WEBVTT 00:00.033 --> 00:03.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% >> Major funding for "Reporters 00:03.100 --> 00:03.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Roundtable" with David Cruz is 00:03.700 --> 00:04.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% provided by RWJBarnabas Health, 00:04.600 --> 00:07.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% let's be healthy together. 00:07.633 --> 00:10.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Rowan University, educating New 00:10.900 --> 00:13.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Jersey leaders, partnering with 00:13.066 --> 00:14.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% New Jersey businesses, 00:14.233 --> 00:15.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% transforming New jersey's 00:15.100 --> 00:17.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% future. 00:17.833 --> 00:18.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% ♪ 00:18.766 --> 00:36.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Budget season is here. 00:36.066 --> 00:37.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Time temperature money where 00:37.200 --> 00:39.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% your mouth is. 00:39.333 --> 00:40.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Hey, everybody. 00:40.933 --> 00:42.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It is "Reporters Roundtable," 00:42.800 --> 00:44.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I'm de la Cruz. 00:44.266 --> 00:46.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- I'm David Cruz. 00:46.166 --> 00:49.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Our actual panel today includes 00:49.666 --> 00:51.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% veterans of the budget process, 00:51.400 --> 00:53.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% including John, budgeting 00:53.566 --> 00:57.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% finance writer, Dustin, editor 00:57.900 --> 01:02.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% at Politico NJ, and Charles, 01:02.266 --> 01:05.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% political columnist for The 01:05.833 --> 01:06.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Record. 01:06.333 --> 01:09.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We will get their insights 01:09.233 --> 01:12.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% interfaith, but let's begin with 01:12.100 --> 01:16.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% a preview of the budgetary 01:16.733 --> 01:16.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% address. 01:16.966 --> 01:18.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator, always a pleasure. 01:18.200 --> 01:18.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Welcome. 01:18.433 --> 01:21.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator: Thank you for having 01:21.400 --> 01:21.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% me. 01:21.566 --> 01:26.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Are you a budget 01:26.100 --> 01:26.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% contrarian? 01:26.400 --> 01:29.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator: No, I may budget truth 01:29.300 --> 01:33.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% teller, if you're going to tell 01:33.333 --> 01:34.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the truth, you are a contrarian 01:34.433 --> 01:35.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to this governor. 01:35.366 --> 01:39.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% The budget is a mess, they be 01:39.200 --> 01:40.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the worst shape it has ever been 01:40.500 --> 01:41.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% in, which is hard to fathom. 01:41.300 --> 01:45.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We have what amounts to close to 01:45.466 --> 01:46.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% $4.5 billion structural deficit 01:46.700 --> 01:50.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% that will be dug into the lap of 01:50.300 --> 01:51.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the next governor, whoever he or 01:51.200 --> 01:51.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% she may be. 01:51.500 --> 01:55.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I'm hoping it is a he, a 01:55.766 --> 01:56.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Republican, Jack. 01:56.300 --> 01:58.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I don't want to put any plugs in 01:58.600 --> 01:58.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% here. 01:58.800 --> 02:01.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Whoever it is, it is going to be 02:01.800 --> 02:04.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% a brutal job, brutal on the 02:04.966 --> 02:08.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% taxpayers of New Jersey, and it 02:08.700 --> 02:09.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% did not have to be this way. 02:09.266 --> 02:12.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Had we been more responsible the 02:12.300 --> 02:15.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% last seven years, we could be in 02:15.300 --> 02:15.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% much better shape. 02:15.700 --> 02:23.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: All right, let me pump 02:23.033 --> 02:24.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the brakes before you take all 02:24.633 --> 02:25.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the air out of the thing and 02:25.200 --> 02:26.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% that I have to go to the panel. 02:26.300 --> 02:29.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: OK. 02:29.233 --> 02:32.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: You have quite the 02:32.400 --> 02:32.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% evocative description of the 02:32.966 --> 02:35.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% budget, saying that it contains 02:35.833 --> 02:38.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% a steaming pile of deficit. 02:38.666 --> 02:40.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Is it starting to snow yet? 02:40.300 --> 02:43.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- is it starting to smell yet? 02:43.200 --> 02:44.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: Those are my 02:44.833 --> 02:45.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% words. 02:45.033 --> 02:47.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It has been stinking for years, 02:47.733 --> 02:50.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% it's impossible to walk by the 02:50.200 --> 02:50.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% statehouse are not smell the 02:50.766 --> 02:51.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% deficit. 02:51.000 --> 02:53.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Where is the deficit now, 02:53.500 --> 02:56.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% 4 billion? 02:56.866 --> 03:01.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: Over 4 03:01.100 --> 03:01.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% billion, and in 20 seconds I can 03:01.733 --> 03:01.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% explain. 03:01.966 --> 03:05.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We sent down $2 billion of our 03:05.466 --> 03:05.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% surplus. 03:05.700 --> 03:11.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And he is now tearing down at an 03:11.400 --> 03:14.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% alarming rate, 2 billion is 25% 03:14.233 --> 03:14.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of it. 03:14.433 --> 03:18.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Additionally, he sold the 03:18.033 --> 03:22.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% corporate transit, and one year, 03:22.100 --> 03:26.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% he took credit, collected almost 03:26.600 --> 03:29.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% $1 billion and dumped it not to 03:29.466 --> 03:32.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% transit but right into the 03:32.300 --> 03:32.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% general fund. 03:32.633 --> 03:34.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% That is 3 billion right there 03:34.000 --> 03:35.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% but the 2 billion and deficit 03:35.233 --> 03:38.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and surplus, and another 600 03:38.933 --> 03:42.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% million, indent avoidance and 03:42.766 --> 03:43.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% defeasance money, 3.6. 