware that Essex County has received over $2 million dollars from ICE for their facilities to hold ICE captives. ICE has the power to hold people without proper justification simply due to immigration status or allegations.

“This issue shouldn’t be decided by revenue,” said Flora. “Our country touts the idea of family values on one hand, and then destroys them with the other. As a new father and teacher of immigrant children, I find this practice abhorrent.”

The Jersey City teacher has experienced the result of broken families in his daily work. Flora believes this panel is a waste of time and resources. He directly challenges the County Executive Joey DiVincenzo’s recent comments: “Creating the Civilian Task Force is an example of what we can accomplish when people with different perspectives work together.” But Flora believes that “Families aren’t separated when different perspectives work together.” DiVincenzo’s statement that “My goal…is to operate a safe and professionally run jail” was also challenged. Flora had the following to say: “I can’t see anything ‘safe’ and ‘professional’ about keeping children from their parents?”

Local protestors have responded that creating a citizen board is really just a distraction. “The real issue at hand is whether or not we even want an ICE center in our district,” said Flora.

Flora is set to run in the Democratic Primary as a replacement for long time incumbent Donald Payne Jr in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. Before being elected to Congress, while serving as an Essex County Freeholder, Donald Payne voted in favor of a new contract with ICE that constituted a massive expansion of immigration detention in Essex County and in NJ. The new contract meant that 1250 immigrants would be held in the Essex County Jail and the neighboring privately run Delaney Hall as a favor for ICE.

“We need to protect families,” said Flora, “regardless of where they came from.”

NJBIA: IRS Figures Show Continued Outmigration of NJ\’s Adjusted Gross Income

According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data released last week, New Jersey experienced an outflow of nearly $3.2 billion in Individual Income Tax Return Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for tax year 2017-2018.

With this added net loss of AGI, New Jersey\’s total net loss is $28.1 billion over a 13-year period, dating back to 2004-2005.

\”This continuing outflow of income tax returns speaks to our declining competitiveness in the region and the nation,\” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. \”We need to improve our state\’s economy through comprehensive planning and reform, rather than excessive taxation, which serves as the trigger for people to want to leave our great state.\”

In 2017-2018, New Jersey recorded an inflow of $8.3 billion in income tax returns, compared to $11.5 billion in income tax return outflow.

Data shows that New Jersey\’s regional competitors – New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware and Connecticut – received 41% of New Jersey\’s outmigrated AGI in 2017-2018.

NJBIA has historically tracked this data and will have further updates on the latest IRS findings in the coming weeks.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec.16-29

Reminder for the week: Renew your boat registration and purchase your 2020 fishing license

DOVER (Jan. 3, 2020) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 16-29 made 1,459 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 48 citations. Officers responded to 58 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

On Dec. 19, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Daniel L. Wilson, 40, of Dover, for one count of theft under $1,500 following an investigation into theft of a trail camera near Little Creek. Wilson was arraigned through Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance, pending a future court appearance.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation:

Hunting migratory waterfowl before/after established shooting hours (1), hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1), hunting migratory waterfowl with illegal toxic shot (1), hunting migratory waterfowl over illegal bait (9), possession of unlawfully taken game – Canada geese (3), possession of over the limit Canada geese (1), removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking (1), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), and trespass to hunt (1).

Fisheries Conservation:

Unlicensed fishing (1) and trespass to fish (2).

Boating & Boating Safety:

Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), no navigation lights (1), and no boating safety certificate in possession (2).

Public Safety:

Striking an occupied dwelling with shot discharged from a firearm (1), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vessel (2), operating a motor vehicle at unreasonable speed (1), passing on a shoulder (1), possession of marijuana – civil (1), and possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other:

Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6)*, trespassing in a closed area on Division lands (2)*, target shooting on a state wildlife area (2)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (3), driving with a suspended or revoked license (1), and theft under $1,500 (1).

Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters, and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations. The Public are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to

http://de.gov/ogt

, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?

Boaters

– Delaware boat registrations expired Dec. 31, and must be renewed before taking boats out on the water in 2020. Boat owners can register their boats or renew their registrations online, through DNREC’s boat registration office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or through private boat registration agents statewide. To find a participating agent or to register your boat online, visit

Delaware Boat Registration Information

. For additional information on boat registration, call 302-739-9916.

