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‘The Great Garden State Money Grab’: Your Tax Dollars at Work!

by Explore New JerseyPizzaPolitics

Listen, people, what’s happening in New Jersey right now is absolutely BANANAS! We’ve got a gubernatorial election that’s basically turned into a carnival game where politicians are walking around with giant butterfly nets trying to catch as much public funding as they possibly can!

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission just handed out $2.6 MILLION in matching funds to SEVEN candidates. SEVEN! That’s more candidates than New Jersey has uncontaminated water sources!

Let me break this down for you: Jack Ciattarelli, the leading Republican guy, just hit the MAXIMUM amount of public matching funds at $5.5 MILLION! He’s like that kid at the arcade who’s somehow mastered the claw machine and is walking out with ALL the stuffed animals!

Then we’ve got Newark Mayor Ras Baraka who just got his FIRST payment of $841,913. Almost a MILLION dollars! For comparison, that’s approximately what the New York Jets spend on counseling  therapy for their fans each season!

And don’t get me started on Steve Fulop and Steve Sweeney. TWO STEVES! Both hovering around $4 MILLION in public funds! I haven’t seen this many Steves getting rich since Steve Jobs invented a phone that breaks every time Apple releases a new one!

Then there’s Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill —-two members of Congress—-who each got around half a million dollars THIS WEEK ALONE! They’re sitting at $4.6 MILLION and $4.2 MILLION total! That’s not campaign funding—that’s a small nation’s GDP!

Meanwhile, rightwing radio host Bill Spadea hasn’t received any matching funds yet. He’s probably standing outside the ELEC offices with a tin cup going, “Please sir, may I have some campaign cash?”

And poor Sean Spiller, head of the New Jersey Education Association, couldn’t even raise the minimum $580,000 to qualify for matching funds. You know you’re in trouble when the head of the teachers’ union can’t pass his own funding test!

In total, they’ve handed out over $25.8 MILLION in matching funds this primary cycle! TWENTY-FIVE POINT EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS! That’s more money than most people will see in their lifetime, and it’s being spent on CAMPAIGN ADS! You know, those things you frantically try to skip after 5 seconds on YouTube!

New Jersey’s public financing plan gives candidates $2 for every $1 they raise. TWO FOR ONE! That’s a better deal than any Black Friday sale I’ve ever seen! It’s like that episode of Friends where Joey finds out about the “buy one, get one free” deal at the pizza place and ends up with seventeen pizzas in his apartment!

So the next time you’re driving through New Jersey, paying those obscene tolls, just remember—your money isn’t fixing those potholes. It’s paying for some politician’s face to be plastered on a billboard with a slogan like “Committed to New Jersey’s Future” or whatever focus-grouped nonsense they’re peddling this year!

And the worst part? All nine candidates combined have raised $15.6 million as of the end of 2024. Do you know what that means? It means we taxpayers are paying MORE for these campaigns than the actual donors! We’re subsidizing a political popularity contest that makes high school student council elections look like models of fiscal responsibility!

This isn’t democracy—this is financial MADNESS with a New Jersey accent!

The post ‘The Great Garden State Money Grab’: Your Tax Dollars at Work! appeared first on Insider NJ.

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Mayor Donald Shaw Backs Ras Baraka for Governor

by Explore New JerseyHealth & WellnessPolitics

Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw Endorses Mayor Ras Baraka for Governor of New Jersey

In a powerful show of solidarity and support, Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw has officially endorsed Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark for the position of Governor of New Jersey. Citing Baraka’s remarkable leadership and shared values, Mayor Shaw expressed confidence that Baraka has the experience, vision, and passion necessary to guide the state toward a brighter future.

In his statement, Mayor Shaw emphasized the alignment of their goals and values, particularly when it comes to fostering equity, opportunity, and community development. “Mayor Baraka’s commitment to equity, opportunity, and community aligns with my own values and goals for Roselle,” Shaw remarked. “His leadership in Newark has been transformative, and I have no doubt he’ll bring the same energy and effectiveness to the governor’s office.”