03:43.866 --> 03:48.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It is easy to get you another $2 03:48.600 --> 03:53.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% billion in shots that amount to 03:53.800 --> 03:54.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% $4.5 billion of structural 03:54.333 --> 03:54.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% deficit. 03:54.566 --> 03:59.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It is a disaster, it is a house 03:59.400 --> 04:00.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of cards builds on a fault line. 04:00.100 --> 04:04.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% There is some reporting that 04:04.366 --> 04:06.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% says the structural deficit is 04:06.233 --> 04:08.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% only 2 billion. 04:08.333 --> 04:12.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Suggesting that the surplus's 04:12.333 --> 04:13.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% structural deficit, no, it is 04:13.233 --> 04:14.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% not, as I just outlined. 04:14.133 --> 04:18.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: A few of the popular 04:18.100 --> 04:18.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% programs and ideas from the 04:18.866 --> 04:19.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% governor could be in danger. 04:19.533 --> 04:21.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% You had a question in that 04:21.300 --> 04:22.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% regard. 04:22.500 --> 04:32.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles: Putting a lot of idea 04:32.633 --> 04:36.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% on this tax cut for senior 04:36.133 --> 04:36.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% homeowners, this money had been 04:36.833 --> 04:38.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% socked away in previous budgets, 04:38.900 --> 04:39.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% do you think that should be on 04:39.933 --> 04:41.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the chopping block? 04:41.166 --> 04:44.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: No, my first 04:44.700 --> 04:45.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% priority would be to keep 04:45.233 --> 04:51.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% something like state in J but 04:51.066 --> 04:53.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the problem is it will not be on 04:53.500 --> 04:53.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Democrats. 04:53.766 --> 04:58.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% This will have worked for 04:58.433 --> 04:59.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% several cycles to get Democrats 04:59.066 --> 05:01.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% elected in the assembly, and as 05:01.333 --> 05:02.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% soon as the next election is 05:02.400 --> 05:03.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% over and the next budget 05:03.666 --> 05:06.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% happens, things melt down, and 05:06.166 --> 05:07.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% that will be one of the first 05:07.233 --> 05:07.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% items on the chopping block. 05:07.833 --> 05:10.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And it leaves implementing Stay 05:10.900 --> 05:11.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% N.J. 05:11.066 --> 05:15.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I did not include that in the 05:15.400 --> 05:16.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% structural deficit. 05:16.333 --> 05:20.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% You have to add another one to 05:20.233 --> 05:20.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% $2 billion if they're going to 05:20.900 --> 05:21.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% believe surplus. 05:21.266 --> 05:24.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% So it is 5.5 billion if you 05:24.966 --> 05:28.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% include Stay N.J. 05:28.300 --> 05:30.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: It is like you have your 05:30.833 --> 05:31.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% cake and eat it, too, Senator 05:31.433 --> 05:34.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% because the program stinks, it 05:34.033 --> 05:35.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% is going to add to the deficit, 05:35.233 --> 05:35.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% but I like it. 05:35.833 --> 05:41.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: I've said 05:41.166 --> 05:42.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% they are being disingenuous and 05:42.266 --> 05:42.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% they have no way to pay for it, 05:42.900 --> 05:45.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and implementing a policy that 05:45.833 --> 05:46.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% you would show no way to pay for 05:46.600 --> 05:48.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% it is irresponsible, but it is a 05:48.933 --> 05:51.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% high-priority for me. 05:51.133 --> 05:54.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% If I were in charge, I have 05:54.266 --> 05:55.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% something like it, and I have a 05:55.833 --> 05:56.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% way to pay for it. 05:56.233 --> 06:00.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% So it's not like having my cake 06:00.466 --> 06:03.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and eating it, too, it is 06:03.433 --> 06:04.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% providing relief, but calling 06:04.033 --> 06:05.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% out the Democrats on their 06:05.733 --> 06:08.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% absolute abdication of coming up 06:08.733 --> 06:09.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% with a way to pay for it. 06:09.533 --> 06:12.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Let me get you on the 06:12.700 --> 06:14.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% record about this corporate 06:14.333 --> 06:15.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% business tax surcharge that is 06:15.033 --> 06:17.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% supposed to fund NJ transit. 06:17.266 --> 06:19.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It is going to die this year, or 06:19.433 --> 06:21.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% not going to die, but that money 06:21.200 --> 06:21.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% is going somewhere else. 06:21.700 --> 06:24.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: I spoke to 06:24.800 --> 06:25.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% transit officials. 06:25.200 --> 06:29.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% They are expecting the close to 06:29.266 --> 06:29.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% $1 billion to be given to them. 06:29.900 --> 06:34.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% If that does not happen in this 06:34.300 --> 06:36.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% budget, transit is already a 06:36.500 --> 06:39.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% disaster, and a program that the 06:39.033 --> 06:40.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% governor came in saying over his 06:40.933 --> 06:41.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% dead body he would not fix. 06:41.500 --> 06:44.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Last I looked, he was alive and 06:44.333 --> 06:47.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% kicking, and transit is our life 06:47.266 --> 06:47.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% support. 06:47.900 --> 06:48.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It is a disaster for commuters 06:48.533 --> 06:48.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% in my district. 06:48.900 --> 06:51.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% If you have scones with any of 06:51.066 --> 06:55.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% that money, -- AP up scones with 06:55.066 --> 06:59.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% any of that money, -- if he of 06:59.000 --> 07:00.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% scones with any of that money, 07:00.166 --> 07:00.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% he's not keeping his promise. 