March 17, 2026 - Page 2 of 2 -

Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement after the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced Bill A3967. The legislation would require the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to work with neighboring states to research and recommend certain action concerning electric capacity and transmission.

“PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., the regional transmission organization responsible for managing the electric grid across 13 states and the District of Columbia, has, for far too long, worked in ways that do not benefit our state. From failing to connect new energy generation to presiding over massive spikes in capacity costs, their actions are detrimental to New Jersey residents. New Jerseyans deserve better. They deserve to know if better systems are possible, systems that work in their best interest and are not harmful to families and businesses across the state and throughout the region.

“I’m pleased that the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced my bill today. My colleagues and I continue to work to bring relief to New Jersey ratepayers. Tasking BPU to work with neighboring states to explore the idea of leaving PJM is an important way that we can do that.”

Today at 11 a.m. at Riletta Twyne Cream Early Childhood Center, Camden, officers from the Camden County Police Department will read to kindergarten students. The visit celebrates another successful year of the Bookmates program in partnership with the Camden City School District and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey.

“The CCPD has been participating in Bookmates since 2015, and it has become a regular act of mentoring the children and students of our city,” said Chief Gabriel Rodriguez. “Officers who participate in Bookmates are not just helping young students become better readers, they’re helping them build their confidence, and reminding them that police officers are here to help. In the past, the first time a child may have encountered an officer is when something bad happened, now with this program and through our unity policing initiatives, those same children get to see the people behind the badge, and experience positive interactions.”

Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, Mayor Victor Carstarphen, State Superintendent Alfonso Llano Jr., and other local leaders will be in attendance as well to talk to students about the importance of reading.