Shaw, who has been serving as the mayor of Roselle, has seen firsthand the power of leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people. His endorsement underscores a shared vision for New Jersey—one where all communities, regardless of size or socioeconomic status, are given the tools and resources to thrive. Shaw believes Baraka’s proven track record as the Mayor of Newark, the state’s largest city, makes him uniquely equipped to take on the challenges of leading the entire state.

Baraka’s tenure as Newark’s mayor has been marked by significant strides in public safety, education, housing, and job creation. His administration has placed a particular emphasis on creating opportunities for underserved communities, a theme that resonates deeply with Mayor Shaw and the residents of Roselle. As two mayors from distinct but closely knit communities in New Jersey, Shaw’s endorsement speaks volumes about the trust and respect Baraka has earned throughout the state.

Throughout his time in office, Mayor Baraka has earned recognition for his relentless advocacy for the marginalized, his push for economic equity, and his tireless work to ensure that the voices of all New Jerseyans are heard. Shaw believes that these same qualities will drive Baraka’s vision for the future of the Garden State, especially in areas such as healthcare, education reform, and revitalizing New Jersey’s cities.

“I am proud to stand alongside Mayor Ras Baraka as he works to create a New Jersey where opportunity is abundant, communities are thriving, and every citizen has the chance to succeed,” Shaw added. “We need a leader who understands the struggles of everyday New Jerseyans, and that is exactly what Mayor Baraka has demonstrated during his time in Newark.”

As the campaign for governor heats up, Shaw’s endorsement serves as a clear signal that Baraka has built a coalition of mayors and local leaders who recognize the importance of strong, compassionate, and community-driven leadership. Mayor Shaw’s support not only strengthens Baraka’s candidacy but also highlights the growing momentum behind his vision for a more equitable and prosperous New Jersey.

With strong endorsements like Mayor Shaw’s, Ras Baraka’s campaign for governor is gaining the traction needed to build a future where all New Jersey residents can thrive. As both mayors continue to champion equity and opportunity in their respective communities, the collaboration between them signals a hopeful path forward for the entire state.

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GOP Lawmakers Push to Ban Woke Curriculum in Public Schools

by Explore New JerseyLaw & OrderPolitics

 

Donald Trump’s decisive victory in November and executive orders signed his first two days in office sparked an abandonment of diversity, equity and inclusion policies and programs by higher education institutions and companies soon after, for financial rather than ideological reasons.  However, a coalition of blue state attorneys general including New Jersey’s Matt Platkin have called Trump’s order “toothless” and guided public K-12 schools to continue DEI instruction and programs unless the law changes.

Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra want the law changed. The assemblymen on Monday introduced legislation (A5560) to repeal the 2021 law that requires diversity and inclusion instruction in schools. That law requires school districts to incorporate instruction on diversity and inclusion “in an appropriate place in the curriculum,” with a particular focus on unconscious bias; for example, all white people are racist and all Black people are victims.

“DEI is not appropriate in any part of our children’s curriculum. It is nothing more than rebranded Marxist ideology that destroys people, relationships and communities, and in schools, wrecks merit-based rewards and an ambition to excel,” McGuckin (R-Ocean) said. “True diversity, equity and inclusion leads to free associations which foster innovation and progress. The leftist DEI being forced in our schools does not. It is garbage and needs to go.”

In the 2010s, schools across the country started implementing DEI content into curriculum. According to Pew Research in 2023, about 30% of districts nationwide cited such content—lessons on systemic racism and LGBTQ+ history—as important in their mission statements, with Democrat-leaning districts skewing higher. Under the previous administration, federal grants and guidance encouraged that content.

However, by mid-2024, at least 23 states including Texas and Florida, had enacted laws restricting DEI instruction. As per President Trump’s executive orders on Jan. 20 and 21, 2025, institutions that receive federal funding must dismantle DEI programs or risk losing funding. The U.S. Department of Education recently established a portal where parents, students and community members could report “illegal discriminatory practices at institutions of learning.” A joint letter dated March 5, 2025, from 15 attorneys general argued those executive orders have no impact on existing law.

