The Jaffe Briefing - April 24, 2018
OUR TAKE ON THE NEWS IN NEW JERSEY
STATEWIDE - Yeah, yeah, New Jersey has really high taxes. And, yeah, it is super expensive to live here. So, yet another study is out, with the American Legislative Exchange Council ranking New Jersey second-to-last among states in economic performance and 46th in economic outlook, ROI-NJ reports. The study, called "Rich States, Poor States," shows the state hasn't really bounced back from the Great Recession, and all the great companies and great people are moving elsewhere to make a great living. It is another ringing alarm bell for Gov. Phil Murphy and state lawmakers, who need to be much more pro-business to keep tax dollars here, as opposed, to, say, Texas.
TRENTON - So, what would it cost for the state to follow its own school funding law? NJSpotlight is out with the number, and it isn't pretty. The magic number is $1.5 billion. Here's why: 70 percent of all school districts in New Jersey are deemed "underfunded" by more than $2.2 billion, according to a decade-old state law. Yet the remaining school districts are reaping $660 million more in aid that exceeds the state formula. The net? $1.5 billion, or so, a gap our famously progressive governor is working to close by adding a proposed $284 million for the next budget year.
ON THE ROAD - NJ Transit commuters continue to fume, as trains still can't seem to find their way into Manhattan without experiencing a Greek tragedy, filled with laughter, betrayal, tears and ultimate demise. Could buses be the option? The proposed state budget calls for NJ Transit to undergo a hiring spree, with 114 new employees that includes 40 more bus drivers. NJ Transit is already bracing for another summer of heck, as work is set to begin on the reconstruction of the Route 495 viaduct near the Lincoln Tunnel, taking out one lane of service in each direction, if that is possible. But the "express" bus lane will remain open, so commuters can be absolutely ensured an easy bus ride into work, like usual.
MORRISTOWN - Sure, you've gotta spend money to make it. But, perhaps Morris County Republicans went too far, overspending on a posh February fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club. Oops. Now, they're heading into a few dicey June campaigns with just a skimpy $13,900 on hand. The New Jersey Globe says ELEC reports show the county GOP raised $58,335, but shelled out $24,500 to the glitzy Bedminister golf venue, $30,000 for Fox News funnyman Greg Gutfeld to headline the event, and $10,000 to repay a state senator's loan toward Gutfeld's fee. But we bet the crab legs were divine.
SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS - Neither snow, nor rain, nor 30 years of schlepping mail has dampened letter carrier Robin O'Neill's cheery disposition. Nope. People along her route tell the Asbury Park Press that she's "a ray of sunshine, with always something nice to say." The U.S. Postal Service is now honoring O'Neill with a million-mile safe driving award. So, what is that, exactly? For starters, a little bonus. Enough to splurge on dinner for two at, say Arby's... maybe Chick-Fil-A (if they only order one Dr. Pepper with two straws). And, her name gets proudly displayed on a banner in the backroom of the town's small post office, in which a total of four people may see. Let's just assume she does the job for the people, not the perks.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
DENVER - It will forever be known as the $500 apple, courtesy of your friendly air carrier. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol slapped a $500 fine on a woman for not declaring the "free" apple she received on her Delta Air Lines flight from Paris. The passenger tells KDVR-TV that flight attendants had passed out some lovely apples, and she placed one in her carry-on to save for her later. Then, she went through Customs. The agent searching her bag asked her if her trip to France was expensive. When she said "yes," he told her it was about to get more expensive after charging her $500. Next time, when Customs declaration forms ask if she is bringing any fruits or vegetables into the country, she will remember that free apple.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Likely, the 38,000 runners in the 2012 London Marathon are still getting robocalls, spam and junk mail, after organizers accidentally published the home and email addresses of all entrants on this day in 2012.
WORD OF THE DAY
Cathexis - [kə-THEK-sis] - noun
Definition: Investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea
Example: A jittery cathexis has formed: Can we really rely on the Mets starting rotation for the entire season?
WEATHER IN A WORD
Beauty