Here's Why The Democrat/Murphy NJ Budget Stinks!

New Jersey State Senator Declan O’Scanlon highlighted the delayed and failed tax relief in the FY 2023 State Budget that Governor Phil Murphy will sign today, including a payroll tax increase that takes effect tomorrow, ANCHOR rebates that won’t be delivered until 2023, and child tax credits that won’t help parents until 2024, and tax bracket creep that remains unaddressed.

Sen. Declan O’Scanlon highlighted the delayed and failed tax relief in the FY 2023 State Budget, including a payroll tax increase that takes effect on July 1, ANCHOR rebates that won’t be delivered until 2023, and child care tax credits that won’t provide relief until 2024, and tax bracket creep that remains unaddressed. (©iStock)

“The delayed and failed tax relief efforts in the Democrats’ budget when the state is ridiculously flush with funds will go down as one of the biggest missed opportunities in New Jersey history,” said O’Scanlon (R-13), the Republican Budget Officer. “Sadly, Democrats opted for huge increases in pork spending and the establishment of massive slush funds that will do nothing to help New Jersey families suffering today from high gas prices, soaring inflation, and property taxes.”

O’Scanlon pointed to three specific tax relief failures in the Democrats’ budget:

  • Democrats failed to stop a $300 million payroll tax increase on employers that will take effect tomorrow, July 1. A convoluted plan proposed by Democrats to provide a tax credit to employers at some point in the future for some of the increased payroll taxes they will pay starting tomorrow did not advance. In contrast, the Senate Republican budget plan would have replenished the UI Fund directly using a portion of remaining federal relief funds to prevent the tax increase from taking effect. Republicans have proposed this several times, including last springlast fall, and again during the current budget process.
  • Democrats failed to provide immediate tax relief to families. Their ANCHOR rebate plan, which only includes $1.5 billion of new funding, will not deliver any relief to taxpayers until spring of 2023 at the earliest. Under ANCHOR, renters will only get a fraction of the maximum rebate, with some actually getting less than they received this year under the Homestead Benefit that’s being eliminated. In contrast, the “Give It Back” rebates proposed by Republicans would have provided $4.5 billion of rebates to 4 million households immediately. Unlike the ANCHOR plan, renters would not be treated differently under “Give It Back,” and most New Jersey families would qualify for the full $1,500 proposed by Republicans.
  • Democrats failed to deliver timely relief to parents through their new Child Tax Credit programs, which won’t provide any help to low- and middle-income families until 2024. Since the legislation says the income tax credit doesn’t apply to tax years before 2023, New Jersey parents won’t receive the income tax credit until they file their 2023 tax returns in the spring of 2024. Families would need to make less than $30,000 to get the maximum $500 credit, while nobody with income over $80,000 would qualify. Again, the “Give It Back” rebates proposed by Republicans would provide $1,500 in immediate payments to most New Jersey families.
  • Democrats failed to address “tax bracket creep” that the Murphy administration admitted will cost New Jersey income taxpayers an additional $543 million next year as they are pushed into higher income tax brackets by inflation. The comprehensive budget plan proposed by Senate Republicans called for indexing New Jersey’s income tax brackets for inflation as is done by the federal government and dozens of other states to prevent this massive tax increase.

“Democrats aren’t being honest with New Jerseyans who haven’t been told that the tax relief they’ve been promised could be years down the line,” added O’Scanlon. “That stands in stark contrast to the $8 billion of tax relief proposed by Senate Republicans that would stop looming tax and toll increases and give back $1,500 immediately to families that were overtaxed over the past year.” 

PHILLY VIDEO: Watch As Victim Turns Tables!

Trump Video: Accusations 'Absolutely CRAZY!'

SCANDALOUS! Pope Gives Pelosi Communion!

Quite Incredible; But, Yes -- It's Happening!

Biden In The Tank: Hits Low Level In Poll!