07:00.800 --> 07:07.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Ebony and wit these 07:07.300 --> 07:08.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% following -- brevity and which 07:08.700 --> 07:09.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% these following questions. 07:09.566 --> 07:11.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Trump has a budget battle 07:11.200 --> 07:12.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% coming, tax cuts to the 07:12.266 --> 07:17.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% wealthier, and Medicaid, etc., 07:17.766 --> 07:19.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% 15 seconds to assess the federal 07:19.033 --> 07:19.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% budget. 07:19.266 --> 07:22.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: The federal 07:22.266 --> 07:24.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% budget is almost in bad shape as 07:24.700 --> 07:25.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the state budget. 07:25.100 --> 07:30.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And a pox on all their houses, 07:30.700 --> 07:32.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% they spent like drunken sailors 07:32.300 --> 07:32.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and they get away with it. 07:32.833 --> 07:35.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% They can do things the state 07:35.566 --> 07:35.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% cannot do. 07:35.833 --> 07:37.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% They can run a deficit. 07:37.900 --> 07:38.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We can't. 07:38.966 --> 07:39.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Eventually, that will come home 07:39.600 --> 07:39.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to roost. 07:39.866 --> 07:43.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I'm all for responsible cuts of 07:43.900 --> 07:44.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the federal level, but you are 07:44.866 --> 07:47.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% right, they have to be 07:47.800 --> 07:48.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% responsible. 07:48.166 --> 07:49.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% If they are going to take a 07:49.366 --> 07:50.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% cleaver to Medicaid, that's a 07:50.200 --> 07:52.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% serious problem that will impact 07:52.966 --> 07:54.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the health of people and impacts 07:54.333 --> 07:54.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the budget dramatically. 07:54.833 --> 07:59.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I will be fair at the federal 07:59.100 --> 07:59.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% level and criticize the Trump 07:59.900 --> 08:00.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% administration and if they 08:00.500 --> 08:00.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% deserve it. 08:00.800 --> 08:01.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I have no problem doing that. 08:01.833 --> 08:07.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I praised him when he was there, 08:07.966 --> 08:09.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% as well, just as I had in my 08:09.266 --> 08:12.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Governor Murphy served -- just 08:12.900 --> 08:13.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% as I had done when Governor 08:13.700 --> 08:14.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Murphy served. 08:14.033 --> 08:16.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: You did. 08:16.666 --> 08:32.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% This governor he has not been 08:32.733 --> 08:33.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% engaging them in debates, etc. 08:33.500 --> 08:36.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: I think he 08:36.966 --> 08:40.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% has shown up to debates and 08:40.333 --> 08:40.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% conventions, as well. 08:40.800 --> 08:43.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I love everybody in the race on 08:43.466 --> 08:45.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the Republican side, and I'm 08:45.100 --> 08:45.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% friendly with almost all people 08:45.766 --> 08:46.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% on the Democrats I, too. 08:46.266 --> 08:50.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% But Jack will be a fantastic 08:50.300 --> 08:50.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% governor. 08:50.566 --> 08:53.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Several most of the other 08:53.400 --> 08:56.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Republican candidates to get the 08:56.366 --> 08:58.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% nomination, I think he has a 08:58.866 --> 09:02.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% good shot, and I'm fairly with 09:02.733 --> 09:03.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% all these guys. 09:03.100 --> 09:04.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And Jack is the right guy right 09:04.800 --> 09:07.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% now for the job, and I think the 09:07.266 --> 09:07.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% people of New Jersey will be 09:07.933 --> 09:08.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% able to vote for him. 09:08.400 --> 09:11.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Last question, who was 09:11.700 --> 09:15.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the Democrat you fear the most 09:15.400 --> 09:16.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% as a gubernatorial candidate? 09:16.000 --> 09:18.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Senator O'Scanlon: I don't fear 09:18.666 --> 09:19.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% any of them. 09:19.266 --> 09:20.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I think we are going to wrap 09:20.233 --> 09:24.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% around -- whoever is the money, 09:24.800 --> 09:25.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- whoever is the nominee, we 09:25.433 --> 09:27.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% will wrap the support of this 09:27.133 --> 09:28.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% administration around the next. 09:28.533 --> 09:32.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% None of them have called out the 09:32.633 --> 09:34.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% administration and they have all 09:34.433 --> 09:34.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% been in position of 09:34.966 --> 09:35.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% responsibility to do that. 09:35.866 --> 09:37.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% They have not spoken up, so we 09:37.133 --> 09:37.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% will have a really good time and 09:37.800 --> 09:39.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% defeat whichever one of them, 09:39.700 --> 09:42.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and they are all friends of mine 09:42.400 --> 09:43.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% , but we will defeat whoever it 09:43.200 --> 09:45.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% is. 09:45.033 --> 09:47.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Artfully dodged. 09:47.133 --> 09:49.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We will hear from the governor 09:49.466 --> 09:53.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% on Tuesday, Republican deck limo 09:53.066 --> 09:58.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Scanlon will be there Declan 09:58.266 --> 10:01.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% O'Scanlon will be there, too. 10:01.733 --> 10:02.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Good to see all of you. 10:02.233 --> 10:07.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Let's start with the Senators' 10:07.400 --> 10:08.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% steaming pile, isn't it that 10:08.066 --> 10:08.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% bad? 10:08.233 --> 10:12.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- is it that bad? 10:12.833 --> 10:15.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% John: I think it depends on a 10:15.366 --> 10:23.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% few things clglass half empty 10:23.000 --> 10:24.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% or full. 10:24.766 --> 10:28.