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WEEKLY WASTEBASKET ....And what, exactly, is taking so long? | Weekly Wastebasket (Washington DC)April 8, 2021)Apologies to Andy Williams, but when you’re a budget nerd “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is when the President’s Budget Request is released. Gloucestercitynews.net graphic files The initial proposals from the Biden administration were supposed to already be here. We were told it was coming. But we’re still waiting. Reportedly – pant, pant – it’s coming out tomorrow. On Friday, when no one pays attention (but we will). We’re used to new presidential administrations taking a bit longer to put out its “real” budget with all the tables and details that we delve into and analyze and write about. But we usually have a “blue print” or an... Read more →

WASHINGTON, DC - A new report by the nonpartisan nonprofit Center for Election Innovation & Research (CEIR), How Easy is it to Vote Early in Your State?, was released today, categorizing states as green, yellow or red, depending on the availability of, or barriers to, early and mail voting. When states offer easy access to mail and early in-person voting options, it not only makes it more convenient for eligible voters, it also improves election integrity, as more voting gets spread out over several days. States considering rolling back these options, by making it harder to request and return a mail ballot or reducing early voting options, are harming both access to the ballot and election security, and going against the trend in both red... Read more →

Corporate America is clashing with GOP leaders over Georgia Republicans’ bill to overhaul voting laws, representing another break between the two forces that have long been closely aligned. MITCH MCCONNELL (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) A slew of corporations have denounced the legislation over measures that civil rights groups argue that would restrict voting access for people of color. Delta Air Lines and Coca Cola, both headquartered in Georgia, are among some 100 companies to release statements opposing the bill. Major League Baseball moved its All-Star Game from Atlanta to Denver in response to outcry over the law. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — a top beneficiary of political donations from business interests — made headlines this week when he issued a... Read more →

By Todd DeFeo | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Four candidates are poised to vie for the Republican gubernatorial nomination during the June 8 primary. Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli of Hillsborough, former Franklin Mayor Brian D. Levine, the Rev. Philip Rizzo of New Vernon and Hirsh Singh of Linwood all filed nominating petitions on Monday, the deadline to submit paperwork. The winner of the primary is likely to face incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy, who is facing a primary challenge. Ciattarelli served in the state Assembly from 2011 until 2018 and was the assistant minority whip from 2014 until 2018. He previously ran for governor in 2017 but lost in the Republican primary. Levine unsuccessfully ran for the New Jersey State Senate District... Read more →

- by Aron Solomon Gloucestercitynews.net graphic files One week ago, in New Jersey, on the same day Georgia enacted a new law to restrict voting, New Jersey did the opposite. As announced by Democratic Governor, Phil Murphy, New Jersey now requires all counties in the state to hold nine days of early, in-person machine voting ending the Sunday before Election Day in November. Yet there are fewer days of in-person voting for primaries, with only three for a non-presidential primary and five in any presidential election year. The governor’s announcement was made over Zoom, which itself over the past year has become our national digital town hall, a representation of technological democracy: easily accessible, free for most practical uses, and as inclusive as communications technology... Read more →

PAULSBORO, NJ – This morning, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined CAMcare President and CEO Mark Roberts, CAMcare Vice President and Chief Dental Officer Tonya Cook, Paulsboro Mayor Gary Stevenson, Gloucester County Commissioner Jim Jefferson and Assemblyman John Burzichelli to announce the funding included in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for CAMcare Health Corporation. Norcross also discussed additional relief from the ARP, including a vaccination plan and resources for community healthcare centers. CAMcare, a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) in with locations in Paulsboro, Camden City and Clementon, will receive a grant of $7,750,875 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In addition, two fellow FQHC’s in Camden will also receive grants – the Osborn Family Health... Read more →

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association (ASSA) has presented him with the 2021 Honorable Thad Cochran Leadership Award for his dedication and commitment to a robust American shipbuilding supplier industrial base. He was presented the award during the ASSA Annual Congressional Virtual Fly-in by ASSA Founder, Carl Fisher along with Congressman John Garamendi (CA-03), the 2020 recipient of the award, and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2017. ASSA established this annual award to honor the leadership of the late Senator Cochran for his unwavering support to those large and small businesses that provide the technologies and components necessary to build Navy and Coast Guard ships, which are critical to... Read more →