Joe Biden has once again hit his all-time low point in a well-respected, reliable national poll. Rasmussen Reports' daily presidential tracking poll for today shows that 39% of likely U.S. voters approve of Biden’s job performance while 59% disapprove. That's basically a 60/40 split against Biden.

But it get's worse, much worse, when you examine the intensity scale because the latest figures include 18% who strongly approve of the job Biden is doing and a whopping 48% who strongly disapprove. So now almost half of all likely voters not only disapprove of Biden, they strongly disapprove of him. That simply means that these people are very likely to vote and very unlikely to change their minds. Bottom line: all this gives Biden a presidential approval Index rating of -30. Translation: he's in the tank!

Macron Tells Biden: 'They're Tapped Out!'

Monday, June 27, 2022

You'll NEVER Forget The Flight 93 Memorial!





We recently visited the memorable Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives. Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted. 
This striking Memorial is on the grounds where that plane crash landed. 
Each of the passengers and all of the crew that were on the plane are individually memorialized at this vast site where a simple boulder in an empty field marks the exact spot where the plane crashed. 
An indoor museum tells the story of the day and a striking "tower of voices" memorializes those remembered here. 
This is a beautiful, striking forever memorial -- a place that you will never forget! 
All photos copyright 2022 by Dan Cirucci.



What The Hell Happened To The US Navy?

NOTE: This is an official US Navy training viodeo!

Sunday, June 26, 2022

TIAGD: Find Out What It Means Here!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Martha Sharkey who, along with he husband, Paul founded a wonderful organization called Today Is A Good Day (TIAGD). I was touched, inspired and uplifted by Martha and Paul's story.

On November 14, 2010, Martha and Paul welcomed identical twins, Claire and Mary, into the world. The girls were born extremely premature at just 23 weeks and 5 days of a 40-week gestation period. Knowing very little about premature birth, the Sharkeys were launched into the overwhelming and isolating world of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). After just 14 days, their daughter, Mary, earned her angel wings. Claire continued to fight and graduated from the NICU after 103 days.

Following their extended NICU stay, the Sharkeys recognized a gap in care for parents and families navigating the NICU journey. Martha and Paul created Today is a Good Day in 2014 to provide personal and financial support for families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 

Since then. it's simply amazing what TIAGD has accomplished:
  • Currently partnering with eight hospitals and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
  • Provided over 2700 care packages for families through hospital partners and upon request nationally and internationally
  • Hosted over 50 Listening Sessions for families currently navigating the NICU journey. Currently hosting virtual listening sessions due to COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Supported over 100 families with financial grants supporting transportation, car seats, cribs, pack-n-plays, funeral expenses, utility bills, baby supplies, and more
  • Offered the 1st Greater Philadelphia Interfaith Remembrance Service for Miscarriage, Infant, and Child Loss
  • Delivered over 175 Thanksgiving meals to NICU families last holiday season 
They've also partnered with local and national companies to host over 30 Team Building programs to fill care packages and weave bonding squares and have grown their volunteer base from 12 to over 500 supporting the mission of Today is a Good Day.

There are wonderful things happening all around us -- and extraordinary opportunities to get involved and help others!

A Dazzling Architectural Feat: Breathtaking!











We recently took a quick trip to southwestern Pennsylvania to visit a wondrous place we've always wanted to see. 
It's Frank Lloyd Wright's masterwork, Fallingwater, a residence built into the side of a cliff and over a waterfall. It was created for the Kauffman family who once owned a renowned chain of department stores. 
You may have seen photos of this place (like the ones we took, above) but they simply do not capture the sheer awesomeness of Fallingwater. It is nothing less than a work of genius! 
The Kauffmans lived here for many years but now it is open to the public and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
Take note of how the architect brought the outdoors inside, creating an inspiring harmony with nature. And look at all the repeated linear patterns throughout. On top of everything else, this is a miraculous feat of engineering. 
You owe it to yourself to put this place on your bucket list. You won't be disappointed! 
Photos copyright 2022 by Dan Cirucci.