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% This fiscal year is set to close 10:28.666 --> 10:29.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% with a more than $6 billion 10:29.300 --> 10:33.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% surplus, which is almost 10% of 10:33.600 --> 10:35.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% planned spending, which is a 10:35.200 --> 10:35.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% pretty high rate for New Jersey 10:35.833 --> 10:36.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% historically. 10:36.166 --> 10:41.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And the structural deficits on 10:41.133 --> 10:43.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% paper, it is the gap between 10:43.866 --> 10:44.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% projected annual expenditures 10:44.466 --> 10:46.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% projected annual revenues that 10:46.200 --> 10:48.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the senator referred to is a 10:48.533 --> 10:50.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% little bit over 2 billion right 10:50.066 --> 10:51.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% now, but that is going to 10:51.500 --> 10:52.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% change, as well, when we get 10:52.266 --> 10:54.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% updated projections early next 10:54.133 --> 10:54.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% week. 10:54.333 --> 10:57.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% So a lot of what we are talking 10:57.600 --> 10:58.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% about today is going to change. 10:58.400 --> 11:02.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Furthermore, it is going to 11:02.333 --> 11:02.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% change again by the time we get 11:02.966 --> 11:07.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to may and we have counted up 11:07.633 --> 11:13.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the April income.Tax 11:13.566 --> 11:14.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% payments income taxes the 11:14.100 --> 11:14.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% biggest source of revenue for 11:14.700 --> 11:15.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the state budget, so it is a 11:15.266 --> 11:15.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% little early to be making 11:15.800 --> 11:16.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% declarations about whether this 11:16.433 --> 11:17.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% budget or the next one is sort 11:17.266 --> 11:18.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of going to make it to the 11:18.066 --> 11:20.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% finish line and we achieve it or 11:20.766 --> 11:20.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% not. 11:20.933 --> 11:22.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We usually have to weed until we 11:22.400 --> 11:23.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% count the April tax payments. 11:23.000 --> 11:25.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% As we saw the end of the year, 11:25.466 --> 11:27.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Wall Street was coming along 11:27.400 --> 11:31.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% pretty well as the new year 11:31.833 --> 11:34.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% started, so, typically when that 11:34.466 --> 11:37.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% scenario plays out, we get a bit 11:37.800 --> 11:38.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of a bump come April, but we 11:38.833 --> 11:39.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% will have to wait and see. 11:39.400 --> 11:44.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: I see what you did there 11:44.000 --> 11:44.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% with the declarations. 11:44.933 --> 11:46.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles, it's not going to be 11:46.366 --> 11:46.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% one of those we got it all 11:46.900 --> 11:47.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% covered budget. 11:47.266 --> 11:53.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Almost of the federal money -- 11:53.366 --> 11:54.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% almost all of the federal money 11:54.733 --> 11:55.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% from COVID days is gone. 11:55.233 --> 11:59.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles: I think he alluded to 11:59.133 --> 11:59.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the possibility that even more 11:59.766 --> 12:02.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% is going to be vanishing, 12:02.300 --> 12:02.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% especially the Medicaid money. 12:02.966 --> 12:08.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% The state has to put up 50%, a 12:08.100 --> 12:11.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% brand matching program, so to 12:11.466 --> 12:15.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% keep those programs for our most 12:15.700 --> 12:17.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% indigent residents, people in 12:17.800 --> 12:20.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% hospitals, as well, the state 12:20.633 --> 12:22.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% will be under a lot of pressure 12:22.700 --> 12:25.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to fill that gap or feel that 12:25.266 --> 12:28.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% loss of money that they are 12:28.333 --> 12:29.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% going to see taken from the 12:29.566 --> 12:30.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% federal government. 12:30.000 --> 12:34.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Which will be, by the way, used 12:34.100 --> 12:40.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to subsidize in his something 12:40.300 --> 12:40.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the senator did not mention, 12:40.900 --> 12:45.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% that money of the Trump tax cut, 12:45.000 --> 12:46.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% so they will take money away 12:46.200 --> 12:46.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% from the poor to subsidize the 12:46.800 --> 12:48.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% tax cut that goes to the rich, 12:48.566 --> 12:52.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and the state residents here in 12:52.266 --> 12:54.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% New Jersey, we are going to have 12:54.133 --> 12:54.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to find a way to cover that 12:54.700 --> 12:55.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% whole. 12:55.333 --> 12:58.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Progressives are a little 12:58.633 --> 12:58.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% antsy. 12:58.833 --> 13:01.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% The ones I've talked to her 13:01.400 --> 13:04.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% worrying about set aside money 13:04.033 --> 13:07.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% like that transit tax that is 13:07.366 --> 13:08.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% getting sucked into the general 13:08.000 --> 13:08.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% funds. 13:08.200 --> 13:11.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Are they right to be a little 13:11.000 --> 13:11.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% antsy? 13:11.200 --> 13:17.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Dustin: I think anything that is 13:17.200 --> 13:18.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% not constitutionally protected 13:18.000 --> 13:19.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% is at risk to New Jersey, and we 13:19.266 --> 13:19.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% see that historically. 13:19.966 --> 13:22.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Of course, they have cause for 13:22.566 --> 13:23.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% concern. 13:23.233 --> 13:33.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% They find themselves in these 13:33.500 --> 13:34.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% situations all too frequently, 13:34.433 --> 13:40.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% where they are met and that 13:40.500 --> 13:44.