Quorum Call
News from the District

From the office of Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney
JULY 2021 Newsletter
Dear Friends, 
 
The largest spending plan in New Jersey state history a $46.4 billion budget, 15% higher than last year was passed last Thursday along party lines, with a 25-15 vote in the Senate and 49-26 in the Assembly.

Last weeks passing of the budget didn’t include adequate funding to update New Jersey’s outdated computer systems at the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission and Labor Department. Schools remain underfunded, NJ Transit ignored, unemployment insurance fraud unaddressed, and small businesses crushed. Don't be fooled: expect massive tax hikes next year.

As of today, July 1, New Jersey employers will be pounded by a major payroll tax increase that the majority refused to stop. What the majority did include was $400 million in so-called ‘Christmas tree’ spending added to the budget, triple the amount of last year.

New Jersey residents want transparency, unfortunately the majority didn’t get the memo. Budget resolutions that are supposed to document each legislative addition to the budget were not made public before it was passed out of both houses.

Senate President Steve Sweeney, (D-Gloucester), said the resolutions will “become available, hopefully right after the governor signs the budget.” In other words, “We have to pass the bill so that we can find out what is in it.”

I will continue to fight for my constituents, especially the families that have struggled for weeks or months to receive the unemployment benefits they earned and desperately need to survive.

 
Sincerely,
 
Kevin J. Rooney
Assemblyman
Message from the Assemblyman:
EVENTS

Happy to be part of the Pride flag raising at Panther Park Field in Cedar Grove and the Ridgewood Flag raising. The Township of Cedar Grove Mayor & Council celebrated LGBTQ Pride Month recognizing the townships Diversity and Inclusion.
Awesome day as part of 'Team Senator Corrado's Crusaders’ Tank Pull Competition benefiting Veterans and Wounded Warriors.
OBSERVATIONS

Independence Day

Also called Fourth of July or July 4th, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Independence Day is celebrated on Sunday, July 4, 2021 in the United States.
HEROES BEHIND THE BADGE
Two women were kayaking on Glimmer Glass Creek in Manasquan last weekend when the found themselves in the water. The boat overturned and the women were tossed into the creek without their life vests. Thankfully, off-duty NJ State Trooper, Sgt. First Class Erin Smith was driving over the Glimmer Glass Drawbridge at the same time and saw the women struggling in the water. Read here:
Golden Retriever ‘Chunk’ found swimming in Jersey Shore bay 2 weeks after going missing. State Police bring him home. Read here:
Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients:
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 3 pounds each)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 apple, quartered
  • 1 cup apple juice or cider
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Vegetable oil, for brushing 
 
Instructions:

Special equipment: 8 to 10 cups mesquite wood chips Small spray bottle
  • Prepare the ribs (see below). Combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, mustard powder and 2 tablespoons salt in a small bowl. Rub the ribs all over with the cut sides of the lemon and then the spice mixture and place in a large roasting pan or resealable plastic bag. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

  • Meanwhile, soak the wood chips in water 1 hour, then prepare your grill for smoking, filling the smoker box with one-quarter each of the wood chips and apple.

  • About 30 minutes before smoking, remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature. Meanwhile, combine the apple juice, Worcestershire sauce and vinegar in a small spray bottle. Shake to mix.

  • Once the grill reaches 250 degrees F, lightly brush the grates with vegetable oil and place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, meat-side up. Spray with the apple juice mixture. Close the grill and let smoke 1 hour.

  • Replenish the smoker box with another one-quarter each of the wood chips and apple. Flip the ribs so they're meat-side down with the opposite edge of the racks closer to the smoker box. Spray with the apple juice mixture; close the grill and let smoke 1 more hour. Repeat this process every hour until the ribs are dark brown and tender and the meat starts to shrink away from the bones, about 2 more hours. Remove the ribs from the grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

  • How to prep your ribs:

  • Position the ribs meat-side down. Insert a paring knife under the membrane that covers the back of the rack. Loosen the membrane with the knife. Grab the membrane with your fingers and peel off completely.
ARE YOU LISTENING?

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EMPLOYMENT

My staff and I have received several queries about unemployment. Below are some helpful resources:
DONATIONS

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