'Peggy, Rich, George, Jonah, Stephen: Get Lost!'

 June 26, 2022  

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America

I listen to all of these foolish (stupid!) people, often living in a bygone era, like the weak and frail RINO, Peggy Noonan, who did much less for Ronald Reagan than she claims, and who actually said bad things about him and his ability to speak, or Rich Lowry, who has destroyed the once wonderful and influential National Review, the pride and joy of the legendary William F. Buckley, or George Will, whose mind is decaying with hatred and envy before our very eyes, or Jonah Goldberg and Stephen Hayes, two people who are finally out of the conversation and of no relevance whatsoever. Where do these people come from? They have no idea what the MAGA movement is, and even less of an understanding of America First, which is necessary, and even vital, to save our Country. People like these are nasty, jealous, not smart, and of no use to the potential greatness of our Country. They talk, they criticize, and they complain, but they don’t have the ability or talent to get anything done. They are shortsighted “losers”, and will never understand what it takes to Make America Great Again!

Oh, Yeah - They KNOW Who To Thank!

Saturday, June 25, 2022

The Future Of The GOP AND America . . .

VIDEO: Biden In '06: Abortion NOT A Right

Biden's Inflation: The Cost Is STAGGERING!

And note that we're reminded here that a local school district is looking to borrow MILLIONS OF DOLLARS for school funding. ANOTHER enormous burden on working families that we'll be paying for year after year for decades to come. And this in a state that has the highest property taxes in the country with most of that money already going to the schools! In this inflation saturated economy we ALL must do more with less!
 

Nearly 60% Rate Biden POOR On Economy!

Most voters clearly aren’t buying President Joe Biden’s explanations about high gas prices and say he’s done a poor job of handling the economy overall.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that just 27% of likely U.S. voters rate Biden excellent or good for his handling of the economy. That’s down from 32% in December. Fifty-seven percent (57%) now give Biden a poor rating for his handling of the economy, up from 55% in December. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Archbishop 'Grateful' To Justices For Dobbs Decision

STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP NELSON J. PÉREZ 
FOLLOWING OPINION FROM THE 
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES IN
DOBBS V. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION


I am grateful to the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States for their willingness to hear Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, and for their opinion, which affirms the deep value inherent to every human life.­


As Catholics, we believe that life is God’s most precious gift and that we share a responsibility to uphold its beauty and sanctity from conception to natural death. In addition to being strong advocates for the unborn, this responsibility extends to caring for the hungry, the poor, the sick, the immigrant, the elderly, the oppressed, and any of our brothers and sisters who are marginalized. In short, to be truly pro-life means to recognize the presence of God in everyone and to care for them accordingly.

The Church’s strong commitment to protecting and preserving human life is a holistic one. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is one of the largest private providers of social services in the region. Our ministries and programs provide a continuum of care to those in need regardless of their faith tradition.

Our charitable programs provide formula, diapers, education, and comprehensive support services to pregnant women, fathers, new parents, and single parents. We have distributed more than a million meals in the greater Philadelphia region to those struggling with food insecurity. We shelter the homeless, support veterans, those in recovery, and help students with special needs receive the Catholic education they deserve. We have helped desperate families get back on their feet and bring joy to the lives of the aged and lonely.

I have often said that we are a people of hope. It is my personal hope that we can all live and work peacefully, side-by-side, to create a true culture of life in our Nation.
May God bless you.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Note: Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) offers community-based and residential programs and services to support men, women and children in need as an expression of the charitable works of our local Church throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. To learn more about CSS programs that serve a wide variety of human needs, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/

Project Rachel was founded in 1984 in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The ministry is now active in more than 110 dioceses across the United States. Project Rachel is composed of a network of specially trained clergy, spiritual directors and therapists who provide compassionate one-on-one care to men and women who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion and seek emotional and psychological healing. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this program is a collaborative effort between Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family. For more information, please visit www.HopeAfterAbortion.org.