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Trump tax cuts go through, and 13:44.133 --> 13:46.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% DOGE does its work. 13:46.666 --> 13:49.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We already got notices about 13:49.533 --> 13:51.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% untold amounts of money for 13:51.366 --> 13:52.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% grants and other programs that 13:52.000 --> 13:52.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% will be lost. 13:52.466 --> 13:56.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We very easily could be in that 13:56.100 --> 13:56.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% same situation, scrounging 13:56.633 --> 13:59.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% around for money, despite a $6 13:59.466 --> 13:59.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% billion surplus. 13:59.833 --> 14:04.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: We hear all the time 14:04.533 --> 14:05.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% about the budget process. 14:05.366 --> 14:08.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We never see the final document 14:08.266 --> 14:10.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% ever really before eight vote. 14:10.366 --> 14:14.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% No chance that that is going to 14:14.500 --> 14:15.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% be any different this year? 14:15.066 --> 14:19.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% John: nobody has made it a 14:19.500 --> 14:21.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% priority headed into the budget 14:21.733 --> 14:25.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% season, but the type of energy 14:25.000 --> 14:25.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% we have in the run-up to the 14:25.566 --> 14:28.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% budget is what we need when we 14:28.266 --> 14:28.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% get to the final weeks. 14:28.800 --> 14:32.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% So the attention the budget 14:32.766 --> 14:37.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% speech gets tends to trail off, 14:37.233 --> 14:38.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% by the time the final spending 14:38.700 --> 14:39.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% bill gets voted out of 14:39.800 --> 14:40.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% committee, it is late at night 14:40.400 --> 14:41.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% with a few reporters and policy 14:41.866 --> 14:46.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% advocates, and it is signed into 14:46.766 --> 14:49.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% law pretty quickly after it goes 14:49.133 --> 14:51.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% through both houses, and there 14:51.500 --> 14:52.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% are a lot of changes that get 14:52.100 --> 14:54.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% made to important programs. 14:54.866 --> 14:55.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% A lot stays the same. 14:55.333 --> 14:58.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We will see this year. 14:58.566 --> 15:01.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Really, I think the process 15:01.000 --> 15:02.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% sometimes is a little backwards, 15:02.533 --> 15:05.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% including the way recovery it, 15:05.400 --> 15:06.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% there should be more attention 15:06.533 --> 15:08.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% given in those final weeks 15:08.566 --> 15:09.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% because that is when the big 15:09.300 --> 15:12.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% decisions get made, typically by 15:12.033 --> 15:13.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the governor and the legislative 15:13.933 --> 15:16.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% leaders in the majority in both 15:16.866 --> 15:17.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% houses, that is really when the 15:17.733 --> 15:20.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% attention, a light should be 15:20.533 --> 15:23.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% shining brightest. 15:23.266 --> 15:24.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% They add typically a lot of 15:24.900 --> 15:27.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% last-minute spending and we 15:27.800 --> 15:29.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% don't learn the sponsors of that 15:29.033 --> 15:30.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% spending until after the budget 15:30.233 --> 15:33.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% is signed into law, so there is 15:33.566 --> 15:34.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% a lot of work that could be done 15:34.233 --> 15:35.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% on the process, you just don't 15:35.200 --> 15:37.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% hear any of the leaders talking 15:37.133 --> 15:37.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% about doing any of that kind of 15:37.766 --> 15:39.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% work because they sort of 15:39.766 --> 15:41.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% benefit from doing everything 15:41.733 --> 15:42.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% under the cloak of darkness. 15:42.333 --> 15:48.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Transparency is not a priority 15:48.600 --> 15:49.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% with this legislature and 15:49.133 --> 15:49.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% governor. 15:49.400 --> 15:52.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% At times you could argue they 15:52.633 --> 15:53.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% have open hostility towards 15:53.200 --> 15:53.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% transparency. 15:53.533 --> 15:56.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles: Don't expect a change 15:56.466 --> 15:57.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% in the budget process anytime 15:57.066 --> 15:57.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% soon. 15:57.266 --> 16:01.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Dustin, John Mexico point 16:01.166 --> 16:06.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% about the rubber -- John makes a 16:06.800 --> 16:07.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% good point about the rubber 16:07.900 --> 16:08.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% meeting the road towards the end 16:08.633 --> 16:10.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of the process, but by that 16:10.400 --> 16:11.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% time, we are all beaten down by 16:11.433 --> 16:15.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% sitting through endless assembly 16:15.366 --> 16:16.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and incentive budget committee 16:16.866 --> 16:17.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% hearings, and that is how you 16:17.466 --> 16:21.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% end up, mistake Lolos to sleep 16:21.100 --> 16:25.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- lull us to sleep, is that how 16:25.900 --> 16:26.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% we end up with Christmas tree 16:26.733 --> 16:26.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% items? 16:26.933 --> 16:29.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Dustin: That is a part of it, 16:29.400 --> 16:30.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and I agree with John 100% about 16:30.933 --> 16:35.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% this being backwards, and all 16:35.000 --> 16:35.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the budget committee hearings, I 16:35.633 --> 16:40.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% mean -- they are a little bit of 16:40.300 --> 16:40.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% a show. 16:40.533 --> 16:42.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Lawmakers are going to do what 16:42.633 --> 16:43.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the going to do. 16:43.233 --> 16:45.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And Phil Murphy in the governor 16:45.700 --> 16:46.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% is going to do what they would 16:46.300 --> 16:47.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% like to do. 16:47.466 --> 16:52.