The statement below is by Commissioner Cappelli regarding Governor Murphy signing S3203 into law, establishing in-person early voting in New Jersey. “I applaud Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature for continuing to expand access to our democratic process in the Garden State. At a time when other states are restricting and curtailing the right to vote for so many, this measure makes voting easier and more accessible for Camden County residents. Our country’s history with regards to voting rights is obviously far from perfect. For too long, millions of Americans were either denied the right to vote entirely or were systematically disenfranchised by a multitude of laws and regulations which targeted minority groups. Unfortunately, we are seeing legislators in other states repeating these mistakes... Read more →

WEEKLY WASTEBASKET The long-awaited President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2022 was released Thursday. Did you miss it? So did we. The Biden Administration played an April Fool’s joke on all us budgeteers. After reports that the administration would roll out a snapshot of its FY22 budget priorities this week, they pulled Lucy Van Pelt and yanked the ball away. We were only expecting a so-called “Skinny Budget” not the full deal. Basically, an outline of “discretionary spending” levels that would be in the actual full budget request. When it presumably comes out in a month or so, the full request will include other proposals, detailed tables and backgrounds and the actual information to draft the legislation to fund government in FY22. What we did... Read more →

(Camden, NJ) – The Camden City Democratic Committee universally endorsed Ward 2 Councilman Vic Carstarphen for Mayor in the upcoming Democratic primary in June. Every committee member advocated for Carstarphen and his slate to represent the Democratic Party in the upcoming election as the right team to lead the city over the next four years. The Carstarphen’s slate also includes, incumbent council members Angel Fuentes, Sheila Davis and newcomer Nohemi G. Soria-Pérez. Carstarphen thanked the committee for its support and outlined his platform to guide the city into the future. “I am humbled to have the honor and privilege of this endorsement by the entire Camden City Democratic Committee,” Carstarphen said. “With the party’s support, we will earn the confidence of Camden voters by putting... Read more →

The Atlanta Braves release the statement below regarding MLB's cancellation of the All-Star baseball game scheduled for Truist stadium in Atlanta. Former Republican President Donald Trump called for fans to boycott baseball in response. “Baseball is already losing tremendous numbers of fans, and now they leave Atlanta with their All-Star Game because they are afraid of the Radical Left Democrats who do not want voter I.D., which is desperately needed, to have anything to do with our elections.” On the other side of the isle former Democrat President Barack Obama praised MLB's decision to move the game out of the state in protest of Georgia's new voting law. Related: MLB Moves All Star Game because of Georgia’s New Election Law Read more →

by Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the results of a new Pew Research Center survey: photo provided A survey by Pew Research Center on the public's perception of how religious the president and vice president tells us a great deal about the way Republicans and Democrats respond to this issue. Virtually every poll has shown that Republicans score higher on measures of religiosity (beliefs and practices) than Democrats, and this indicator proves revealing when analyzing the Pew survey. Among all adults, 27% see President Joe Biden as being "very religious." The difference is striking between Republicans and Democrats: only 7% of the former view Biden this way as compared to 45% of Democrats. If we combine "somewhat religious"... Read more →

Last week, I led a delegation of 18 of my Senate Republican colleagues to the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas to see firsthand the ongoing crisis. The first night, we went out with Border Patrol agents on their midnight patrol and witnessed a stream of people crossing into the country illegally, many young children and mothers, turning themselves into agents. During the night patrol, we heard cartel members taunting us as we toured the border. They knew because of President Biden’s policies there was nothing that could be done to stop them. The following day we toured the Donna Processing Facility, a gigantic tent city located in Donna, Texas, which has been constructed as an emergency intake facility for illegal... Read more →

For some, sport is an important activity, a matter of a lifetime, and for others, it is an incredible and interesting action. From ancient times until today, sport is considered a physical or intellectual activity that is carried out for the purpose of competition or training. Today there are many sports: gymnastics, cycling, football, hockey, basketball, tennis, etc. There are many sportspersons who do sports professionally. But there are even more fans. That is why sports are discussed every day. Announcement of football games, competitions, championship results – every fan wants to know this information. In this connection, we want to indicate that the latest top sport news is usually presented on the site combatsportevents.com, which can be easily visited by everyone. Latest Sports News... Read more →

