February 6, 2018
Possible snow showers early on, but expect partly cloudy skies with high temperatures in the upper 30s later in the day.
GUN RIGHTS GROUP SUES NJ OVER CARRY LAW
The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs is challenging in federal court the Garden State’s restrictions on carrying handguns outside the home, Patch.com says. Before issuing a permit to carry a gun outside the home, the state requires that an applicant show a “justifiable need,” like documented death threats or attacks. In January, Gov. Phil Murphy rescinded a rule implemented by the Christie administration that was intended to weaken the standard for “justifiable need.”
FLU OUTBREAK KEEPS NJ IN ITS GRIP
Confirmed cases of flu have continued to rise in New Jersey, News 12 reports. On Sunday about 60 samples were tested for influenza at Hackensack University Medical Center and about half were positive for influenza. The state Health Department says that the outbreak is widespread in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties.
BILL TO RAISE PAY FOR STATE OFFICIALS AND JUDGES ADVANCES
A measure that would increase the salaries of high-ranking state officials and judges cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday without any discussion, NJ Spotlight writes. Among those who would receive raises if the legislation passes are state Supreme Court justices, cabinet officials, Superior Court judges and county prosecutors.
MURPHY STRIKES A BLOW FOR NET NEUTRALITY
Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Monday requiring internet service providers who do business with the state to follow the standards of net neutrality, NJTV reports. In December, the Federal Communications Commission dropped the standards that require equal treatment for all internet providers, allowing charges for faster internet service. Murphy also said New Jersey was joining 21 other states in a lawsuit intended to force the FCC to reinstate net neutrality.
WOMEN ARE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF NJ POLITICS
The Wall Street Journal writes that women are carving out a bigger place for themselves in New Jersey politics by seeking leadership positions in the Democratic and Republican parties. Among the women seeking more of a voice is Colleen Mahr, who is running for chair of the Union County Democratic Committee. In both parties, the committee chair wields significant power in determining who runs for public office. Of the 42 county chair positions in the state, only seven are held by women.