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Governor, I think this is a good 16:52.300 --> 16:52.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% process. 16:52.700 --> 16:56.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Every year, it is the same that 16:56.433 --> 16:58.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% you hear about, how about the 16:58.500 --> 16:59.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% processes, but nothing ever 16:59.066 --> 17:00.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% changes. 17:00.833 --> 17:01.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It benefits the people who are 17:01.766 --> 17:04.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% in that room, and they get to 17:04.633 --> 17:06.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% build a new dog park in their 17:06.866 --> 17:09.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% district or make upgrades to 17:09.633 --> 17:10.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% local road or whatever. 17:10.800 --> 17:11.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Nothing is going to change. 17:11.366 --> 17:13.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Let's move on. 17:13.866 --> 17:16.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles, you have an interesting 17:16.433 --> 17:18.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% piece on Matt Plotkin, future 17:18.400 --> 17:20.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% political candidate. 17:20.166 --> 17:21.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% He waved it off when we asked 17:21.566 --> 17:22.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% him about it a few weeks ago, 17:22.700 --> 17:24.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% but he left the door slightly 17:24.266 --> 17:26.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% ajar in your column, tell us 17:26.733 --> 17:27.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% about that. 17:27.033 --> 17:31.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles: I potentially put a 17:31.200 --> 17:33.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% doorjamb in that question, and 17:33.433 --> 17:35.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% frankly I was not surprised. 17:35.266 --> 17:36.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% If you look at the totality of 17:36.266 --> 17:41.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% everything he's doing, it would 17:41.500 --> 17:42.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% not be a shock if you stop 17:42.466 --> 17:44.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% planning some future or laying 17:44.666 --> 17:47.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the groundwork for some 17:47.266 --> 17:47.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% political future. 17:47.666 --> 17:49.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I mean, it's not unheard of. 17:49.500 --> 17:51.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% He had a U.S. attorney from New 17:51.733 --> 17:56.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Jersey run twice for president. 17:56.933 --> 17:59.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It is high visibility job, and 17:59.833 --> 18:01.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% he is also seizing the moment. 18:01.966 --> 18:05.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% He understands, he seems to 18:05.700 --> 18:07.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% understand there is a lot of 18:07.933 --> 18:10.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% clamor for change, for 18:10.866 --> 18:12.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% transparency, for accountability 18:12.600 --> 18:16.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% maybe, so he is grabbing onto 18:16.300 --> 18:16.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% those themes. 18:16.633 --> 18:19.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I cannot think of another 18:19.066 --> 18:21.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Attorney General that has set up 18:21.333 --> 18:24.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% a commission to improve those 18:24.866 --> 18:26.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% issues, accountability and 18:26.200 --> 18:27.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% government. 18:27.033 --> 18:28.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% He said that a commission. 18:28.600 --> 18:33.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% He is going after publicly 18:33.033 --> 18:33.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% criticizing the presidents 18:33.566 --> 18:37.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% pardons, even Joe's pardon of 18:37.633 --> 18:39.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% his son Hunter, who does that? 18:39.733 --> 18:42.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I cannot remember an Attorney 18:42.633 --> 18:44.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% General poking his nose into the 18:44.066 --> 18:46.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% public spotlight as much as him. 18:46.033 --> 18:49.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: He certainly has come a 18:49.666 --> 18:51.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% long way from the earliest days 18:51.733 --> 18:54.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of the Murphy administration 18:54.333 --> 18:55.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% when he was in the inner circle 18:55.000 --> 18:55.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of that inner circle. 18:55.533 --> 18:59.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% He is the only Attorney General 18:59.066 --> 19:01.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% who on occasion will send out an 19:01.533 --> 19:03.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% emailed last that says I'm 19:03.400 --> 19:07.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% fighting for you, which he did a 19:07.533 --> 19:08.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% couple of weeks ago. 19:08.333 --> 19:15.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles: I attended a 19:15.533 --> 19:16.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% postelection form in Princeton, 19:16.166 --> 19:19.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% where he was against, and there 19:19.066 --> 19:19.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% were a couple of other 19:19.866 --> 19:22.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% officials, and they were 19:22.866 --> 19:23.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% murmuring in the crowd. 19:23.366 --> 19:29.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I mean, maybe I was starting to 19:29.166 --> 19:31.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% murmur, but clearly, it was hard 19:31.433 --> 19:31.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% not to see. 19:31.733 --> 19:36.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Most of the gubernatorial 19:36.600 --> 19:38.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% candidates, that is, are bailing 19:38.433 --> 19:40.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% on these county conventions. 19:40.966 --> 19:42.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% That is except those who expect 19:42.200 --> 19:42.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to win them. 19:42.500 --> 19:46.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Dustin, is this another sign of 19:46.033 --> 19:47.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% how the end of the line is 19:47.700 --> 19:49.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% impacting politics and Jersey? 19:49.833 --> 19:53.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Dustin: I think it is pretty 19:53.666 --> 19:55.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% clear, and it is amazing how 19:55.900 --> 20:00.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% last year at this time anybody 20:00.766 --> 20:01.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% who cares about politics in New 20:01.400 --> 20:04.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Jersey, all their attention is 20:04.666 --> 20:10.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% drawn to the conventions between 20:10.133 --> 20:10.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the First Lady for the senate 20:10.766 --> 20:12.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% seat and now it is like nobody 20:12.300 --> 20:12.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% cares. 20:12.500 --> 20:15.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% So it just goes to show you how 20:15.233 --> 20:20.