TTF; Gov’s Race; Christie to Addiction Commission

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Christie Signs $400 million TTF measure

Governor Chris Christie this week signed legislation that authorizes $400 million in additional spending authority for transportation projects.

The funds come from increased gas tax revenues that have been collected since last Fall when Christie signed legislation to renew and replenish New Jersey’s bankrupt Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).

The signing of S3076 fulfills a commitment made by the Governor in his annual budget address last month and is intended to jump-start the eight-year, $2 billion annual capital program originally slated to kick off when the new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2017.

Of the increased $400 million, $260 million will go to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for bridge and road repairs and $140 million will go to NJ TRANSIT for a variety of technology upgrades and safety projects.

NorthStar has been working this issue for some time on behalf of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey and NorthStar’s Joe Fiordaliso has been actively involved in the issue of TTF renewal for over a decade.

NorthStar applauds the leadership of Governor Christie, Senate President Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Prieto and all those in the Legislature who stood up and supported the bi-partisan package to renew the TTF.

Governor’s Race – The Latest from the Trail

It’s county convention season, and candidates from both parties are criss-crossing the state competing for coveted county lines.  Literally top billing on the ballot, lines afford significant advantages in the June 6th primary election.  With the April 3rd filing deadline approaching, the field is coming into clear focus. Here’s a quick rundown of the latest developments.

Democrats

Retired Goldman Sachs executive and former Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy continues to broaden his base of support, winning the line at nine straight county conventions last week.  He also picked up various endorsements, including the influential New Jersey Building Trades Council.  Assemblyman John Wisniewski qualified for public matching funds by submitting $450,000 in contributions to ELEC.

Republicans

Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno won the lines in Atlantic and Bergen counties – Bergen is the most populous county in the State – and now owns the majority of county lines.  Not to be outdone, Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli won a number of influential county lines including Burlington, Essex, Somerset and Middlesex.  He also qualified for public matching funds.

Christie to Chair Addiction Commission

The White House this week named Governor Chris Christie to chair a newly formed commission targeting drug addiction.  Christie has been a passionate voice on drug abuse and the growing opioid crisis in the United States during his seven years as Governor. The appointment is voluntary and Christie will lead the effort while continuing to serve as Governor.

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