N.J. public unions defend mandatory dues challenged in U.S. Supreme Court

TRENTON — New Jersey’s public labor union leaders say they are intently watching a case before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that could strike down compulsory membership dues and threaten how they are funded. The outcome is of major consequence in the Garden State and about 20 other states where public workers are required to… Read the rest of this entry »

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Uber says airport fare cut in half as it slashes prices in N.J.

Like a retail store fighting the post-Christmas shopping slump, Uber is having a sale on the price of getting from here to there this winter. Prices on Uber X airport trips are being cut 50 percent and other trips are seeing a 15 percent price reduction across New Jersey, starting now, said Craig Ewer, an Uber… Read the rest of this entry »

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8 N.J. laws that take effect Jan. 1

TRENTON — With the new year come some new laws in New Jersey. Eight laws will take effect today, according to the state’s nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services. Seven were signed into law 2015 and one in 2014. 1. Prohibiting unsolicited checks: This law bans companies from sending New Jersey residents unsolicited checks that, when redeemed,… Read the rest of this entry »

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Christie administration ends waiver for food stamp work requirement

TRENTON — About 11,000 New Jerseyans may have their food assistance discontinued after Gov. Chris Christie’s administration said Thursday that the state is no longer offering a waiver from a work requirement in the program. People across the U.S. are required to work at least 20 hours a week to receive subsidized food aid under the… Read the rest of this entry »

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How to check to see if you have unclaimed property in N.J. and reclaim it

TRENTON — New Jersey’s Unclaimed Property Administration connected $123 million in unclaimed assets with their rightful owners or heirs in the fiscal year that ended in June, according to an audit of the agency. The state paid out $125 million in 2014 and $107.5 million in 2013. But plenty remains unclaimed. Nearly $264 million was turned… Read the rest of this entry »

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New Jersey Psychology Practice Revealed Patients’ Mental Disorders in Debt Lawsuits

When a New Jersey lawyer named Philip received legal papers last year informing him that his former psychologist’s practice was suing him over an unpaid bill, he was initially upset they could not work out a payment arrangement outside of court. It was only later, Philip said… Read the rest of this entry »

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Deadly cobra makes journey to N.J. as ship stowaway, report says

Indian Cobra

A deadly cobra was found and safely captured this week on a container ship that made port in New Jersey, according to reports. The Indian cobra was found Monday while the ship was being unloaded at the APM Terminal, which prompted the crew to contact federal and wildlife authorities, NBC New York reported. The 18-inch female… Read the rest of this entry »

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State Could See $2 Billion Windfall if It Opts to Sell Broadcast Licenses

New Jersey could be in line for a multibillion dollar windfall if it sells off some or all of the broadcast TV spectrum that it owns, an event that could go a long way toward propping up the state’s shaky finances. But questions abound as to when the state could see the money and what the… Read the rest of this entry »

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O’Scanlon celebrates 1st anniversary of the demise of Red Light Cameras in New Jersey

Even with his grimace, O’Scanlon is celebrating

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon is reminding New Jersey residents that the end of the Red Light Camera program, which occurred last December 16th, is one of the many things to celebrate this time of year.

“December 16 marks the one year anniversary of the termination of New Jersey’s failed experiment with for-profit traffic enforcement.  It is a blessed day for New Jersey drivers who no longer have to fear having their pockets picked by the predatory, corrupt and dishonest companies who operated the systems.

We proved in New Jersey – where the systems showed no safety benefit but cost drivers tens of millions of dollars – that red light cameras are merely a way for camera operators to legally steal from drivers.  If yellow lights are timed fairly there aren’t enough violators to even cover the systems’ costs – never mind generate profits for the municipal officials complicit in the scheme. Properly set yellow lights and properly engineered intersections also lead to genuine safety benefits – unlike completely ineffective red light and speed cameras.

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Sweeney plan to bypass Christie on N.J. public worker pensions clears first hurdle

TRENTON — A key state Senate committee on Thursday approved legislation to ask voters to revise the New Jersey constitution to require the state ratchet up contributions to the public pension system. The constitutional amendment relies on a big economic unknown: That the state’s natural growth will drum up at least $600 million a year in… Read the rest of this entry »

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