McGuckin and Kanitra pointed to the fallout from Gov. Phil Murphy’s Covid school closures—among the longest in the nation—that caused significant drops in test scores in English language learning, math and science. Students have yet to reach proficiency levels last seen in 2019, before closures.

“It boggles my mind why ‘the experts’ think telling students their skin color determines their success or failure is true or helpful. They are either stupid or evil, or maybe brilliant, because the experts pushing this stuff are quite wealthy I hear,” Kanitra (R-Ocean). “But I’m a practical guy and I’d love our New Jersey schools to be great again, and they can do that by getting back to basics. Get the social experimentation out of our classrooms.”

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The North and the South: Sweeney Picks Fight with Sherrill

by Cutting EdgeExplore New JerseyFilm & TVFood & BeverageNorth JerseyPolitics

On the eve of South Jersey and North Jersey coming together to make South Jersey ironworker Steve Sweeney of Gloucester County the senate president in 2009, the late North Jersey Powerbroker Steve Adubato said, “From the beginning of time, the North and South have been at odds. I say, let the North and South live in peace.”

A short time later, at an Essex County political soiree, Sweeney and Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, a key Adubato ally, hugged each other and posed for a picture. “One New Jersey,” Sweeney proclaimed, just before he went on to clock the most years as senate president in New Jersey history, finally getting voted out of office in 2021.

Now, Sweeney seeks another throne of power, only the same forces up north that propelled him into the senate presidency this year support U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) for governor.

Apparently, the mechanics that held together “one New Jersey” for Democrats – a combination of organizational dealmaking and Goldman Sachs iconography – no longer apply.

This week – and last – Sweeney singled out Sherrill as his target of choice in the six-person Democratic Primary for governor, exposing the deep, underlying fracture at the heart of this year’s statewide contest.

“Congresswoman Sherrill claims to be the only candidate in the race willing to stand up to Elon Musk’s reckless and dangerous actions that are ripping our country apart, all while holding onto his money and refusing to give it up until she faced criticism,” Sweeney said. “If she can’t stand up to Trump and Musk until she’s called out, how can New Jersey trust her to stand up for them?”

Tough talk.

But then, it’s New Jersey politics.

“You play rough, you get hurt.”

Or you hurt someone else.

Sherrill made clear her position on Musk, calling for inspectors general at eight federal agencies to open investigations into the billionaire and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) conflicts of interest.

“Elon Musk is not only the world’s richest man but also one of the federal government’s largest contractors — handing the keys of our government over to him reeks of corruption and vast conflicts of interest,” said Sherrill. “He is working to cut Social Security and Medicare, strip funding from our public schools, and fire the government employees who keep our food, roads, and skies safe — all while his own companies get sweetheart deals. I am calling on the independent watchdogs at eight of our federal agencies to investigate Musk and DOGE’s actions to ensure that an unelected billionaire cannot steal New Jersey families’ federal tax dollars to turn an even greater profit. The self-dealing must be put to an end.”

But Sweeney’s attack, launched as he simultaneously rolled out an ad doubling down on his working- class ties and priorities, made very clear the former senate president’s determination to shake up the north, that concentration of Democratic Party power he once depended on for backroom support, which moved on without him after over-the-road trucker Ed Durr shockingly toppled him during the last gubernatorial election dustup.

Durr, incidentally, trying to regain traction with his own gubernatorial run after getting tossed out of office in 2023, exited the Republican Primary for governor without much media fanfare. He threw an elbow at Sweeney on his way to the door. “Very sad @SteveSweeney_NJ that you are proud about the murdering of babies. Even most democrats [sic] are against abortion at 7, 8 & 9 months. #NJDeservesBetter #NoMoreDems” he tweeted. Even as Sweeney seeks to reestablish himself with his party, Durr’s now-you-see-him, now-you-don’t Star Trek Enterprise hologram presence over Sweeney’s shoulder underscores the reality of the senate president’s inescapable regional disadvantage.

