The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy will be felt by Shore residents for years if not decades.  Nevertheless, the destruction at Shore communities will cause some residents to relocate and not try to rebuild their homes and businesses.  Other residents will rebuild and hope that another “storm of the century” is just that, 100 years away.

Media sycophants have been tripping all over themselves heaping praise on Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Christie and Governor Cuomo for their handling of tropical storm Irene.  Yes, Irene turned into a tropical storm before it hit the New Jersey shore, a fact that should have known by the “Big Three” hours before they dominated the airwaves with their dire warnings about the impending Apocalypse in New York and New Jersey.  

In his budget address to the Legislature on Tuesday, Governor Christie outlined his paradigm, a “New Normal” to deal with the state’s ongoing fiscal crisis.  Instead of proposing a restructuring of state government that would end the annual crisis atmosphere in Trenton, the Governor has come up with a rehash of the old paradigm--tax and spend—with a much needed dose of business tax cuts to boost the economy. 

WEINBERG STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR’S VETO OF WOMEN’S HEALTH BILL

Says Governor’s Insistence that Finances Are Behind Veto is Disingenuous Given Recent Appearances with Pro-Life Organizations

TRENTON – State Senator Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, the sponsor of legislation to restore women’s health funding in New Jersey and leverage millions in federal matching funds, issued the following statement today regarding the Governor’s veto of her legislation, supposedly on the grounds that New Jersey can’t afford it:

“Frankly, the Governor’s insistence that his opposition to women’s health programs is rooted in fiscal conservatism is dubious at best, given his far-right social views about a woman’s right to choose.

“Given his appearance as recently as last week at a rally held by New Jersey Right to Life, it’s apparent that the Governor’s veto is motivated by his conservative personal opinions and not fiscal concern.

Below is an edited version of my brief remarks at a recent breakfast meeting of conservative activists.

Governor Christie at his State of the State address talked about “Big Ideas.”  In the few minutes I have, I would like to talk about one “Big Idea,” the restructuring of “public education.”  But before I do so, I would like to ask you four questions.

Below please find an open letter from the 12th District Legislators to NY Senator Charles Schumer in response to his recent criticism of Governor Christie's decision to halt the construction of the ARC Tunnel.

Calendar of events for the Anna Little campaign 10/15-17. Friday, 10/15: Anna's Home Stretch Rally. Saturday, 10/16: Ground Assault Middletown. Sunday, 10/17: Northern District Convoy, Governor Christie/Anna Little Rally, Little-Pallone Debate.

Last week the Christie administration created new rules for dispensing medical marijuana in New Jersey.  Instead of allowing patients who desire to alleviate pain and other ailments relatively easy access to marijuana as the law requires, the Christie administration has reduced the number of authorized dispensaries, will require patients to be certified by a state review panel, and physicians must document that other pain remedies have been ineffective after treating a patient for at least a year.  In addition, a patient must suffer from one of nine diseases to be eligible to obtain medical marijuana, among other restrictions. 

On Oprah’s national television show Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, accompanied by Governor Christie and Newark mayor Corey Booker, announced he will make a $100 million gift to the Newark school system spread over five years.  Zuckerberg’s gift is in the form of a “challenge grant.”  Newark has to raise an additional $100 million over five years, bringing the total philanthropic bounty to $200 million. 

LAMPITT, ADVOCATES URGE OVERRIDE OF WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE FUNDING VETO

Sponsor of Women’s Health Care Funds Says It’s Time to Put Women’s Health Above Partisan Politics

(VOORHEES)—Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Cherry Hill) today stood with women’s health advocates, calling for the Legislature to override Governor Christie’s veto of lifesaving women’s health care funds. Lampitt is a prime sponsor of Assembly Bill 3019, which would restore $7.5 million in women’s health care funds.

“The Governor’s veto leaves thousands upon thousands of New Jersey women out in the cold,” said Lampitt. “Allowing this veto to stand will mean sicker families and increased costs to taxpayers. This is not a partisan issue; it is about saving women’s lives and taxpayer dollars.”