Real Alternatives is a government-funded program of the Department of Human Services that provides pregnancy and parenting support services to women facing unplanned, crisis pregnancies which empowers them to choose childbirth over abortion. For more information, please visit www.realalternatives.org.

Pallotta: Even Ginsburg Saw The Folly Of Roe

Republican Congressional Candidate Frank Pallotta (N.J. – 05) issued the following statement on today's Supreme Court ruling in the case Dobbs v. Jackson:

“Voters want politicians who will be straight with them and take clear positions. I will never judge someone’s decision or situation. 

I believe in the sanctity of human life. I also believe in medical science.

Advances in modern medical science expanded fetal viability even as politicians like Josh Gottheimer ignored science and pushed for laws that went in the opposite direction and essentially legalized manslaughter. 

Roe v. Wade was founded on language that was nowhere in the Constitution, and it featured the usurpation of the elected legislatures' role in determining public policy by the unelected judiciary. We now have the opportunity for real bipartisan reform on the laws that regulate abortion. An opportunity to follow medical science in drafting those reforms. 

Instead of following medical science, Congressman Gottheimer and his allies have pursued a wholly ideological agenda of more and more extreme abortion laws - including partial-birth abortion and abortion for any reason up until the moment of birth.

The Court is right to assert that ‘the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.’ Even Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg agreed that Roe v. Wade was bad jurisprudence: as a circuit court judge, Ginsburg wrote that:

‘Roe ventured too far in the change it ordered’ – that it would have been ‘more acceptable’ to leave the broader decision up to the states. 

Today, the Supreme Court did just that.”

 

NYYRC: A 'Forced Reckoning' With 63 Million Dead!

A statement from the New York Young Republican Club, which bills itself as "America's oldest and largest Young Republican Club":

Today, the Supreme Court forced our nation to confront tens of millions of smothered voices.

For fifty years since Roe v. Wade coerced the states to accept its judge-made law, over 63 million children have been slaughtered by abortion—many of them from disadvantaged families, many of them people of color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 19 out of every 100 pregnancies since 1973 have ended in an abortion. Initially hailed as a liberating device, the Big Lie that the dead, the aborted Americans, never existed brought forth an American (and global) subculture that copulation could be forever used pleasurably, regardless of the incumbent responsibilities and consequences surrounding it.

Today, the opinion of Justice Alito and the Court has forced a reckoning with the aborted of America. Decades of squandered humanity now command our nation’s attention. There can be no reparation for the aborted America beyond prayer; unlike other sins of our nation’s past, we cannot pretend to erase it through seminars, activism, performative service, or “equity.” These lives are forever wasted. Some will respond with joy to today’s decision; in many states, the verbal outcry of the living and the moral outcry of the dead will immediately trigger an end to abortion. In others, especially New York, we anticipate that this reckoning will drive many to violent rage as groups like “Jane’s Revenge,” who have twisted abortion into an unsacred rite, carry out the retribution of the Democratic Party against churches and individuals who dared question its power. We believe, however, that as our nation confronts what it has done, for whatever reason, we can only process the slow creep of unfathomable guilt. We the people have killed

Violence will not cleanse our bloodstained conscience through the desperate assertion of “my body, my choice” in the streets and on websites. Nor may we forget the aborted America—what we lost. The aborted America took from us doctors, teachers, soldiers, priests, construction workers, waiters, scientists, community leaders, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. We must strive to live the lives that they cannot.

Even on this day of good fortune for our young, many states will continue to deny their young a right to life; abortionists and their supporters hold massive sway in many states, including and especially New York. For those who have had abortions or who are struggling with a decision on the topic, our Club would be remiss not to offer the support you need in this time of crisis. We will have more details on this topic in the coming days. For those who continue, after facing the truth of their legacy, to push for “abortion on demand and without apology” as they did at the doors of the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral this past May, remember that it is not too late to align with the truth and to reckon with your failures.