That said – and herein lies Sweeney’s strategy – he has the backing of all of New Jersey’s South Jersey counties, a built-in statewide Building Trades base in precisely that part of the Democratic Party that feels abandoned, insider ties around New Jersey forged during his dozen-plus years as senate prez, and some kicked-in-the-teeth irritability on his side in the south, where getting roughed up for five years has made them more ornery not less. He trusts in the fracturing of North Jersey between U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (Bergen) and Sherrill (Essex, with Hudson, organizationally supportive of the congresswoman, further complicated by the pretty squared-away candidacy of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Then, of course, there’s Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who takes votes away from Sherrill, who also resides in Democratic Party behemoth Essex County.

Finally, the real question is whether the North, which made itself South Jersey’s tool in the early part of the millennium by ejecting its own, Essex-based Senate President Dick Codey (D-27) in favor of a deal that gave South Jersey the power projection platform of the senate with Sweeney and awarded Essex the consolation prize of the speakership, actually understands its chance to exert the power advantage it enjoys over the South as a consequence of real numbers.

Will the North – and more precisely those engines of organization that for years ceded power to statewide candidates from Wall Street in the interest of avoiding a fight – allow itself to get entangled in the punji traps of its own complexity and circular firing squads or indeed meet South Jersey in the center of the ring and exert the knockout power it possesses?

Back in the 1980s there was a TV miniseries called “North and South,” about a civil war fought in this country, all but forgotten now by a sizeable portion of the population, at least by the looks of the pre 1859 theatrics of presidential politics. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Maybe it was simply diabolically never forgotten. The governor’s race lacks that level of tragic drama – at least during the primary season (stay tuned!) – but the dichotomy identified by Steve Adubato all those years ago stands starkly in a fight Sweeney looks willing to have – indeed, that he has to have – with a Goliath reluctant for years, ever since it wounded itself by getting rid of Codey – to swing its mighty club.

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Kean Phones in ‘Townhall’ with No Live Questions

by Explore New JerseyFood & BeverageJersey ShoreLaw & OrderPolitics

Thomas H. Kean’s “telephone” town hall Wednesday night included no one asking questions on the phone.

Instead, an aide read submitted questions and the CD-7 congressman answered them. There was no give and take, and, of course, no surprises.

Kean, who has been in office since January, 2023, has been criticized for not holding “live” town halls, or for that matter, engaging with the public and press.

Some of the questions posed tonight were challenging – more challenging than ones I heard at a similar event a year or so ago. However, the question and answer session lasted a mere 30 minutes or so.

One of the more pressing topics of concern these days is the future of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

These are perennial concerns, but more so now.  After all, Elon Musk has called Social Security a “ponzi scheme.”

Kean pledged his support for all three programs.

He was asked if he backs allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, which is now happening for some drugs. This was a key part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed in 2022 when Democrats controlled the House.

Kean sidestepped the question, but he did say that he opposes the power of middlemen – Pharmacy Benefit Managers – to help set prices.

On some questions, Kean’s answers deviated from the Trump agenda.

He said he was pro-choice and that he would oppose a national abortion ban. He also said that climate change is “real,” but that he opposes off-shore wind in New Jersey waters. He also said he supports the SNAP program or food stamps for qualified individuals.

Kean began the session talking about Donald Trump “restoring common sense” and a sharp drop in illegal border crossings.

On foreign policy, he reasserted his support for Israel and the safe return of hostages.

The congressman said nothing in his opening statement about Ukraine, but was asked about it.

Using his strongest language of the evening, Kean called the Russian invasion illegal and said Vladimir Putin is a “war criminal.” Those are not things the president is likely to say.

Kean said he’s confident the administration is working hard to bring about peace.

As for Musk and his work. Kean supported the elimination of waste and a need for efficiency. No shock there.

But, like an astute politician – regardless of party – he said he doesn’t want federal cuts threatening initiatives he wants to see in the district, like new sidewalks in Summit and helping police in Byram.

