Speaker Coughlin Statement on the Retirement of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman

“Bonnie Watson Coleman has served the people of New Jersey well. From her nearly two decades in the General Assembly to her time served in Congress, she’s been a fierce advocate for working families, social justice, and the communities that too often were left without a seat at the table. She led by example – making history as the first woman of color to represent New Jersey in Congress. That milestone was only the continuation of a career defined by opening doors for others. “New Jersey, and our nation, are better off today because of her service. While she may not be seeking reelection, her legacy will surely guide and inspire the work we all do and believe in for generations to come. It has been an honor to serve alongside her, and I wish her all the best in the days ahead.”

Capitulation is unacceptable

The political calculus could not be more straightforward, yet the Democratic leadership in the Senate seems determined to ignore it.

The American electorate is not confused; they see a Republican monopoly on power in Washington, and they are holding the GOP solely responsible for this manufactured crisis.

This isn’t mere speculation—it is the unequivocal verdict delivered by every major poll and, more importantly, by the recent electoral rebellions from coast to coast, where voters rejected Trumpism and its savage assault on health care, but spineless Senate Democrats may appear eager to snatch defeat from the jaws of a certain victory.

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Schumer’s Shutdown Continues

We are on Day 41 of the Schumer Shutdown, the longest government shutdown in the history of the United States. The Democrats shut down the government because they want to show the radical left wing in their base that they really, really hate Donald Trump. It takes 60 votes to fund the government, yet Democrats refuse to join Republicans in reopening it. Fourteen times Republicans have voted to open the government, and fourteen times Democrats have voted to keep it closed. Meanwhile, over 50,000 TSA agents and 14,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, struggling to feed their families while Chuck Schumer says that “every day gets better for us.”

Rest assured, despite the Schumer Shutdown, my office remains open, and we continue to do our jobs every day to serve the great people of Texas.

READ: Sen. Ted Cruz warns shutdown is bringing flight cancellations, delays to Texas airports

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Congressman Van Drew Urges Gov. Elect to Take Action on Energy Costs

Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after Atlantic City Electric (ACE) stated it will work with Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill to reduce energy costs for New Jersey residents.”I hope ACE and Governor-elect Sherrill are serious about lowering energy costs because families in South Jersey are hitting their breaking point,” said Congressman Van Drew. “People cannot keep paying these sky-high bills every month. Freezing the current rates is not enough.

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ACP Statement on New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Results

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from ACP CEO Jason Grumet after Mikie Sherrill was announced as the winner of New Jersey’s gubernatorial race:
“The American Clean Power Association congratulates Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill on her election as New Jersey’s next governor.

“Governor-elect Sherrill campaigned on the need for bold action to reduce family energy costs. ACP welcomes the Governor-elect’s recognition that clean power is key to meeting demand and keeping costs low. ACP looks forward to engaging with the Sherrill administration and policymakers across the Garden State to strengthen energy reliability, meet rising demand, and ensure access to affordable, local power for families and businesses.
“New Jersey has long demonstrated leadership in advancing clean energy, and Mikie Sherrill will be a strong champion for the industry. As electricity needs grow, continued investment in clean energy will play an important role in supporting the state’s economy and energy security.”

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Hesgeth meets with South Korea at DMZ

(South Korea Defense Ministry)

Hegseth meets with South Korean counterpart along DMZ, Ukraine receives more U.S.-made Patriot systems, and need for support in military communities grow as government shutdown continues.

1. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas on Monday as he began a two-day visit to ally South Korea for security talks. Hegseth and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back received a briefing from military officials at Observation Post Ouellette, a site near the military demarcation line that past U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump during his first term in 2019, had visited to peer across the border into North Korea and meet with American soldiers. Hegseth and Ahn also visited the Panmunjom border village, where an armistice was signed to pause the 1950-53 Korean War. Ahn’s ministry said the visit “reaffirmed the firm combined defense posture and close coordination” between the allies. Hegseth did not mention North Korea, which has ignored Washington and Seoul’s calls for dialogue in recent years while accelerating the expansion of its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

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Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!

Cleary’s Notebook News Opinion

This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.

Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change.

Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.

For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.

A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy. Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years.

Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background.

**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**

Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.

The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.

**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**

This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.

**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**

A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.

*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf. source AI

RNC Statement on Democrats 13th Vote to Shutdown Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters issued the following statement after Senate Democrats voted again to prolong their government shutdown:

“President Trump and Republicans in Congress have fought repeatedly to pass a clean CR and deliver relief to the American families being hurt by this shutdown,” said Chairman Gruters. “Democrats have now voted 13 times to shut down the government — holding American workers hostage because they want taxpayers to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants. Today marks the first day air traffic controllers stop receiving their full paycheck, and every day from here only gets harder for families struggling with gas, childcare, and everyday costs. Democrats would rather side with illegal immigrants than reopen the government for the citizens they were elected to serve. It’s disgraceful.”

