Category: GENERAL/POLITICAL NEWS

New Jersey General Assembly Holds Ceremonial Meeting at Princeton University

Meeting kicked off a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary 

Members of the New Jersey General Assembly held a ceremonial meeting today at historic Nassau Hall at Princeton University to begin a yearlong celebration of the country’s Semiquincentennial. The year 2026 also marks 250 years since the first New Jersey Legislature met in Nassau Hall in August of 1776, in the midst of the Revolutionary War and less than two months after New Jersey adopted its first constitution, declaring its independence from Great Britain. “Holding a commemorative meeting at Nassau Hall on the campus of Princeton University is truly an honor. These walls have borne witness to moments that shaped not just New Jersey, but our entire nation, and it was here that our state’s Legislature first met in 1776, at the dawn of a new and uncertain democracy,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This year, as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation and our Legislature, we’re reminded that history is not distant or abstract. It is alive in the institutions we serve and the responsibilities we carry forward.” “Princeton University is delighted to commemorate this milestone anniversary in our historic Nassau Hall, where the New Jersey legislature first assembled nearly 250 years ago,” Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber said. “The history of this great University and the great state of New Jersey are forever linked, and we look forward to continuing to work together to build a strong future.” Princeton President Eisgruber delivered a welcome message and was among the many dignitaries to attend today’s meeting. Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell, UK Consulate General Oliver Christian and Adjutant General, Brigadier General Yvonne Mays were also in attendance. During today’s meeting, the General Assembly presented several ceremonial resolutions. These included, but were not limited to, honoring the New Jersey National Guard and the unsung efforts of New Jerseyans during the American Revolution, commemorating consequential pieces of legislation enacted between 1776 and 1826, and celebrating the 280th anniversary of the founding of Princeton University. Several Assembly Democrats presented resolutions during the meeting. Those members included Assemblymen Roy Freiman, William F. Moen, Jr., Anthony S. Verrelli and Joe Danielsen, and Assemblywomen Melinda Kane, Mitchelle Drulis, Lisa Swain, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald led the Pledge of Allegiance. A full list of ceremonial resolutions presented during today’s meeting can be found in the New Jersey Assembly Democrats’ latest newsletter here. Photos and videos provided by Princeton University can be found here.

Calabrese Statement on the Trump Administration’s Withholding of Gateway Tunnel Project Funding

Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (D-Bergen, Passaic), Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, issued the following statement today on the Trump Administration withholding funding for the Gateway Tunnel Project.

“Withholding funding for the Gateway Tunnel Project threatens the transportation backbone of the Northeast Corridor and the economic stability of the United States. This short-sighted decision by the Trump Administration risks critical rail service, thousands of infrastructure jobs, and the mobility of millions.

“The Hudson River tunnels are part of the busiest passenger rail corridor in the country, connecting Washington, D.C. to Boston and serving hundreds of thousands of daily riders. These tunnels carry both NJ Transit commuters and riders on Amtrak, our national passenger rail service. Disruptions here ripple across the entire system, impacting regional economies and national travel.

“More than 110 years old, the tunnels have faced persistent issues, especially following severe damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 whereby saltwater intrusion accelerated their deterioration, contributing to mounting delays, infrastructure failures, and safety risks.

“The Gateway Tunnel Project is not a partisan proposal. It is an essential national infrastructure investment that would expand capacity, improve reliability, and safeguard long-term transit operations along a corridor that accounts for over 20% of the nation’s GDP.

“With construction already underway, halting federal funds could stop progress immediately, disrupting contracts, displacing workers, and increasing long-term costs for taxpayers.

“I support the legal actions brought by the Gateway Development Commission, the State of New Jersey and the State of New York to enforce these federal commitments and keep this project on track.

“In December, I had the opportunity to tour the Gateway Tunnel Project construction sites on both sides of the Hudson River and witness the extraordinary work of the project’s engineers, laborers, and skilled tradespeople. The progress, precision, and importance of this project were evident.

“As Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, I will continue to advocate for smart infrastructure investments that protect jobs, grow our economy, and deliver safe, modern transit to those who rely on it every day.

“Transportation should never be a political pawn. The safety, prosperity, and mobility of our region and nation depend on finishing the Gateway Tunnel Project.”

Congressman Van Drew Delivers Additional Major Investments for South Jersey

 Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that, through the latest federal appropriations packages, South Jersey is set to receive more than $48 million in federal funding for local infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness, and aviation investment.

“I am proud to keep bringing historic funding back to South Jersey to make our communities better and stronger,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We are fixing infrastructure that has been neglected for too long and making sure we are preparing people for the next generation of jobs, particularly in healthcare and aviation. The FAA Tech Center especially is a major driver of jobs and innovation here in South Jersey, as well as a key part of our national aviation system, which is why I have made it a priority to keep it strong and competitive. When we invest the right way, we keep New Jersey at the forefront of what matters.”

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Town Hall Meeting February 5

Your Government. Your Neighborhood. Your Voice.