 

 

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Testa Endorses Ciattarelli

by Central JerseyExplore New JerseyPolitics

State Senator, Cumberland County Republican Chairman, and 2020 New Jersey Trump Campaign Co-Chair Michael Testa today announced his endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli for Governor.

“The Democrats in Trenton have failed us across the board. Our taxes are skyrocketing, sanctuary policies are draining our resources, and utility bills are set to go through the roof. Now is the time to continue President Trump’s momentum and flip this state red,” said Testa.

“Jack Ciattarelli is the best candidate to lead our party to victory in November and deliver on President Trump’s blueprint in Trenton – putting New Jersey workers, job creators, and families first,” Testa concluded.

Ciattarelli thanked Senator Testa for his endorsement, adding, “Senator Testa has been a tireless fighter for the people of his district and our state. I am honored to have his endorsement and excited to work with him as Governor, including signing his “Jersey Comes First” legislative package into law to end Murphy’s sanctuary state policies once and for all.”

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Sherrill Demands Investigation Into Top National Security Officials’ Signal Text Chain

by Explore New JerseyPolitics

Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), along with fellow House Democratic military veterans, called for an investigation into Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and all of Trump’s national security officials who texted classified information on military operations in a Signal group chat with the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Sherrill, a former Navy Helicopter Aircraft Commander and Russian policy officer, slammed the leaders for putting American service members in danger and debunked Trump and Hegseth’s claims that the information was not classified.

Click here to listen to Sherrill’s full remarks.

Full remarks, as delivered:

Hi, I’m Mikie Sherrill, I’m a former Navy helicopter pilot and a former Russian policy officer.

And I have to tell you, I remember as only a teenager when I entered into the Navy getting my first security brief and understanding how important security is to our military. 

As we’ve all heard for years, loose lips sink ships. And now we have at the top echelons of our government, people who don’t seem to understand the need for any national security. We even, as you heard, had a report that someone was in Moscow. Having traveled myself to Moscow, I know the type of operational security that is expected there of military members. I know the briefings that I received. And to think that now we have a government that has so little concern for our security is really, I think, infuriating.

And to see all of these members here who have served, who know that their lives have been on the line and know that what the minimum that they should be able to count on is that their own government is not going to sell them out to foreign adversaries, that their own government is going to take their security seriously. 

Yes, to think that anybody is saying now that this was not secure information or this was not secret information or classified information, and anybody. Anybody, who knows anything about this area, and there are people on that Signal chain that know better, know that this is classified information. 

You don’t give targeting information, you don’t give time, and you put people in danger. People’s lives. American lives were in danger because of that Signal chain. The thought that you would be in Moscow and that nobody would be monitoring your text chains or that nobody would have access to that is really ludicrous in this day and age. I don’t think anybody buys that either. 

So to think now that this is going to go uninvestigated or that Armed Services is not going to hold a hearing on this in the House, is really, I think, completely disregarding what just happened, the danger of the situation and the sense that I think we all have. That if this has been reported on, we need to know what else is going on, because somebody’s got to clean house at the White House, and it’s obviously not going to be the President who is now up to his old tricks. 

“Oh I’m declassifying it”. Well, too late, buddy. This was classified information. This put lives in danger. An investigation needs to take place. That is what we are calling for. And I think the House Armed Services Committee needs to hold hearings on this and get to the bottom of it so no more service members are put in danger.

 

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Tiffanie Fisher Announces Run for Hoboken Mayor

by BusinessExplore New JerseyPolitics

Today, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher officially announces her candidacy for Hoboken Mayor in the November 2025 election, pledging to bring experienced, results-driven leadership to City Hall.  A 31-year Hoboken resident and dedicated public servant, Fisher has built a reputation as a trusted, hands-on, solutions-focused leader who engages with the community on the issues that matter and delivers real results.