Senators spar over For the People Act Alyce McFadden March 25, 2021 2:59 pm (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Members of the Senate Rules Committee questioned expert witnesses and debated the merits of the For the People Act during a contentious hearing Wednesday. The bill would make sweeping changes to the current election laws and procedures, tackling what former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called the “unholy trinity of voter suppression, dark money and gerrymandering” during his testimony as a witness before the committee. The Democratic-sponsored legislation would close a loophole that allows nonprofits and shell companies to spend untraceable dollars — or “dark money” — to influence elections. If the bill becomes law, all political contributions greater than $10,000 will be subject to disclosure laws, no... Read more →

WEEKLY WASTEBASKET As trillion-dollar spending bills and new federal programs pop up like spring flowers, there are some cracks in the infrastructure that make these investments possible. A recent hearing with the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and a report from the Inspector General make it clear the IRS is stretched thin. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the IRS is crucial to making government work. Whether you want to rein in deficits, seek equity in public policy, or just want to know how to fill out your form 1040, you should be concerned. Everyone is familiar with taxes, but not everyone is familiar with the Tax Code. At a couple thousand pages (tens of thousands with the case law and guidance) it’s daunting, even... Read more →

GOP challenger says the incumbent has sat on impeachment resolution for over a month, while innocent women are assaulted at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility Egg Harbor Township, March 29, 2021 – Former Assemblyman and successful small business owner Vince Polistina today pressed Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, in his role as Chairman of the Assembly State and Local Government Committee, to begin public hearings on AR-220, the bipartisan Assembly Resolution calling for articles of impeachment to be adopted against Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks. Despite significant lip service, Governor Murphy and Democratic legislative leaders have refused to hold Hicks accountable for the rampant abuse and violent assaults endured by women at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. Polistina said Mazzeo is doing the bidding of party bosses... Read more →

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At Biden's first press conference Thursday, March 25, 2021, most of the questions were thoughtful and pointed, with reporters asking things like "Why are you so amazing?" and "We demand you tell us your secret to being so incredible!" But one reporter went further than the others. The reporter, a new CNN recruit, Ronald Crump, jumped up and asked, "Mr. Biden, why are you a total loser?" Ronald Crump, new White House Press reporter (image courtesy of the Babylon Bee "Hey, come on, Jack!" Biden replied. "That's just uncalled for." READ BABYLON BEE ARTICLE Read more →

STAMFORD HILL, LONDON, EUROPE--This latest attack comes only weeks after the murder of another woman, Sarah Everard, by a stranger. That case prompted mass gatherings and protests calling for an suspect wanted for brutal attack of Jewish woman increase in women’s safety in the UK. The Jewish woman was reportedly attacked by a stranger as she went to visit her father. In CCTV footage the attacker was seen following her before he approached her from behind and placed a bag or pillow case over her head and proceeded to punch her violently multiple times. The Metropolitan police said a 20-year-old woman was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries. The attack took place in Stamford Hill, an area with a high population of ultra-Orthodox... Read more →

“Just to clarify, would there be any place for fossil fuels, including coal and fracking, in a Biden administration?” CNN’s Dana Bash said. “No, we would — we would work it out. We would make sure it's eliminated and no more subsidies for either one of those, either — any fossil fuel,” Biden said in response. (July 31, 2019 video/USAToday) ++++++ Stephanie Catarino Wissman | RealClearWire/The Center Square The fracking ban threatens American jobs and derails our environmental progress Now the global leader in natural gas and oil production, the U.S. has set the standard for safe, reliable, and affordable energy. America’s energy sector supports more than 10 million jobs across the nation, driving nearly $290 billion of capital investment – all while reducing greenhouse... Read more →

United States Senator Cory Booker today endorsed Senator Joseph Cryan and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano for re-election along with Reverend Reginald Atkins for the Assembly seat formerly held by Jamel Holley. “Over the past year we have seen the devastating impacts misinformation and a lack of leadership have had as the coronavirus ravaged our country,” said Booker. “Senator Cryan, Assemblywoman Quijano and Reverend Atkins have been leaders in their community, recognizing quickly the importance of providing residents with fact-based information while working to make sure our frontline workers have the resources they need. We need thoughtful, responsible partners on all levels of government to make sure we finally move past this horrific period in our history and Joe Cryan, Annette Quijano and Reginald Atkins are those... Read more →

