The future is unclear as
2017's
remaining months offer more deadlines, more legislative initiatives and an opportunity for electoral change here in New Jersey.
Before looking ahead, here are some t
hing
s
to keep in mind:
- The potential for action in Washington remains, even if no action has been taken to date. The perception may be that we won't see biopharmaceutical price controls, ACA reform or anything else that seems DOA in Congress, but if we've learned anything about the Trump administration and the 115th Congress, it's that we should expect to be surprised.
- The balance of power is ever in play. In New Jersey, outcomes in several legislative districts may determine the next Assembly Speaker, and the Governor's race will bring new players (or return some familiar faces) to Trenton. Similarly, Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are scrambling to solidify their leadership in the House and the Senate.
- Events may overtake agendas. The impact of two major hurricanes occurring almost back to back will reshape legislation coming out of Washington, just as unforeseen political alliances can shift the landscape instantly as we witnessed with the Trump-Democrat agreement on the budget.
Bearing in mind that the only thing certain is uncertainty, here are the major items on the Federal and State agendas for the remainder of 2017 that may have the greatest impact on BioNJ Members:
Washington
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization: Funding for this program, which has received bipartisan support in the 20 years it has been in existence, must be reauthorized by Congress by September 30. Given the limited number of days Congress is in session this month, as well as the emergency funding appropriations needed for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, there are concerns that tying the bill to a controversial initiative (such as ACA reform or the Federal budget) could delay the reauthorization.
Affordable Care Act: The provision that allows ACA reform to pass the Senate with a simple majority (instead of 60 votes) expires at the end of September, and the latest reform iteration (the Cassidy-Graham bill) will be introduced this week. Senator Bernie Sanders also plans to introduce a single-payer bill this week.
2018 Budget Resolution: Even though Congress has until the end of this year to approve 2018 spending, House GOP leaders are pushing to get this done by September 30. Passage of the budget resolution is needed if tax reform legislation will be able to be passed with a simple majority.
Tax Reform:
A huge priority for the President, passage of legislation is very much a possibility, but the odds
of getting it done
lessen the longer it takes for details of the plan to emerge. Internal Republican differences may delay or even doom the bill.
New Jersey
Elections are on everyone's mind as the post-Labor Day campaigns build steam. Many New Jersey legislative districts are designed to keep incumbent officeholders safe, but several of BioNJ's legislative champions are in closer than usual races this November or will see other changes based upon election outcomes:
Assembly
Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-16) faces his first re-election to a seat he won by only 78 votes over then-Assemblywoman Donna Simon. The former Assemblywoman is back this year hoping to regain her seat in what was once a solidly Republican district (Assemblyman Zwicker is the first Democrat elected from this district) but the district is now more competitive since Princeton was added.
Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-7) is running for the Senate seat currently held by Senator Diane Allen, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The race is targeted for victory by the Democrats and Assemblyman Singleton is expected to take the Senate seat.
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-35) was considered a frontrunner for the Lieutenant Governor spot on the ticket with Democratic candidate Phil Murphy. She wasn't selected but should expect to be a favorite with the Governor if
Ambassador Phil
Murphy wins
the Governor's race
.
Assemblymen Vincent Prieto (D-32) and
Lou Greenwald (D-6) will both likely be re-elected but their leadership roles in the next session may change, depending upon the outcome of the swing districts. Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-19) has already announced his candidacy for Speaker, challenging current Speaker Prieto. Meahwile, Lou Greenwald seems content as Assembly Majority Leader and Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, but he would be in good position to reassess opportunities should the legislative districts all break Democrat.
Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr. (D-7) has been mentioned as possible New Jersey Health Commissioner in a Murphy Administration. If he left his Assembly seat, he would give up his chairmanship on the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.
Senate
Senator Jennifer Beck (R-11)
is embroiled in one of the most closely-watched legislative races in the State. Democrat Vin Gopal is challenging her in a bid to join Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey. These Democrats are seeking their first re-election after they upset Republicans Mary Pat Angelini and Caroline Casagrande in 2015.