“Hoboken is more than just a city—Hoboken’s story is a strong, resilient community,” said Fisher. “But we’re at a crossroads. From public safety to affordability, from smart development to the quality of our basic city services, we need an experienced leader who delivers real results and puts people at the center of every decision. That’s why I’m running—to be a different kind of mayor, one who ensures City Hall works for everyone and helps Hoboken become the very best it can be.”

As a three-term councilwoman, Fisher has built a proven track record of putting residents first and delivering quality of life improvements across Hoboken. She has worked to keep the city affordable—protecting rent control, curbing tax increases, and supporting both the preservation and creation of affordable housing. Her public safety efforts include co-authoring the city’s “Tests and Vests” legislation, advocating for community policing, advancing aggressive rat mitigation, and serving on the City’s Vision Zero Task Force. She has also delivered improvements to public transportation, senior services, and access to open space throughout the city.

Councilwoman Fisher has led Hoboken’s resiliency and infrastructure initiatives—including the landmark Rebuild by Design project. She founded the Hoboken Business Alliance and helped launch the Hoboken Food Pantry during the pandemic, where she remains an active volunteer.

Fisher sees a future for Hoboken where residents feel safe walking in our parks and along our streets, where city services meet the expectations of the people who pay for them, where development puts current residents first, and where local government does everything it can to keep Hoboken affordable. To deliver on that vision, she has outlined the following priorities:

  • Building trusted partnerships with our schools, police, and first responders—to support education, strengthen public safety, and foster a more connected community.
  • Creating a culture of pedestrian safety where everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—shares responsibility for protecting one another.
  • Delivering reliable city services by keeping Hoboken clean and well-maintained—from eliminating the rat problem to improving parks, fixing streets, and tackling parking challenges.
  • Fighting to keep Hoboken affordable by stopping outrageous rent increases, reducing wasteful spending, building the 700 affordable housing units already in the pipeline and completing the full redevelopment of the Hoboken Housing Authority.
  • Making development work for Hoboken by securing real community benefits—like more recreation space, a new community center and pool, expanded public transit, and other investments that serve current residents.
  • Investing in Hoboken’s future through green space, infrastructure, and long-term resiliency initiatives like Rebuild by Design.
  • Opening City Hall to ensure transparent, responsive government that reflects the values and priorities of the community it serves.

Beyond public service, Fisher brings over 20 years of private-sector experience as a finance and real estate executive, where she managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led complex negotiations and real estate transactions, and drove organizational change—skills she believes are critical to effectively managing a growing city like Hoboken.

“I’ve always been a leader—whether in business, on the soccer field as a coach, or at the Council dais—solving tough problems, bringing people together, and standing up for our community,” Fisher said. “As Hoboken’s mayor, I’ll bring a deep love for this city combined with a results-driven track record and decades of relevant experience to lead from day one—putting community first and building the Hoboken we all deserve.”

Hoboken’s nonpartisan municipal election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with early voting and vote-by-mail options available.

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Navigating New Jersey’s Political Landscape: Key Figures and Their Influence

by Explore New JerseyHealth & WellnessLaw & OrderPoliticsTechnology & Tech

New Jersey, a state known for its rich history and diverse population, has a complex political landscape that reflects the nuances of its residents. With a mix of urban centers and suburban neighborhoods, the state plays a pivotal role in the national political arena. This article delves into the key political figures of New Jersey, including Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Mikie Sherrill, and various members of the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting their contributions and the implications of their policies on both the state and the country.

Governor Phil Murphy: A Progressive Leader

Since taking office in January 2018, Governor Phil Murphy has been a prominent figure in New Jersey politics. A member of the Democratic Party, Murphy’s administration has focused on progressive policies aimed at enhancing social equity and economic growth. His initiatives include raising the minimum wage, expanding healthcare access, and addressing climate change. These policies have not only shaped New Jersey’s legislative framework but also influenced national discussions on similar issues.

Economic Policies Under Murphy

One of Murphy’s significant achievements has been the implementation of a progressive tax system. This system aims to provide relief to middle- and lower-income residents while ensuring that wealthier individuals contribute a fair share. By increasing taxes on the rich and investing in public services, Murphy seeks to reduce income inequality and promote economic mobility.