For those who insist that by speaking out for the aborted America we take “the wrong side of history,” remember that even Jane Roe from Roe v. Wade (i.e., Norma McCorvey) became pro-life and repented for her youthful indiscretions.

So Much Work; So Much Prayer; Dreams Fulfilled!

The following statement is from Brian Birch, President of Catholic Vote:


They did it.

 

PRAISE GOD.

 

Moments ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. After nearly 50 years, and over 63 million children destroyed, the Court has returned the question of abortion law back to the states.

 

Here are some quick takes for you:

 

THE VOTE  The vote to overturn Roe was 5-3-1, and authored by Justice Alito. Justices Thomas, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett joined Alito’s opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts did not join the majority opinion but filed a separate opinion agreeing with the Court’s decision to uphold the Mississippi law but also arguing that the Court should not have decided the question of whether the Constitution protects abortion. The Court’s three liberals, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented against the entire ruling, of course.

 

THE IMPACT  Immediately following today’s decision, the state of Missouri moved to activate their law outlawing abortion. We are seeing reports that abortions in Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, and other states have been halted. The Attorney General of Texas declared abortion illegal and shut down his office announcing henceforth today would be a holiday in honor of the millions of children lost. Sadly, states like California, Illinois, and New York are likely to expand their abortion laws. Nothing in today’s decision will stop them from doing so.

   

GOD WINS AGAIN  Not only was Roe overturned on the day we celebrate the Sacred Heart, but every other year it will fall on the Nativity of John the Baptist -- who recognized the humanity of Christ in the womb. 

 

ANALYSIS  The Court finally righted the notorious decision in Roe v. Wadeafter nearly 50 years of heroic efforts by millions of Americans in pursuit of justice. Nowhere in our Constitution do we find a right to take innocent human life. Further, the humanity of children in the womb has become plain and undeniable thanks to the decades of technological advances since Roe was decided. Millions of women have been coerced, threatened, or forced into a decision they regret. They too are worthy of protection. A dark chapter in our nation’s history has finally been closed.

 

THOMAS GOES THERE  Justice Thomas issued a separate “concurring opinion” which is not part of the controlling decision. In his opinion Thomas argued that: “In future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell.” Is same-sex marriage next? Not likely anytime soon. But he’s right on the law, the integrity of the Court, and the right reading of the Constitution.

 

MORE WORK AHEAD  The Court today has merely allowed state legislators to begin the important task of supporting women in need, and protecting their vulnerable children from the grisly practices of the abortion industry. We urge state legislatures along with our federal representatives to move quickly to enact broad protections for women and children, and support for pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and programs that offer real choices for women to keep and love their children.

 

WHY NOT  We won’t hold our breath waiting for corporate America, but for Catholics, June should now be PRO-LIFE MONTH.

 

NIGHT OF RAGE?  Pro-abortion activists have called for a “night of rage” tonight, and we expect rioting, vandalism, and more all across the country. We again urge pastors and priests to have a plan in place to protect their parishes and people. Pray for peace.

 

THE POLITICS  Nancy Pelosi took to the podium after the ruling and said: "No point in saying 'good morning,' because it certainly is not one." But of course it was a great morning! We’ve been ready for this moment, and we have new ads that will begin running in the coming days in key districts across the country. Pro-abortion groups too have unleashed a massive fundraising push, and are expected to raise tens of millions of dollars off the news. We cannot let up. Celebrate today by making a donation to your local pregnancy help center. Or to CV of course – here.

 

FUN SPECULATION  Will the March for Life now move its annual march from January 21 (which commemorates the day Roe was decided) to June 24? Roe is gone. Why not?

 

Send me your thoughts and insights on this historic day. 

 

I’d love to read and share them with the CV team.