SNAP benefits set to be suspended due to shutdown

This week, New Jersey was notified by the Trump administration that if the shutdown continues, November 2025 SNAP benefits will not be available on November 1.

“The Camden County Board of Commissioners is dedicated to supporting our residents throughout this extreme period of uncertainty. In Camden County, approximately 75,000 residents currently receive SNAP benefits, and the loss of these benefits will result in our seniors, children, and other hardworking residents experiencing unprecedented levels of food insecurity.” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “Our community is fortunate to have a number of food banks available to help support those in need, and we encourage those who are able to, to donate to their local food bank.”

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New Liquor License Bill Opens Revenue Doors for New Jersey’s Performing Arts Venues

BURLINGTON, N.J. – (October 2025) — ArtPride New Jersey applauds the passage of new liquor license legislation, which received strong bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
The bill expands eligibility to include nonprofit and for-profit theaters and small movie theaters across the state. This landmark legislation is a powerful economic driver for New Jersey, especially for arts organizations still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This new law unlocks the ability for eligible performance venues—including independent and nonprofit movie theaters with up to three screens—to apply for and benefit from liquor licenses. The legislation serves as a vital tool for arts organizations to diversify revenue streams, attract new audiences, and offset funding gaps, including potential reductions in federal support from agencies like the National Endowment for the Arts.

“We are incredibly grateful for Governor Murphy and the legislators who supported this bill, extending a lifeline to live performing arts venues in our state,” says Sara Scully, ArtPride New Jersey board member, co-founder, and former Executive Director at Hopewell Theater. “We, at Hopewell Theater (HT), advocated for this legislation because it provides an opportunity for HT and theaters like it to expand the experience they can offer patrons and to remain competitive.” Hopewell Theater closed a year and a half ago due to rising costs and the inability to obtain a liquor license – a key income source for live venues. Scully and associates are now working to re-envision what’s next for HT given the bill’s passage.

“We are thrilled to hear this news, both for HT and for all the other theaters that will benefit from this opportunity.”A Strategic Move for Economic VitalityNew Jersey’s nonprofit arts and culture industry already generates $692.1 million annually, supporting nearly 13,000 jobs and producing over $156.6 million in tax revenue for state and local governments. The addition of this earned income stream through liquor sales further strengthens the sector’s self-sustainability, allowing organizations to reinvest in programming, staff, and community outreach.

This legislation also levels the playing field, recognizing that nonprofit and for-profit venues often serve similar public functions and face the same financial pressures. The change provides a welcome path forward for small businesses and organizations that had been previously priced out of traditional liquor licenses—some of which were valued at over $1.5 million, as in the case of the Hopewell Theater.

Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, Vice-Chair of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee, emphasized the importance of the new legislation, stating:
“Nonprofit theaters play a vital role in making our communities vibrant, both culturally and economically. While some theaters previously had access to beverage licenses, the process was narrow and limited in scope. This legislation expands eligibility and removes unnecessary barriers—giving more small theaters the opportunity to enhance the audience experience and support their long-term sustainability. I am proud to have worked with Senators Sarlo and Gopal, Assemblywoman Carter, and our partners in the arts to advance this bill. I look forward to seeing it strengthen neighborhoods, support local jobs, and help the arts thrive throughout the state.”

Community Revitalization with Cultural RootsBeyond internal revenue, the impact will ripple through local economies. More vibrant venue experiences translate into greater foot traffic, extended visitor stays, and increased patronage at nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels.“This legislation recognizes that arts and culture are central to thriving downtowns,” said Adam Perle, President & CEO of ArtPride New Jersey. “When theaters and performance spaces succeed, they don’t just benefit audiences—they energize entire communities, creating opportunities for small businesses, tourism, and long-term economic growth.”Next Steps & Oversight

The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is currently developing implementation procedures. While details about license transferability and insurance remain under review, ArtPride New Jersey will continue to advocate for responsible, equitable rollouts that center the needs of arts organizations.
This legislative win was made possible through a collaborative advocacy effort led by ArtPride New Jersey, local theaters, the New Jersey Independent Venue Association, and government partners. The foundation was laid during the height of the pandemic, when the urgency to help shuttered venues became a rallying point for statewide reform.

Reflecting on the importance of this legislative milestone, State Senator Vin Gopal shared:
“Local theaters and arts organizations have profound impacts on our communities, both culturally and economically. I’m proud to have been a part of this legislation that will help to support and grow New Jersey’s local arts,” said State Senator Vin Gopal.