The Jaffe Briefing - June 23, 2021
TRENTON – In what’s probably the least contentious state budget in years, the state Legislature is poised to zip through a $46.4 billion spending plan this week, with votes before the Senate and Assembly tomorrow, then heading to Gov. Phil Murphy for his signature. There doesn’t appear to be any of the classic 11th-hour drama, as the clock ticks toward the deadline of having an adopted balanced budget by June 30. So much for great news copy. There is not much to complain about – especially when the state is flush with a $10 billion surplus. But Republicans still need to complain about things as the minority party. So, they are grousing that there is too much spending and not enough tax relief. Others complain that state lawmakers are moving waaay too quickly on this adoption, when the plan was just released and immediately pushed for a committee vote. All that said, budget season seems to be quickly coming to a close, as the beach beckons.
STATEWIDE – Four free years of college? That’s one of the perks of a fat surplus, as families with incomes under $65,000 a year could be sending the kiddies to school at no cost, while others can see generous tuition breaks based on sliding-scale income. There’s even a fancy name: “The Garden State Guarantee Initiative,” which expands a program that already offers two free years at community college. Now, there would be a free third and fourth year at a New Jersey college, as people can secure undergraduate degrees for just the cost of books and other expenses. There are also some nice tax incentives to save in the state’s 529 college savings plan and even matching contributions. Of course, this is all based on income eligibility, as Murphy has been investing heavily in supporting New Jerseyans on the lower end of the wage scale. What a tremendous opportunity and an incredible investment, with the hopes that many take advantage and figure a way to pay it forward, here in New Jersey.
STATEWIDE – Free rent. Free utilities. Tax cuts. Free college. Yes, if you are “income eligible” in New Jersey these days, there is plenty in the new state budget for you. But, what’s in it for wealthy New Jerseyans? Likely nothing, so it is curious to learn the chatter on the sun deck of the beach house, as those on their second martini of the morning read the state’s plans to adopt a $46.4 billion spending plan. There will still be long lines at the MVC and NJ Transit is still not getting the attention it deserves, requiring all the executives to hire private cars for their commutes to their gleaming midtown offices. So, maybe this is true: State treasury officials scrubbed the budget for redundancy, ensuring the state’s elite are not paying for social programs that are now being covered through the federal stimulus and other surplus. That, at least, may be something, as the third martini is shaken, not stirred.
BRIEFING BREATHER
The opposite side of a die will always add up to seven.
Explanation: You'll see that one and six are on opposite sides of the cube (1+6=7), as are two and five (2+5=7), and three and four (3+4=7).
CARTERET – Great potential news for fence companies, as state lawmakers are considering a law that would require owners of large dogs to install a backyard fence, costing thousands of dollars. It is called “The Responsible Dog Ownership Act,” calling for towns to come up with rules for homes where large dogs reside. People could also face criminal charges if they allow their unleashed pooch to roam where kids play. This bill is stemming from tragedy, following the death of a 3-year-old Carteret boy attacked by two pit bulls. Animal rights group say such a law would force some to give up their pets, filling the shelters, as not everyone has the disposable cash to build fences, CBS reports. They also argue that having a fence doesn’t make someone a responsible owner. Still, it looks like the bill is going before the entire Assembly tomorrow for a vote, under the banner of protecting us all.
YOUR FRONT DOOR – If you’re not vaccinated, expect a knock on your door. There’s a strike force of sorts that has been dispatched to towns where vaccine rates are low. The Asbury Park Press reports that grassroots groups are working the streets this week in Howell, Middletown, Lakewood, Toms River, Brick and Jackson. The goal? To discuss the new variants of COVID in the same language the resident speaks, while dispelling any myths about getting vaccinated. The tour also hits Six Flags Great Adventure, a Lakewood BlueClaws game at FirstEnergy Park and anywhere else where this important, face-to-face appeal can be had and considered.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ever wonder if there’s a washing machine on the International Space Station? No? OK, well, anyway, there has never been a way for astronauts to clean their clothes; they basically sit in their stink until they eventually junk their clothes, stuffing them in the trash and having them burn up in the atmosphere. Of course, the makers of Tide detergent see some marketing possibilities here, and will be sending up some detergent and stain removal experiments to the space station later this year. You may not think shirt stains are critical issues for NASA, and we agree. But the marketing folks argue that as we consider bases on the moon and Mars, we can’t expect people to wear clothes that don’t smell fresh from the clothesline. Right?
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 2015 that Amazon joins eBay in removing all items depicting the Confederate flag. (If you search for it today, the mega-retailer will try to sell you to the stars and stripes.)
WORD OF THE DAY
Emeritus – [ih-MEH-ruh-tus] – adjective
Definition: Holding after retirement an honorary title corresponding to that held last during active service
Example: One day, maybe we can all retire with the title of “CEO Emeritus.”
WIT OF THE DAY
“Negative results are just what I want. They're just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don't.”
-Thomas Edison
BIDEN BLURB
“Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.”
-Joe Biden
WEATHER IN A WORD
Delight