Strongly objecting to fee shifting, inequitable pay structures that punish media outlets, and other public interest obstacles snuck into S-2930, transparency activists today tried to prevail on the state Senate Budget Committee to kill the bill. Attorney C.J. Griffin, partner and director of the Stein Public Interest Center, zeroed in on the bill’s delicate use of language to shift the financial burden – and the burden of proof – for an OPRA request onto the public. “This flips the burden, saying we have to go to court and somehow convince the judge it’s unreasonable when we don’t have access ..read more

Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:   QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Now without the line, I personally believe that organizations could and should be stronger. I think that the organizations will work harder at getting their candidates elected.” – Hudson County Executive and incoming HCDO Chair Craig Guy   TOP STORY: The Names in the Central Ward (and Citywide) Newark Game     NJ health officials are advising adding genome sequencing to newborn disease screening, according to NJ Monitor.   The state is considering changing the mandatory age for kids to attend s ..read more

Today, Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) announced that Rutgers University President Holloway agreed to a meeting to discuss the university’s decision to meet the demands of protesters. “I am glad President Holloway agreed to meet with me in light of Rutgers University’s decision to meet the demands of protesters illegally occupying the campus and causing a disruption. Negotiating with protesters who violate the law only invites more people to follow suit and the taxpayers deserve answers to the misguided actions of the university administration.” The post Bramnick Meeting with Rutgers President app ..read more

Council President McIver. Backed by a powerful combination of Mayor Ras Baraka’s operation and the Essex County Democratic Committee, in addition to her own base in the Central Ward, Newark Council President Lamonica McIver remains strongly positioned to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. As of Wednesday morning, she is the only candidate to have submitted petition signatures to the New Jersey Secretary of State’s Office. She may soon have company, however, as Linden Mayor Derek Armstead of neighboring Union County wants to contend for the congressional seat. Commanding the larger po ..read more

Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:   QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Originally they painted this bill as cracking down on data brokers, but now those limits are gone. [It] exposes that this was really about gutting OPRA all along.” – Attorney CJ Griffin on amended OPRA legislation   TOP STORY: Linden Mayor Armstead Making a Move in CD-10     The Murphy Administration announced free 24/7 digital mental health services for state college students.   Governor Murphy criticized Rutgers and lamented missed opportunities with protests, according to ROI-NJ.   Data ..read more

The allies of Linden Mayor Derek Armstead are collecting signatures, intent on getting their man on the ballot for the July 16th special election in CD-10. A ten-year mayoral veteran who’s prepared to make a case for strong leadership in the area of taxes and quality of life for his constituents, Armstead wants to supply a voice to the entire district, including his home county of Union. A scrappy executive who’s battle-tested and used to fighting, Democrat Armstead is said to be figuring out a winning strategy as he seeks to meet Friday’s petition deadline at the Secretary of State’s Office ..read more

The ACLU of New Jersey today sent a letter to the Camden County Board of Commissioners reminding them of their responsibility to uphold students’ rights to free speech and free expression. The letter also calls on the Board to disavow an earlier effort by two of its commissioners – via a letter sent to the Superintendent of the Eastern Camden County Regional School District on April 22 – to incorrectly characterize any pro-Palestinian speech as antisemitic and dangerously disregard students’ free speech rights under the federal and state constitutions. “Students should be commended for engagin ..read more

On Saturday, as Trump hosts a MAGA rally in Wildwood, Rep. Mikie Sherrill will lead a “Stand Up to Trump: New Jersey Day of Action.” Sherrill will rally New Jersey Democrats in support of President Joe Biden and candidates across the state, with several stops and actions to bolster Democratic support. “Donald Trump stands for everything antithetical to New Jersey values – fear, division, and chaos. Just last week, he doubled down on his plan to restrict our reproductive rights by allowing states to monitor pregnant women and punish those who seek abortion care. That’s why I’m bringing New Jers ..read more

The full statement by Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss: I wholeheartedly endorse LaMonica Mclver for Congress in our district. Having had the privilege of working closely with LaMonica for several years, I can confidently say that she is a remarkable individual who possesses the qualities and dedication necessary to be an outstanding representative for our community. It is not just LaMonica’s qualifications and advocacy for women’s rights that make her an exceptional candidate. She possesses the qualities of dedication, communication, and leadership that are essential for effective representation. H ..read more

Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:   QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I know that County Executive Craig Guy is the ideal choice to lead the county party forward now during a time of change and transition when the HCDO will need to adopt new approaches to directly engage with voters on the issues that matter most to them.” – Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop   TOP STORY: Essex United for McIver     A Monmouth University poll finds younger voters express less climate change urgency.   NJ ranks high among the states that smoke the most weed ..read more