 

Brian

 

 

P.S. When I first heard the announcement, it was hard not to get choked up. So much work, by so many, for so long, finally paid off. I will always remember where I was when I heard the news this morning. Today is one of those historic days that we will never forget.  

 

On behalf of all of us at CV, thank you for keeping us in the fight. I couldn’t help but remember how we united in prayer last December on the day this case was argued before the Court.  Over 1200 parishes held adoration for LIFE! We’ve got a long way to to, but thanks to you and the entire pro-life movement, after today a lot more childrens’ hearts will beat across America. 

US Catholic Bishops Hail The End Of Roe

In response to the Supreme Court of the United States issuing its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities issued the following statement:

“This is a historic day in the life of our country, one that stirs our thoughts, emotions and prayers. For nearly fifty years, America has enforced an unjust law that has permitted some to decide whether others can live or die; this policy has resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of preborn children, generations that were denied the right to even be born.

“America was founded on the truth that all men and women are created equal, with God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This truth was grievously denied by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Waderuling, which legalized and normalized the taking of innocent human life. We thank God today that the Court has now overturned this decision. We pray that our elected officials will now enact laws and policies that promote and protect the most vulnerable among us.

“Our first thoughts are with the little ones whose lives have been taken since 1973. We mourn their loss, and we entrust their souls to God, who loved them from before all ages and who will love them for all eternity. Our hearts are also with every woman and man who has suffered grievously from abortion; we pray for their healing, and we pledge our continued compassion and support. As a Church, we need to serve those who face difficult pregnancies and surround them with love.

“Today’s decision is also the fruit of the prayers, sacrifices, and advocacy of countless ordinary Americans from every walk of life. Over these long years, millions of our fellow citizens have worked together peacefully to educate and persuade their neighbors about the injustice of abortion, to offer care and counseling to women, and to work for alternatives to abortion, including adoption, foster care, and public policies that truly support families. We share their joy today and we are grateful to them. Their work for the cause of life reflects all that is good in our democracy, and the pro-life movement deserves to be numbered among the great movements for social change and civil rights in our nation’s history.

“Now is the time to begin the work of building a post-Roe America. It is a time for healing wounds and repairing social divisions; it is a time for reasoned reflection and civil dialogue, and for coming together to build a society and economy that supports marriages and families, and where every woman has the support and resources she needs to bring her child into this world in love.

“As religious leaders, we pledge ourselves to continue our service to God’s great plan of love for the human person, and to work with our fellow citizens to fulfill America’s promise to guarantee the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people.”


Durr Praises SCOTUS Ruling; Blasts Murphy

New Jersey State Senator Ed Durr issued the following statement praising a decision by the United States Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade:

Sen. Ed Durr praised a decision by the United States Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. (©iStock)

“Today is a wonderful day for the pro-life community and our efforts to save as many lives as possible,” said Durr (R-3). “Unfortunately, Governor Murphy supports allowing abortions up until birth, so we still have much work to do to address this sickening taking of innocent lives here in New Jersey.”

THIS Is The Man Who Made It Happen!

 June 24, 2022 - 

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President 

of the United States of America

"Today’s decision, which is the biggest WIN for LIFE in a generation, along with other decisions that have been announced recently, were only made possible because I delivered everything as promised, including nominating and getting three highly respected and strong Constitutionalists confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. It was my great honor to do so! I did not cave to the Radical Left Democrats, their partners in the Fake News Media, or the RINOs who are likewise the true, but silent, enemy of the people. These major Victories prove that even though the Radical Left is doing everything in their power to destroy our Country, your Rights are being protected, the Country is being defended, and there is still hope and time to Save America! I will never stop fighting for the Great People of our Nation!"


Remember: Reagan said he would make it happen. He didn't.

HW Bush said he would make it happen. He didn't

W Bush said he would make it happen. He didn't.

President Trump MADE IT HAPPEN!


Under Murphy, NJ Lags Behind The Nation!

