A last night deal between the two branches of the Legislature ended a budget stalemate late July 3 in time for state parks and beaches to reopen for the July 4 holiday. A three-day […]
State Budget Impasse Moves NJ Into Shutdown Mode
With a failure to pass a budget by 12am on July 1, New Jersey government shutdown for the first time in 11 years. The shutdown will continue until a spending bill is approved and […]
NJ Summer Meals Available For Kids In Need!
Tens of thousands of New Jersey students rely on school meals during the academic year. When school’s out, family budgets are stretched tight and children lack access to the meals they rely on during […]
Budget Committees Move State Budget Out of Committee, Bills Head To Floor For Thursday Showdown
The Assembly and Senate Budget Committees moved the FY2018 budget bill (S-18) / (A-5000), out of committee late June 26. The evening action sets up a vote by both chambers June 29, just a […]
Lottery Proposal Approved By Budget Committees
The Governor’s plan to dedicate lottery revenue to support public employee pensions advanced out of committee in both the Assembly and Senate Monday evening with no debate. The Assembly Budget Committee voted 13-0 to […]
State Board of Ed To Meet Friday To Elect Temporary Leader As New Members Possibly Seated
The State Board of Education will hold a special meeting Friday to elect a president pro tem, following last week’s replacement of the current Board President Mark Biedron. Biedron, who joined the board in 2011, was […]
Legislature Appears Inclined To Go Along With Gov’s Lottery Pension Plan
Democratic leaders in the state Legislature appear willing to send Gov. Chris Christie a landmark bill that would dedicate lottery revenue to the state’s troubled pension system. The agreement is tied to approval of […]
Legislative Leadership Support Christie Changes Budget Changes But Details Scarce
The top two Democrats in the state Legislature indicated June 22 there was support for their school funding proposal with some “small” changes proposed by Gov. Chris Christie, even as several Republican lawmakers argue […]
State Board President’s Replacement Approved
State Board of Education President Mark Biedron’s replacement was approved by the State Senate June 22. The approval ends months of uncertainty as to his future on the board. Biedron will be replaced by Mary […]
Senate Approves New State Board Nominees
The state Senate June 19 confirmed the nomination of Kathy Goldenberg to the state Board of Education, a move that eliminates current vice president Joseph Fisicaro off the board. The Senate did not take action on another nominee, Mary Elizabeth […]