The Camden County Board of Commissioners is hosting a series of town hall meetings across Camden County, creating another level of access and opportunity. The next Town Hall will be Thursday, February 5th at 6 PM in Haddon Heights at the Atlantic Avenue Elementary School. Congressman Donald Norcross, Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr., Assemblyman Bill Spearman, and Mayor Zachary Houck will be in attendance. To learn more, Click Here.

Please note, no person at a meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct, including the utterance of loud, physically threatening or abusive language, or other acts which disturb, disrupt or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of any meeting and the ability of the public to hear or participate.

Speaker Coughlin Thanks Governor Murphy for Eight Years of Steady Service to New Jersey

“As we close the final chapter of Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, I want to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation for his eight years of dedicated service to the people of New Jersey and for being a tremendous partner to the Legislature. Through moments of progress and times of uncertainty, Governor Murphy kept a steady hand and an open mind, always guided by a deep responsibility to the people he was elected to serve. 

“Working side by side, we delivered historic property tax relief, strengthened our best-in-class public schools, expanded access to health care, and of course, worked to make New Jersey more affordable. We supported the small businesses that create jobs and sustain our communities, strengthened protections for families, workers and voters and moved New Jersey closer to his vision of a stronger and fairer economy. Within state government, we rebuilt New Jersey Transit, earned nine consecutive credit rating upgrades and met our retirement security promises to our public sector workers.

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Quijano Applauds Governor Sherrill’s Plan to Launch ICE Activity Reporting Portal

Assemblywoman Reaffirms Commitment to Immigrant Protections

(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) today thanked Governor Mikie Sherrill for her plan to establish a statewide portal that allows residents to report Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, calling the initiative an important step toward transparency, accountability, and community safety.

“The creation of this reporting portal will send a clear message that New Jersey is committed to protecting the dignity and rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status,” said Assemblywoman Quijano. “I commend Governor Sherrill for taking action to ensure our communities have a clear, accessible way to report ICE activity and raise concerns without fear.”

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Get Connected with Your Government

At Town Halls, Public Meetings, Our App, or Social Media

Camden County provides several ways for residents to stay informed and connected with local government, including this weekly newsletter, social media, and live meetings. Camden County Board of Commissioners and Congressman Donald Norcross will be hosting the next Town Hall meeting, with all levels of government, in Haddon Heights on Thursday, February 5th. Click Here to submit questions.

The Camden County Board of Commissioners holds public Monthly Meetings at 520 Market St, 6th Floor, in Camden. The next Caucus Meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17th, and the next Monthly Commissioner Meeting will be on Thursday, February 19th. These meetings help the community stay up-to-date on county proceedings. Click Here to watch meetings online.

Take Camden County with you wherever you go! The Camden County App is our free mobile resource that serves as a one stop source for all of Camden County’s services, events, concerts, programs, weather alerts, and more. Stay connected on the go, available for both iPhone and Android. Click Here to download the app.
Need to contact your elected representatives?Click here: Local | County | State | Federal

School Choice: The Civil Rights Issue of the 21st Century

This week was National School Choice Week — highlighting the civil rights issue of the 21st century.

There is no legislative victory I’m more proud of than authoring the most significant federal school choice legislation, which was signed into law by President Trump. Now, every taxpayer in America can contribute up to $1,700 a year to a scholarship-granting organization in the States, and people get a dollar-for-dollar credit on their federal taxes.

This bill will unlock tens of billions of dollars for scholarships, allowing millions of students across America to attend the school of their choice. Across America, far too many kids are trapped in failing schools, and this school choice victory will enable them to get an excellent education. READ: Ted Cruz Has a Brutal Plan to Corner Senate Democrats

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Acting Commissioner Potosnak Announces DEP Chief of Staff

 Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak has announced the appointment of Henry Gajda as Chief of Staff to help guide the department in advancing Governor Mikie Sherrill’s environmental goals.

Gajda is a veteran of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), where he most recently served as Chief of External Affairs. In this position, he oversaw the Communications, Legislative Affairs and Ombudsperson divisions.

Gajda also served as the NJBPU’s Deputy Chief of Staff, helping to lead the NJBPU’s effort to apply for more than $650 million in federal clean energy grant funding and directly managing state policy and research initiatives.

“Henry brings a wealth of experience to DEP and will be a critical member of our team as we work to implement Governor Sherrill’s Mission to Deliver for the people of New Jersey,” Acting Commissioner Potosnak said. “In his new role, Henry will be supported by a dedicated and talented workforce at DEP that has worked tirelessly to advance New Jersey as a national leader in environmental protection.”

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Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. Issued the Following Statement

“It’s been one year since Trump has taken office and he has used his time in office to the sow the seeds of discontent and division throughout this country and one of his main tools for that has been Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Right now, as Gov. Sherrill has stated, Trump is using ICE as his own personal militia, and they have been terrorizing communities throughout the nation including here in Camden County. These agents have showed up in places like Camden City, Haddon Township, and Lindenwold Borough, and have indiscriminately worked to undermine the rule of law while simultaneously stopping individuals without cause and arbitrarily arresting them. We have watched videos of ICE officers with masks up, no body-worn cameras, wearing tactical gear roaming the streets in unmarked vehicles in search of their targets- our residents. This is why I am joining with our Congressman, Donald Norcross, and calling for the impeachment of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

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