VIDEO: Attorney General Moody Files Legal Action to Protect Floridians From President Biden’s Dangerous Immigration Policies <br /><span id="mce_marker" data-mce-type="bookmark">&#xFEFF;&#x200B;</span> TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking legal action to immediately halt new federal immigration policies jeopardizing the safety of Floridians and immigrant victims. Attorney General Moody today filed a complaint and a motion for a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration over directives to suspend the arrests and deportations of certain criminals in the country illegally—many of them violent or convicted on drug trafficking charges. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As Attorney General, my job is to protect Floridians. Every day I work tirelessly to make Florida stronger and safer. Whether it is fighting the opioid epidemic, combating human trafficking or helping domestic violence... Read more →

The six-figure digital ad buy targets Sen. Jeff Van Drew and Nine Other Republicans in Congress who opposed popular democracy reform bill New Jersey -- Today, the Working Families Party announced a new aggressive digital ad campaign targeting Sen. Jeff Van Drew and nine other Republican lawmakers who voted against the passage of the “For the People Act” (HR 1). The For The People Act is legislation he voted for as a member of the Democratic Party in 2019. “This reform bill will clean-up corruption in Washington, restore our democracy, and promote bipartisanship,” Van Drew said in 2019. “We need to restore our democracy to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” View the ad here. The landmark “For the... Read more →

WASHINGTON – Today, the White House confirmed that the Biden Administration is finalizing plans to give 4 million of the 7 million releasable doses the United States currently has in supply of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico and Canada. Of these 4 million doses, it has been reported that 2.5 million will be sent to Mexico and 1.5 million will be sent to Canada. Gloucestercitynews.net files Congressman Jeff Van Drew released the following statement: “It is absolutely unconscionable that the Biden Administration is willing to play games with the lives of Americans by sending doses to Mexico and Canada, while only 16% of adult Americans are vaccinated. These vaccines have been bought and paid for thanks to the American taxpayer; they deserve to receive... Read more →

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew, joined by 38 colleagues, introduced the Fencing Removal and Ending Encampment (FREE) Resolution that enjoins Congress to remove the razor wiring installed around the Capitol campus and recall the National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C. Since the events of January 6th, the U.S. Capitol complex has been surrounded by barricades, razor wire, and patrols of thousands of National Guard troops. However, the United States Capitol Police (USCP), according to recent reports, have said in writing that “there does not exist a known, credible threat against Congress or the Capitol Complex that warrants the temporary security fencing." Despite the lack of credible threats, the National Guard deployed to the capitol and the razor wire surrounding the perimeter have... Read more →

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee and chairman of the subcommittee that oversees the insurance industry, today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation that ensures legal marijuana and related businesses have access to comprehensive and affordable insurance coverage. The Clarifying Law Around Insurance of Marijuana (CLAIM) Act of 2021 is cosponsored by Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). All but six states have marijuana legalization or decriminalization laws on the books for recreational or medicinal purposes. In the 2020 election, voters in New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, Mississippi and South Dakota approved of creating or expanding the legal use of marijuana. Last month, New Jersey, which had legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, enacted historic reform legislation legalizing... Read more →

Brotschol Asks Sherrill to Return Cuomo Money Lake Hiawatha, NJ . . . Today Hillery Brotschol, Republican candidate for Congress, challenged Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to return the funds she received from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s PAC and questioned why the incumbent has not asked for Cuomo to resign. “Today I am challenging Congresswoman Sherrill to either donate or return the funds she has received from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s PAC. I am also asking her to call for the resignation of the Governor,” said Brotschol. Sherrill was touted by the Cuomo NY Take Back the House PAC as an upcoming Democrat leader. She received $2000 in support from the PAC which made contributions to Democratic campaigns totaling $47,000 in 2018. Since the multiple scandals have broken on... Read more →

Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that former Morris County freeholder candidate Mary Dougherty was sentenced today for filing a false report with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) in connection with an illegal $10,000 campaign contribution that she received. Dougherty, 60, of Morristown, N.J., was sentenced today to one year of probation by Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Taylor in Morris County. She pleaded guilty on Feb. 19, 2020 to an accusation charging her with false swearing, a fourth-degree crime. She was required to forfeit the $10,000 that she received as an illegal campaign contribution. Under New Jersey election law, it is illegal for a person to provide money to another person, known as a “straw donor,” to make a political contribution... Read more →

(March 17, 2021)--Democrat Tim Alexander, a former County Detective and civil rights attorney, today launched his campaign today for New Jersey’s Second Congressional District. Prior to becoming a civil rights attorney, Alexander had a career in law enforcement. “I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to serving this community as a law enforcement officer, a prosecutor, and now a civil rights attorney,” said the candidate i an emailed statement. “When Jeff Van Drew switched parties after being elected and pledged his undying loyalty to President Trump and the Republican party instead of this community – I could not sit on the sidelines any longer. “My life experience is like so many others in South Jersey. I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck, to... Read more →

