In The News
MVC’s Computer System Lags Behind Other States. Catching Up is a Costly, Decades-long Ordeal.
The state Motor Vehicle Commission’s computer system has been one that drivers love to hate.
When it works, they don’t notice it. When it fails and brings business at agencies to a halt, the system inspires words suitable for an R rated movie. A positive side to the MVC’s tumultuous reopening of agencies last month was there weren’t the crippling statewide computer problems of the past.
But to give New Jersey drivers the online features they want and that other states offer — and to potentially reduce the hours-long wait times that’s plagued agencies since they reopened — that system needs a major upgrade, a computer expert said.
The road to upgrade it has been a torturous one. MVC officials said they’ve ditched costly and delayed mega-projects of the past.
NJ is Suing the U.S. Postal Service, Attorney General Says
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal expects to join a host of Democratic attorneys general in suing the United States Postal Service over cuts they say could jeopardize mail-in balloting during this fall's election, his office said Tuesday.
First announced in an afternoon tweet, Grewal later said in a statement that New Jersey is suing "to stop political interference in an apolitical institution."
"We must act quickly to protect the integrity of the upcoming election and halt the sudden and sweeping operational changes made by the U.S. Postal Service," Grewal said, adding that his office will file legal paperwork this week. "Voting by mail is safe, secure, and reliable. We intend to keep it that way."
County, Bridge Commission Extending Help to Small Businesses
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ – The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced that the County will continue to offer to defer all loan repayments for businesses participating in its small business assistance programs as part of its commitment to helping them stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Freeholders intend to offer deferrals of all new and existing loans for businesses participating in either the County’s Small Business Loan Program and its Route 130 Revolving Loan Program.
In addition to deferring payments, the Burlington County Bridge Commission, the agency that administers both loan programs, will continue waiving the agency’s $200 application fee for both programs.
Non-Teaching School Staff Can Settle Disputes Through Arbitration Under New Law
TRENTON, NJ -- Non-teaching employees of local, county, and regional school districts, as well as boards and commissions will now have the right to dispute disciplinary action through arbitration under a new law signed by Governor Phil Murphy.
The Decision To Legalize Recreational Marijuana In NJ Is Yours
November ballot question could enable adult use for more than medication. Opponents say that would not address the real victims of the drug wars, NJ's minority population
NJ Supreme Court Says Gov. Murphy Can Borrow Billions Without Voter Approval. But There’s A Restriction
Ruling clears way for up to $9.9. billion in borrowing to deal with pandemic-related revenue losses. GOP had filed suit to block law’s implementation
A $50M Fix For NJ’s Overworked Unemployment System Underway
Lawmakers clear bill that would use federal coronavirus relief funding to improve outdated technology
Labor Department Would Be Audited Amid Unemployment Delays Under Proposed N.J. Bill
The Senate Labor Committee on Monday approved a bill requiring a performance audit of a state unemployment office that has struggled for months to keep up with claims from the nearly 1.5 million New Jersey workers during the pandemic crisis.
Ravaged By Covid-19, Polluted Communities Demand Environmental Justice
Growing up in Newark’s South Ward, Kim Gaddy often struggled to breathe. When her asthma was at its worst and inhaling stung and failed to fill her lungs, she would wind up in the local emergency room. Gaddy spent considerably more time in the ER when her three children were young. They also grew up in the South Ward, where the children’s asthma rate is three times the national average.
More Companies Agree To Pay Millions To Clean Up N.J. Water Pollution
New Jersey will likely pull in another $14.8 million this year as part of a long-running lawsuit against polluters statewide, which has now earned more than $369 million overall to help pay cleanup costs.