From Save Jersey, by Matt Rooney (reprinted with permission);

Whether economic times are good or bad, Save Jerseyans, New Jersey always seems to lag the national average.

In the first quarter of 2022, New Jersey personal income rose at a 4.1% annual rate as opposed to the 4.8% national rate.

The Garden State also underperformed its neighbors. Over the same three month period, Pennsylvania’s incomes increased at 5.5% rate, New York ticked up to 4.6%, and even Delaware posted a 7.4% improvement. It seems to be a pattern: last quarter, New Jersey incomes dropped at a 0.4% rate even as the nation as a whole realize a 3.6% jump.

The results fly in the face of Governor Murphy’s pledge to build a “fairer and stronger” New Jersey.

“A portion of our weakness in the first quarter relates to the fade-out of COVID aid. This factor, for reasons that are not clear, was a larger drag on personal income in New Jersey than in many other states,” explained Dr. Charles Steindel, former Chief Economist of the New Jersey Treasury, in an analysis for the Garden State Initiative. “Also, a marked step-up in earnings in durable goods manufacturing was less important here than elsewhere, since durable goods production is now a small part of New Jersey’s economy. Finally, property income (dividends, rents, and interest) is calculated to have grown more slowly in New Jersey than in the nation as a whole, though it should be realized that quarterly state estimates of this type of income are likely subject to a large margin of error.”

Here’s the map:

A Parents Bill Of Rights For NJ!

A pair of New Jersey Republican state legislators today unveiled their legislation to ensure that the parents of New Jersey public school children will be able to exercise their rights under the law to observe, comment, and direct their kids’ education and safeguard them against the increasingly radical agenda of leftist educators and administrators.


Sen. Michael Testa and Asm. Christian Barranco introduced their “Parents’ Bill of Rights” bill to fight back against incidents of New Jersey public school districts trying to hide some of the most controversial and shocking curricula from parents and taxpayers. (©iStock)

Senator Michael Testa (R-1) and Assemblyman Christian Barranco (R-26) introduced their “Parents’ Bill of Rights” bill to fight back against incidents of New Jersey public school districts trying to hide some of the most controversial and shocking curricula from parents and taxpayers.

“Parents are rightly upset about the stream of ultra-left indoctrination from some activist educators which seek to miseducate our students instead of preparing them for success in the real world,” said Sen. Testa. “As the spouse of a teacher, our focus should be on English, math, history, and science. Parents who pay the taxes to fund our schools need to have their rights respected and protected.”

“The nurture and upbringing of our children does not ‘take a village,’ it takes parents,” said Asm. Barranco. “School districts are not in the business of raising our children, they were put in place by the people, to serve those that vote for and fund their operations and the topics and content they teach our children will start and end with us.”

The legislation includes language to declare that “it is a fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children.” The sponsors also maintain that parents, also as taxpayers, have a fundamental right to know the content of state standards of instruction as well as the curriculum established by the local elected school board in their districts.

Since April, revelations about proposed sex education curricula in certain public school districts have caused an uproar among parents. This topic only underscores the ongoing problems in public education where school administrators and board members have hidden topics from parents. The Biden Administration reportedly even sought to use federal anti-terrorism law to intimidate parents from asking questions at school board meetings.

“We believe that all information about public school education affecting students must be available to those paying for the education,” said Sen. Testa. “Parents have a right, and a responsibility, to learn what schools are teaching, and those schools cannot seek to delay or deny those parents their rights.”

The bill includes language which ensures “information about a minor child should not be withheld, either inadvertently or purposefully, from the child’s parent, including information relating to the minor child’s physical and mental health, well-being, and education, while the minor child is in the custody of the school district. “

Lastly, the bill maintains that the discussion of the above topics related to the education of minor children will be made available at meetings of the duly elected school boards established for that purpose and posted publicly for review.

The bill will now be referred to the relevant committees in each chamber and will await a hearing.