Norcross Announces CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) has awarded a $186,312 grant to Rowan University’s Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program. The U-RISE program is aimed at providing resources and funding for a diverse pool of students to pursue an education in biomedical research. “Future scientific breakthroughs depend on our ability to train the next generation of researchers today,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. “This funding will provide high-quality training to equip Rowan undergraduates with the technical, operational and professional skills they need to succeed in... Read more →

LoBiondo Joins Fellow South Jersey Leaders in Support of Presumptive-Nominee Somerville, NJ – Today, Former Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02) endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor. LoBiondo represented parts of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Ocean; and all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem. “It’s refreshing to see a candidate who is focused on the needs of South Jersey and not afraid to address the failings of the current administration.” LoBiondo commented, “We have seen the aftermath of the disastrous policies coming from Governor Murphy, and how damaging they have been to the businesses and farmers throughout South Jersey. I am confident that Jack will be a governor who never forgets about us and who will take the time to speak with us about how to better... Read more →

Lake Hiawatha, NJ . . . Today Hillery Brotschol (R-Lake Hiawatha) announced that she is seriously considering running for Congress against Mikie Sherrill. “Congress is committing generational theft with these expensive ballots. When they are not stealing from my generation, they are consumed by partisan politics. Moreover, big tech is trampling freedom of speech. Our borders are not secure. Our history is being censored. I am truly worried about the direction and future of our country. That’s why I am testing the waters for running in 2022,” said Brotschol. Brotschol is motivated to run by her love for our nation and here favorite Ronald Reagan quote: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the... Read more →

Governor Cuomo and Governor Murphy Announce Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Governor Phil Murphy today announced that New York City and New Jersey will expand indoor dining capacity to 50 percent beginning March 19. Currently, New York City and New Jersey restaurants are operating at 35 percent capacity and the rest of New York State is operating at 50 percent capacity. This follows Governor Cuomo's announcement that restaurants outside of New York City will expand to 75 percent capacity beginning March 19. "In New York State, our decisions are based on science and data and we are encouraged by the continued decline in infection and hospitalization rates," Governor Cuomo said. "In partnership with the State of New Jersey, we are expanding our indoor dining openings... Read more →

(March 15, 2021)--Two men have been arrested and charged for assaulting US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after responding on January 6 to hundreds of rioters who stormed the Capitol, the Justice Department announced Monday, according to a CNN report. From the report: Julian Elie Khater, 32, of Pennsylvania, and George Pierre Tanios, 39, of West Virginia, are alleged to have worked together to spray police, including Sicknick, with a toxic chemical spray during the Capitol riot. Khater called what was in the cannister “bear sh*t,” according to court records, but the Justice Department on Monday said the spray is unknown. The post Report: Two Charged in the Assault of Officer Brian Sicknick appeared first on Insider NJ. Read more →

WASHINGTON POLITICS WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressmen Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) introduced the National Child Identification Act, H.R. 1764, which aids law enforcement by encouraging parents and guardians to proactively collect and store their children’s sensitive identification information at home. When DNA samples are stored safely at home, law enforcement officers can spend the crucial first hours during a missing-person case searching for the child, rather than searching for the child’s DNA samples. “In America, one child goes missing every forty seconds. As a father and grandfather, that’s an unsettling statistic,” said Congressman Norcross. “We need to have smart, pre-emptive policies in place that best support law enforcement, and that’s why Congressman Fitzpatrick and I are introducing this common-sense bill to... Read more →

Leading to Future Tax Increases NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Emigholz today welcomed a proposed FY22 State Budget that does not include any new taxes and makes a full pension payment, but strongly cautioned that New Jersey’s rate of spending is unsustainable and could lead to future tax increases. WE NEED MORE OF YOUR MONEY Gloucestercitynews.net files In testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee, Emigholz said the $44.8 billion budget represents the highest level of spending in state history. With 10.9% more in spending than the FY21 budget, the current proposal represents the second-highest budget increase in 24 years. Emigholz said that level of spending is “unsustainable,” with FY22 appropriations exceeding revenue by $3.9 billion. “What if that forces a massive tax increase... Read more →