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% quickly things can change after 20:20.100 --> 20:24.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% being such an institution for a 20:24.233 --> 20:26.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% century or more, that it is 20:26.533 --> 20:26.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% over, it is that. 20:26.933 --> 20:30.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- it is over, it is dead. 20:30.500 --> 20:33.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% To be fair, these county 20:33.833 --> 20:34.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% organizations still have a lot 20:34.433 --> 20:37.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of influence and resources, so 20:37.600 --> 20:38.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the people will get that 20:38.733 --> 20:38.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% support. 20:38.966 --> 20:42.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: That is money, boots on 20:42.833 --> 20:43.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the ground, etc. 20:43.233 --> 20:45.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Let me stick with you, the 20:45.566 --> 20:47.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Catholic Church is going to hire 20:47.833 --> 20:51.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% a law firm to conduct the 20:51.166 --> 20:52.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% comprehensive third-party review 20:52.566 --> 20:56.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of this 2019 investigation into 20:56.000 --> 21:01.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% sex abuse charges at the 21:01.400 --> 21:02.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% University that implicate the 21:02.000 --> 21:03.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% new president. 21:03.366 --> 21:04.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% You have been on that story. 21:04.133 --> 21:06.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Do you have an update? 21:06.300 --> 21:08.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Dustin: I wish I knew what was 21:08.966 --> 21:09.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% going on with that. 21:09.400 --> 21:12.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% They did a comprehensive review 21:12.000 --> 21:13.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% in 2019 and we still don't have 21:13.766 --> 21:14.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the answers to that. 21:14.633 --> 21:15.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We only got a summary from the 21:15.333 --> 21:15.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% school. 21:15.566 --> 21:21.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% What the archdiocese of Newark 21:21.333 --> 21:22.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% says about this is that the 21:22.700 --> 21:23.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% review is going to be looking 21:23.966 --> 21:24.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% into how that review is 21:24.466 --> 21:24.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% conducted. 21:24.733 --> 21:28.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% So it is an investigation of an 21:28.900 --> 21:29.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% investigation for all intents 21:29.500 --> 21:29.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and purposes. 21:29.933 --> 21:33.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I suppose it is going to focus 21:33.233 --> 21:35.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% on its relation to the new 21:35.633 --> 21:38.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% president, Joseph Riley, and how 21:38.566 --> 21:40.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the process went in terms of who 21:40.233 --> 21:43.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% was notified and when, and if it 21:43.333 --> 21:44.833 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% was appropriate. 21:44.833 --> 21:48.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% As we speak today, it has been 21:48.333 --> 21:50.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% two months since we reported all 21:50.300 --> 21:53.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of this, and it is hard to 21:53.333 --> 21:58.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% understand why we are going to 21:58.333 --> 21:58.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the notions of hiring another 21:58.933 --> 22:03.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% law firm for an investigation 22:03.166 --> 22:03.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% instead of bringing more 22:03.966 --> 22:04.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% transparency and telling people 22:04.600 --> 22:07.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% what is going on. 22:07.266 --> 22:10.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: The news of this was that 22:10.033 --> 22:12.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the president knew of the 22:12.066 --> 22:12.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% allegations but did not bring 22:12.666 --> 22:13.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% them forward. 22:13.000 --> 22:16.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Dustin: Correct, he's not 22:16.300 --> 22:17.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% accused of misconduct himself, 22:17.266 --> 22:19.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% but he was aware of the 22:19.566 --> 22:20.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% allegations and did not properly 22:20.233 --> 22:21.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% report them which is 22:21.466 --> 22:21.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% problematic. 22:21.766 --> 22:25.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: The other story this 22:25.866 --> 22:26.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% week, congestion pricing put on 22:26.500 --> 22:26.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% pause. 22:26.700 --> 22:29.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It looks like it is over. 22:29.100 --> 22:29.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Is it over? 22:29.400 --> 22:32.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% John: I don't think with this on 22:32.766 --> 22:35.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% it is ever over. 22:35.233 --> 22:37.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It will be something that is 22:37.800 --> 22:38.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% probably contested for quite a 22:38.400 --> 22:38.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% while. 22:38.866 --> 22:43.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I think the claims that were 22:43.233 --> 22:46.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% made by New York about sort of 22:46.866 --> 22:47.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% interference at the federal 22:47.433 --> 22:52.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% level, I mean, you know, federal 22:52.133 --> 22:52.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% administrations change, and they 22:52.800 --> 22:53.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% can change again. 22:53.200 --> 22:57.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% It really is a test of what one 22:57.966 --> 23:00.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% state can do versus how much 23:00.466 --> 23:01.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% influence the federal government 23:01.100 --> 23:01.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% has. 23:01.266 --> 23:04.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And, of course, in New Jersey, 23:04.266 --> 23:06.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% we are stuck in a situation 23:06.600 --> 23:08.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% where transit funding remains a 23:08.333 --> 23:08.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% long-term issue. 23:08.733 --> 23:10.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% You talked about with the 23:10.466 --> 23:10.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% senator. 23:10.700 --> 23:11.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We have talked about it. 23:11.900 --> 23:15.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% You don't have the type of 23:15.966 --> 23:16.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% infrastructure buildup in New 23:16.566 --> 23:17.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Jersey that allows us to easily 23:17.200 --> 23:20.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% absorb whatever happens in New 23:20.300 --> 23:21.