Healthcare Initiatives

Murphy has also prioritized healthcare reform, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration expanded access to healthcare through initiatives such as the New Jersey Health Insurance Marketplace, which aims to make health insurance more affordable. Additionally, Murphy’s commitment to reproductive rights has positioned New Jersey as a leader in women’s healthcare issues.

U.S. Senators from New Jersey: Cory Booker and Mikie Sherrill

New Jersey’s representation in the Senate is marked by the influential figures of Cory Booker and Mikie Sherrill. Both senators have played essential roles in advocating for policies that resonate with their constituents.

Cory Booker: Advocacy and Progress

Cory Booker, serving since 2014, is known for his passionate advocacy on issues such as criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and environmental protection. His ability to connect with constituents is evident in his grassroots approach, often engaging with the community to discuss pressing concerns. Booker’s focus on bipartisan solutions has earned him respect across the aisle, making him a significant player in national politics.

Mikie Sherrill: A New Voice

Joining the Senate in 2019, Mikie Sherrill has quickly established herself as a formidable advocate for New Jersey residents. Her background as a former federal prosecutor informs her legislative priorities, particularly in areas related to national security and veterans’ affairs. Sherrill’s commitment to transparency and accountability resonates with her constituents, as she consistently seeks to address their needs and concerns.

U.S. House of Representatives: Key Players

The U.S. House of Representatives features a diverse group of representatives from New Jersey, each contributing to the state’s political narrative. Figures like Donald Norcross, Jeff Van Drew, Herb Conaway, Chris Smith, Josh Gottheimer, Frank Pallone Jr., Tom Kean Jr., Rob Menendez, Bill Pascrell Jr., and Donald Payne Jr. play vital roles in shaping both local and national policy.

Donald Norcross: Labor Advocate

Donald Norcross, representing New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District, has a robust history in labor advocacy. His efforts to protect workers’ rights and promote job creation have made him a trusted figure among labor unions. Norcross’s focus on infrastructure investment and job training programs aligns with his commitment to economic growth and stability.

Jeff Van Drew: A Shift in Allegiance

Jeff Van Drew’s political journey has been notable, especially his switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. This change has sparked discussions about party loyalty and the evolving political landscape in New Jersey. Van Drew’s focus on conservative policies, particularly on issues like taxation and gun rights, appeals to a specific voter base, making him a unique figure in the state’s representation.

Herb Conaway: Health Advocate

Herb Conaway, a physician by training, has dedicated his career to health advocacy. His role in the House has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policy, particularly around public health initiatives and access to care. Conaway’s expertise lends credibility to his efforts to improve health outcomes for New Jersey residents.

Chris Smith: A Longstanding Voice

Having served since 1980, Chris Smith is one of the longest-serving members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation. His focus on veterans’ affairs and international human rights has positioned him as a respected figure within the House. Smith’s legislative initiatives often reflect a commitment to bipartisan collaboration, making him a key player in various policy discussions.

Josh Gottheimer: Bipartisanship and Innovation

Josh Gottheimer, representing New Jersey’s 5th District, has made a name for himself as a champion of bipartisanship. His efforts to bridge the gap between parties have resulted in significant legislative achievements, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Gottheimer’s focus on economic growth through innovation aligns with New Jersey’s aspirations to be a leader in tech and entrepreneurship.

Frank Pallone Jr.: Environmental Stewardship

Frank Pallone Jr. has been a vocal advocate for environmental issues, particularly climate change. His leadership in the House Energy and Commerce Committee has enabled him to influence critical legislation aimed at protecting the environment and promoting renewable energy sources. Pallone’s commitment to sustainability reflects the growing concern among New Jersey residents regarding climate-related challenges.