Anglers

– It’s time to purchase your 2020 Delaware fishing licenses, as 2019 licenses expired Dec. 31. A valid fishing license is required by most individuals for fishing, crabbing, and clamming in Delaware in both tidal and non-tidal waters. Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at DNREC’s licensing desk at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by private license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit

Delaware licenses

. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

January Happenings at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Atlantic City, N.J. (

January 2, 2020)

– Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is kicking off 2020 by extending their “Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge,” launching a new menu in Hard Rock Cafe, offering Dim Sum for the Chinese New Year and introducing

NuFace

and

NuBody

products in Rock Spa

& Salon. Entertainment continues to hit a high note with the return of boxing and Latin-music icon Marc Anthony taking center stage among many others performing at the resort destination.

Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will offer a chart-topping

“Winter Escape Package”

starting at $79, which includes an overnight stay (Monday through Thursday), a $60 dining credit to be used at Fresh Harvest Buffet and two tickets to Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club® Monday through Thursday. Book your stay today at

hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

Casino

“Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge”

– The $500,000 Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge continues through the playoffs ending on January 21 with $25,000 in weekly prizes. Wild Card Members can select their picks every day, each week for up to seven entries per week (1 entry per day) for the Sunday and Monday games at the Pro Football Pick\’em Kiosks. The winning teams can be viewed on Tuesdays at Wild Card Services or online at

HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com

. Weekly winners can receive up to $10,000 cash for the most correct picks and 600 random winners will receive $25 in Free Play.

2X Tier Points

– Play your favorite slots or table games on January 4 and January 20 from noon until 8 p.m. and earn 2x Tier Points. You must be a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card Reward Member to qualify, and you must be 21-years and older with valid proof of age to participate.

Food & Beverage

Hard Rock Cafe

–

The legendary Hard Rock Cafe will be launching their new menu on January 29. Some of the new items on the menu include One Night In Bangkok Spicy Shrimp™, Buffalo Style Sliders, the Hot Fudge Mini Milkshake and the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a portion of all proceeds from the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™ will benefit Action Against Hunger to assist in the fight against world hunger.

Chinese New Year’s Dim Sum at Song

– To celebrate Chinese New Year’s, Hard Rock Atlantic City will be re-opening SONG for a traditional Dim Sum menu on Sunday afternoon, January 26. Chinese Dim Sum is prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate and usually served with tea.

Rock Spa® & Salon Specials

A “Nu” Day has come to Rock Spa® & Salon as they introduce

NuFace

and

NuBody

for a “Nu” you in 2020.

“Forever Young” Facial – 50 minutes – $95

Introducing the i-Genesis ritual with Derm Young products and NuFace microcurrent technology. Designed to help promote optimal cell to cell communication to bring out the radiance from within. These natural proprietary Derm Young ingredients will activate your inner repair system to correct existing damage and prevent future problems as well as microcurrent to lift and tone leaving a rejuvenated more youthful appearance.

“The Shape of You” Body Contour Treatment – 50 minutes – $95 or a Series of three – $255 ($85 value)

Remodel your silhouette with firmer contours. The plant-based shaping complex, with notes of orange and mimosa helps to improve skin tone and elasticity. This service now features the added benefits of NuBody microcurrent technology which is clinically shown to improve the appearance of body skin while smoothing away the look of dimples. Tone, smooth and firm the “Shape of You.”

Renewal Massage – 50 minutes – $90, 80 minutes – $150

Classic light to medium pressure massage offering the perfect escape from daily stress. Long gliding strokes relax the body and ease the mind. The perfect way to start the new year.

Celebrate your feet with Bubbly – 50 minutes – $55

Pop the cork and celebrate your feet with our Champagne pedicure. Champagne oil is high in

antioxidants and helps make the skin glow.

Book your treatment today by calling (609) 449-5380.

Entertainment

1/6 – 1/9 – Chris Franjola & Richie Holliday – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/11 – Top Rank Boxing: Hart Vs Smith – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/13 – 1/14 & 1/16 – Tom Cotter & Kerri Louise – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/18 – Sounds of Philadelphia featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes and The Manhattans – Sound Waves

1/20 – 1/23 – Keifer Thompson & Dale Jones – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/25 – Marc Anthony Opus Tour – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/29 & 1/30 – JF Harris & Greg Warren – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club