Dear New Jerseyan, This past week, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan, delivering on his and Congressional Democrats’ promise to provide COVID-19 relief to the American people. I supported this bold legislation because it provides an urgent and historic investment in the health and financial stability of millions of New Jerseyans and people across the country, a boost to our small businesses, and a lifeline to state and local governments. The landmark American Rescue Plan puts our country on a path to ending this pandemic and building back stronger and better. The American Rescue Plan provides a number of benefits, which will directly benefit you. I encourage New Jerseyans who would like to see a detailed breakdown and more information on how... Read more →

Washington Politics WEEKLY WASTEBASKET Going For A Song Federal lands are worth more than this. This week brought a flurry of legislative activity regarding the oil and gas leasing program on federal lands. Considering nearly 26 million acres of federal land are currently under lease for oil and gas development, it is no wonder the issue gets the attention of both Republican and Democratic policymakers at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. President Trump kicked it off earlier this year with a dubious and questionably timed oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Not to be outdone, a few weeks later President Biden announced a pause on all new leases as one of his first actions out of the gate. A little... Read more →

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted to pass H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act, two commonsense gun violence prevention measures to require background checks on all gun sales and close the Charleston Loophole that allowed the hate crime at Mother Emanuel AME Church. In the 116th Congress, the House passed versions of these two bills in a strong, bipartisan way. “The gun violence epidemic in this country claims 100 Americans each day, and unfortunately, we know firsthand in South Jersey how gun violence can span generations,” said Congressman Norcross. “Charles Cohen survived our country’s first modern mass shooting in 1949 in his hometown of Camden City. Nearly 70 years later, his granddaughter... Read more →

WASHINGTON POLITICS The Trump impeachment trial has garnered a lot of attention, both in politics and beyond, and for good reason. The outcome impacted Trump's reputation and was also a deciding factor on if he would be allowed to run for election again in the future. Invisibly used it’s Realtime Research tool to poll 1217 Americans to find out public sentiment on the outcome, and learn if people feel he should have been convicted or not. Here’s what Invisibly learned: 49% said he should have been convicted. When broken down by political party: 81% of strong Democrats and 87% of moderate Democrats said he should have been convicted. 88% of strong Republicans and 82% of moderate Republicans said he should not be convicted. 56% felt... Read more →

(Camden City, NJ) - The following is a joint statement from State Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-NJ-5), Assemblyman William Spearman (D-NJ-5), and Assemblyman William Moen (D-NJ-5): “While we’re saddened to learn that Camden Mayor Frank Moran has decided to retire from office, we celebrate his 31 years of exemplary city and county government service. Mayor Moran has done a stellar job under difficult circumstances, but has pushed major reforms which have positively reshaped the city for generations to come. On that note, we fully support Councilman Vic Carstarphen to become the next Mayor of the City Invincible. Vic is a natural leader who unites people. From his legendary Camden High championship basketball-playing and coaching days, to mentoring thousands of Camden youth, Vic will be the leader... Read more →

(CAMDEN CITY, NJ) - Today the following members of the Camden City Council issued this joint statement: Council President Curtis Jenkins; Council Vice President Marilyn Torres; Councilman Angel Fuentes; Councilwoman Sheila Davis; and Councilwoman Shaneka Boucher. “As colleagues of Councilman Vic Carstarphen, we offer our public support to him to replace retiring Mayor Frank Moran and endorse Vic’s candidacy for Mayor in the June Democratic primary election. We look forward to working with Vic to continue the great progress we’ve made as a team on community policing, better schools, economic development, and infrastructure improvements. We’re confident that he will continue to serve the City with distinction in this new role. We urge our Camden City Democratic Committee members to support Vic in the coming days... Read more →

Gloucestercitynews.net files By Steve Bittenbender | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) (MARCH 5, 2021)– Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged on Thursday that the body will vote on the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus plan in the coming days, passage of which would send tens of billions of dollars in support to his home state of New York. Across the state, New York officials will be watching closely as state and local governments are projected to receive more than $23.5 billion in direct aid as part of the spending plan. IT IS YOUR MONEY Gloucestercitynews.net files According to the bill, H.R. 1319, state, local and county governments can use the funding to cover the costs of the health emergency or “its negative economic impacts.”... Read more →