Tom Kean Jr.: The Next Generation

Tom Kean Jr., representing New Jersey’s 7th District, brings a fresh perspective to the House. As a member of a prominent political family, he is dedicated to addressing the needs of his constituents through a focus on economic development and education. Kean Jr.’s youthful energy and innovative ideas resonate with younger voters, making him a rising star in New Jersey politics.

Rob Menendez: Continuing a Legacy

Rob Menendez, son of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, is carving his path in the House. His focus on community engagement and social issues reflects the values instilled in him by his family. Menendez’s commitment to serving his constituents and advocating for progressive policies positions him as a key figure in New Jersey’s political future.

Bill Pascrell Jr. and Donald Payne Jr.: Local Heroes

Bill Pascrell Jr. and Donald Payne Jr. have dedicated their careers to representing the needs of urban communities in New Jersey. Their advocacy for social justice, education reform, and economic opportunity highlights the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by their constituents. Both representatives have played crucial roles in fostering community development and enhancing quality of life in their districts.

Conclusion: The Future of New Jersey Politics

As New Jersey navigates its political landscape, the influence of its key figures cannot be underestimated. Governor Phil Murphy, Senators Cory Booker and Mikie Sherrill, and the diverse members of the U.S. House of Representatives are shaping policies that reflect the values and needs of their constituents. The ongoing dialogue surrounding issues such as economic equity, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and social justice will continue to define New Jersey’s political identity. As new challenges emerge, the resilience and adaptability of New Jersey’s political leaders will be crucial in steering the state toward a prosperous future.

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Sherrill Unveils her ‘Affordability Agenda’

by Explore New JerseyHealth & WellnessPolitics

BLOOMFIELD – Yes, Mikie Sherrill says, politicians have been talking for years about how unaffordable New Jersey is.

But … “nothing seems to change in New Jersey and I’ve had enough.”

So, on Monday, Sherrill visited a firehouse in this city to announce her “Affordability Agenda.”

Asked how her plan differs from what some of the other gubernatorial candidates have announced, Sherrill said, “I think there’s some real innovation here.”

She referred to investing in solar – “one of the cheapest energy sources to develop,” independent auditing and repurposing old commercial sites to build needed housing,

She said the Mt. Laurel decision, which ended exclusionary zoning and mandated the construction of affordable homes, was 50 years ago and the problem remains.

Sherrill presented comments from individuals impacted by New Jersey’s high costs, including a firefighter and a union laborer who talked about how hard it is to buy a home in New Jersey.

She broke her plan down into a number of areas.

Regarding housing, she wants to streamline the approval process, which is basically controlled by municipalities, expand first-time homebuyer assistance and crack down on “predatory investors.”

On health care, a local pharmacist spoke about Pharmacy Benefit Managers or PBMs, – “middlemen”  – who he said inflate prices under the guise of doing the opposite. The congresswoman wants to make PBMs pass discounts onto consumers and to force insurance companies to publicly disclose and to justify premium increases.

She also wants to go after price gouging and monopolies – no matter if the offender is a health insurer or a food provider. She also said the state needs to do more to support farms and farmland preservation.

Property taxes have been a major state problem for decades.

One reason why property taxes are so high is New Jersey’s status as a home rule state with more than 500 municipalities and school districts.

Does the state have too many towns and school districts? Would consolidating some of them lead to savings?

Sherrill didn’t go there.

She spoke of unlocking the “potential of shared services” for towns and school districts.

Candidly speaking, shared services have been spoken about for years. An obstacle often are local officials, who are far too impressed with the power they have over local domains.

More generally, she said costs can be reduced for families by expanding the child tax credit and working with schools and private companies to expand child care opportunities.

Of the six-person Democratic field, Steve Fulop has detailed policy proposals on his webpage.

Josh Gottheimer, one of Sherrill’s fellow House members, previously unveiled an affordability plan, some parts of which are similar to what Sherrill proposed today.

Sherrill was asked about the other end of the fiscal scale. Would she support increasing revenue by, say, raising the millionaires’ tax, which sits at 10.75 percent?

She answered by stressing aspects of her cost reduction plan.

 

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