Karabinchak Applauds Advancement of Bill

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.”

Bill Protecting Reproductive Health Privacy Advances

Two bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis aimed at protecting the privacy and safety of individuals seeking reproductive health care advanced from the Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee this week. The bills reflect New Jersey’s continued commitment to safeguarding reproductive freedom while protecting the privacy of patients and providers at a time when laws governing reproductive health care vary widely across the country.

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Statement By Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin

“As we begin our review of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, I thank the Governor for partnering with the Legislature in fulfilling our promise of making New Jersey more affordable. Once again dedicating nearly half of the Appropriations Act to direct and indirect property tax relief sends a clear and decisive message to our taxpayers that Trenton is serious about supporting its residents, schools and local communities.
“I appreciate and accept the Governor’s call to make tough budget decisions in the face of federal cuts and tariffs, a slowing economy, and lower corporate tax revenue. With our budget process just starting, the Assembly is prepared to do the hard work on behalf of the people of New Jersey like we did in achieving a full pension payment and full school formula funding. I have full faith in Budget Chair Pintor Marin and the Assembly Budget Committee in its forthcoming review and will look for cuts and efficiencies like we have always done and we will produce a balanced, responsible budget that reflects the values of working families in New Jersey.
“I am also proud to see that for the sixth straight year, the budget proposes to fully fund our pension obligations, and that the Sherrill administration is making a record investment in K-12 aid to help maintain the best public schools in the nation. The funding for New Jersey’s property tax relief programs is also important, and I look forward to working with the Governor to strengthen those programs and make them sustainable for years to come.
“I resume my call on our Congressional delegation and President Trump to reverse course on the cruel and unnecessary cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP that will tax our budget and more importantly that of our families who will find our state’s healthcare providers and our grocery stores, bodegas and farmers struggling to pay their bills. Equally frustrating, we learned that the federal changes set to take effect in January will cost New Jersey taxpayers $100 million in new, unnecessary bureaucratic costs that should be borne by the federal government.
“It is against this backdrop that the Assembly Budget Committee will start its budget review process, beginning with two public budget hearings that allow New Jersey residents to testify on the proposed spending plan. The Governor has presented her budget proposal, and now it is the duty of the Legislature to vet and finalize a fiscally responsible FY27 spending plan. As we approach the months ahead, I look forward to hearing from the public in order to reach a budget agreement that reflects our values, delivers on our promises of affordability and creates a brighter future for the families of our state.”

Statement By Assemblywoman Pintor

“As Governor Sherrill announces her spending plan for the upcoming Fiscal Year, the Legislature is preparing to begin its most important responsibility of the year, taking a careful and comprehensive look at how our state will invest in its people and its future. In the weeks ahead, the Assembly Budget Committee will hold hearings on the budget, hearing directly from state agencies, advocates, and residents from across New Jersey to better understand where our attention must be focused, ensuring that every voice is heard.

“The work ahead will require careful review and thoughtful debate as we work to keep our promise to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that the needs of New Jersey residents are fully considered. As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I am committed to present a balanced budget, that reflects the priorities of our families.”

RSC Members Call for Democrats to End Political Games

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In Case You Missed It: Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) are calling for Congressional Democrats to end their political games and reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Last week, more than 200 House Democrats voted against DHS funding, leaving the agency hobbled as an alleged ISIS-inspired attack struck New York City this weekend and TSA wait times surged to nearly three hours at major airports.

With national security threats mounting at home, Democrats are choosing partisan politics over the safety of the American people.

RSC Members are demanding answers from Democrats who voted to leave America’s homeland security apparatus dark during a heightened threat environment:

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Governor Sherrill’s First Budget: Recommitments to Energy Affordability, Holding Big Tech Accountable, Funding NJ Transit

Governor Sherrill presented her first budget address to the Legislature for fiscal year 2027 (FY27). New Jersey is facing a roughly $3 billion structural deficit heading into the year. The overall budget proposes a record $60.7 billion in funding.

In the address, the state dedicated funds to energy affordability through new clean energy generation, ensuring NJ Transit works for all, and committed to holding Big Tech and our grid operator, PJM, accountable.

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Bergen County GOP Endorses Rosie Pino for Congress

Councilwoman Rosie Pino, secured a decisive victory at the Bergen County GOP Convention, defeating Tiffany Burress with a commanding 57% to 43% of the vote. The results from the district’s largest county send a clear message: the grassroots momentum in NJ-09 belongs to a candidate who has a lifetime of roots in the community, and a career defined by winning.

Despite premature endorsements for the opposition from party bosses, the County Committee members — the heart and soul of the Republican Party — overwhelmingly chose Pino’s record of success over outside narratives. The victory effectively shifts the landscape of the race, establishing Rosie Pino as the clear frontrunner with the broad-based support necessary to flip the seat in November.

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Governor Sherrill and NJDOT Acting Commissioner Jain announce $1.2 million grant

Governor Mikie Sherrill andNew Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Acting Commissioner Priya Jain today announced a $1.2 million NJDOT grant to assist Phillipsburg in repairing Summit Avenue, a local road that was damaged when a sinkhole developed in February.

“This is what government does – bringing resources to an area where we need to make people whole after an unexpected calamity,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said. “We are providing $1.2 million to get the permanent fix in for this road to make sure people are kept safe and to make sure they are able to get back to work and get back in their homes.”

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Committee Advances Legislation Strengthening Advocacy for Patients with Developmental Disabilities

Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Margie Donlon designed to strengthen protections for hospital patients with developmental disabilities cleared the Assembly Health Committee today. This bill ensures a level of support for patients who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Bill A2259 would authorize patients with developmental disabilities to have a designated family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver to accompany them in accordance with hospital policies necessary to ensure patient safety, privacy, infection control and clinical care.

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Legislation to Strengthen Anti-Vaping Education in Schools and Colleges Clears Committee

The Assembly Health Committee today advanced legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Shanique Speight and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson that would require the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, to develop and distribute comprehensive guidelines to help schools and colleges implement on-campus anti-vaping awareness campaigns.

Under bill A2195, the Department of Health would create and update guidance that equips school districts and institutions of higher education with research-backed strategies to combat the rising use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults. The guidelines would be publicly available on each department’s website.