By John Davis BORDER SECURITY Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott remembers the chaos. His first assignment as a new Border Patrol agent in 1992 was along the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego, a place where thousands of illegal immigrants lined up and rushed the border en masse, their numbers overwhelming the handful of agents trying to stop them. “On day one when I showed up to work, I saw hundreds of people running up the median of Interstate 5, helicopters buzzing around, and I thought there was some kind of big incident or crisis that day,” Scott said, who now runs the San Diego sector for the U.S. Border Patrol. But he quickly found out it was just a normal day. Meanwhile, Border Patrol Agent... Read more →

(Camden City, NJ)(March 5, 2021)-- - Saying Camden City is on the rise thanks to the decades of leadership provided by Camden City Mayor Francisco A. “Frank” Moran, today Camden County Sheriff Gilbert “Whip” Wilson and Camden City Councilman At-Large Angel Fuentes offered praise for Moran on the announcement that Moran will not seek re-election this year due to health concerns. Sheriff Wilson and Councilman Fuentes also offered their enthusiastic support for Ward 2 City Councilman Vic Carstarphen to run for Mayor and called on the entire Camden City Democratic Committee to join them in their endorsement. “Mayor Moran has been at the forefront of Camden’s many recent successes -- from our groundbreaking community policing reforms praised by President Barack Obama and the amazing turnaround... Read more →

Norcross Joins House Democrats in Passing Historic Legislature WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined House Democrats in passing H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a sweeping anti-corruption package to clean up Washington, protect and expand voting rights, restore integrity to government and put the needs and priorities of the American people ahead of special interests. “I’ve always supported making voting easier, not harder, and today, I proudly voted to pass the most transformational and comprehensive suite of pro-democracy reforms in a generation,” said Congressman Norcross. “This bill gives us the opportunity to finally give more Americans the ability to have their voices heard, to implement campaign finance reform and to restore trust in our public institutions. Voting rights aren’t a... Read more →

GCGOP Chairwoman Vigilante And CCGOP Chairman Rich Ambrosino Announce LD4 Candidates Pakradooni for Senate, Kline and Gonzalez for Assembly WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – Gloucester County GOP Chairwoman Jacci Vigilante and Camden County Republican Chairman Rich Ambrosino announced candidates in the Fourth Legislative District today. Steve Pakradooni is running for state Senate while Patricia Kline and Denise Gonzalez are running for Assembly. The county chairs remarked, “We are proud to place Steve Pakradooni, Patricia Kline and Denise Gonzalez in our county lines with gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. No question, when elected, the three will help Jack fix New Jersey.” Steve Pakradooni, a Small Business Owner for over 30 years, said, “The coronavirus pandemic has hit the fourth legislative district hard thanks to Governor Murphy ruling by emergency... Read more →

WASHINGTON POLITICS WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-D-01) voted in favor of H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which passed through the House of Representatives. This transformative legislation reimagines the culture of policing in America with unprecedented reforms to build greater trust between law enforcement and our communities. “I stand with my community and the millions of Americans marching and demanding action following last summer’s senseless murder of George Floyd, along with real, meaningful change to the American policing culture and an end to systemic racial injustices,” said Congressman Norcross, a co-sponsor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. “I’m honored to stand with the Biden-Harris Administration in support of this legislation and thank... Read more →

Facing new sexual harassment claims: By Delphine Luneau | The Center Square (The Center Square) – After initially trying to set the terms of an investigation into his own behavior, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo relented Sunday and agreed to the establishment of an independent probe by the state Attorney General’s Office into allegations that he has sexually harassed multiple former staffers. The series of events unfolded after a New York Times report over the weekend in which Charlotte Bennett accused Cuomo of making inappropriate comments to her during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. She was ultimately moved to a new position. Her remarks followed those of Lindsey Boylan, who had levied similar accusations against the governor late last year on social media... Read more →

Senator Oroho and Assemblymen Hal Wirths and Parker Space introduced identical bills in the Assembly and Senate to halt the NJDOT's Rockfall Mitigation Project in Knowlton and Hardwick Townships. This legislation is a direct result of NJDOT’s failure to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement after the NJ Sierra Club requested for one and for the department’s lack of public input on the project. S2863(Oroho)/A4601(Wirths/Space) prohibits DOT from taking certain action on certain rockfall mitigation projects and requires DOT to conduct analysis on project alternatives. “Local state legislators are stepping up to protect the Delaware Water Gap from NJDOT’s giant rock wall project. This is a scenic and environmentally sensitive area and a gateway to a National Park. The Interstate 80 Rockfall project will not only... Read more →