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% York because a lot of people to 23:21.300 --> 23:23.266 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% have to drive in because they 23:23.266 --> 23:23.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% don't have mass transit access 23:23.900 --> 23:24.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% to New York City. 23:24.300 --> 23:27.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: You also had an 23:27.200 --> 23:29.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% interesting piece on the details 23:29.066 --> 23:30.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% in some of these terms of 23:30.233 --> 23:30.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% service agreements that you 23:30.800 --> 23:32.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% click on so easily. 23:32.766 --> 23:37.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% John: there is a bill moving 23:37.233 --> 23:38.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% through the legislature with 23:38.633 --> 23:39.233 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% bipartisan support that would 23:39.233 --> 23:42.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% try to tighten up a state law. 23:42.700 --> 23:43.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% A lot of us use our phone for 23:43.300 --> 23:46.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% services, we order a pizza, we 23:46.900 --> 23:48.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Hayleigh ride, and sometimes 23:48.666 --> 23:49.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% little box comes up and you 23:49.333 --> 23:51.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% don't look at it too closely 23:51.700 --> 23:52.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% because you're anxious to get 23:52.366 --> 23:54.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the pizza, but take a look at it 23:54.933 --> 23:55.766 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and see exactly what you are 23:55.766 --> 23:56.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% signing off on, whether it is 23:56.533 --> 23:58.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% datasharing or maybe even 23:58.900 --> 23:59.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% getting up your right to sue. 23:59.500 --> 24:02.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% That is something that gets 24:02.166 --> 24:05.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% overlooked often, especially as 24:05.900 --> 24:08.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% these big companies take on more 24:08.566 --> 24:09.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and more services that are 24:09.933 --> 24:11.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% offered to us, everything from 24:11.933 --> 24:16.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% cloud services for showing up 24:16.966 --> 24:17.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% with your coffee for tomorrow 24:17.566 --> 24:17.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% morning. 24:17.800 --> 24:21.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Months to go, but we have 24:21.133 --> 24:21.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% one minute to kill. 24:21.566 --> 24:28.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Who was the front runner in each 24:28.066 --> 24:28.566 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% of the governors races? 24:28.566 --> 24:29.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Pick one or no work on each 24:29.133 --> 24:29.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% side. 24:29.333 --> 24:33.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- or no one on each side. 24:33.400 --> 24:36.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Dustin: It looks like Mikey 24:36.133 --> 24:36.733 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Cheryl paper on the Democratic 24:36.733 --> 24:37.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% side. 24:37.966 --> 24:42.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I would say it is a tossup with 24:42.200 --> 24:47.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Spady, he has strong backing, 24:47.100 --> 24:47.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Trump connected backing. 24:47.633 --> 24:48.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Charles? 24:48.900 --> 24:51.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Charles: I would say Mikey 24:51.433 --> 24:53.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Cheryl is floating above the 24:53.600 --> 24:57.400 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% fray, and then on the Republican 24:57.400 --> 25:00.800 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% side, I agree with Dustin but I 25:00.800 --> 25:02.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% would tilt more towards Chief 25:02.866 --> 25:07.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Covelli. 25:07.066 --> 25:09.133 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% John: it is wide open right now. 25:09.133 --> 25:11.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% There have been things set on 25:11.033 --> 25:13.633 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% both sides, but at this stage 25:13.633 --> 25:15.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% and don't think people are 25:15.366 --> 25:15.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% really paying attention. 25:15.900 --> 25:17.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% At this point it is wide open. 25:17.600 --> 25:18.900 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% David: Too early. 25:18.900 --> 25:23.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% A notes, join us Tuesday at 3:00 25:23.966 --> 25:25.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% p.m. as we bring you live 25:25.033 --> 25:25.666 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% coverage of the Governor's 25:25.666 --> 25:26.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% budget address. 25:26.033 --> 25:30.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We will be anchoring from inside 25:30.000 --> 25:32.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the chambers, before, during and 25:32.933 --> 25:34.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% after the speech, John will be 25:34.700 --> 25:35.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% there, and I will be stocking 25:35.500 --> 25:36.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% the hallways. 25:36.700 --> 25:40.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Tuesday, live at 3:00 p.m. on 25:40.000 --> 25:42.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% NJPBS and Oliver streaming 25:42.200 --> 25:42.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% platforms. 25:42.466 --> 25:45.433 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% -- and all of our streaming 25:45.433 --> 25:45.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% platforms. 25:45.700 --> 25:48.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Good to see you altogether 25:48.300 --> 25:48.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% again. 25:48.500 --> 25:55.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Thank you to Senator O'Scanlon. 25:55.500 --> 26:01.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Follow this show on roundtable 26:01.100 --> 26:02.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% NJ on, and subscribe to the 26:02.066 --> 26:02.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% YouTube channel. 26:02.466 --> 26:04.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I'm David Cruz. 26:04.333 --> 26:08.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% For all of us here at Gateway 26:08.466 --> 26:09.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Center, thank you for watching. 26:09.466 --> 26:10.000 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% We will see you next week. 26:10.000 --> 26:13.366 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% >> Major funding for "Reporters 26:13.366 --> 26:14.100 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Roundtable" with David Cruz is 26:14.100 --> 26:16.333 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% provided by RWJBarnabas Health, 26:16.333 --> 26:18.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% let's be healthy together. 26:18.300 --> 26:19.066 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Rowan University, educating New 26:19.066 --> 26:20.166 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Jersey leaders, partnering with 26:20.166 --> 26:20.933 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% New Jersey businesses, 26:20.933 --> 26:21.700 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% transforming New jersey's 26:21.700 --> 26:28.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% future. 26:28.300 --> 26:29.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% ♪