Number of the Day

$1.7 billion

As if New Jersey weren’t in enough debt, the state also owes the federal government $1.7 billion for the unemployment insurance trust fund, according to ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative news organization based in New York. MORE »

September 2, 2010
»Temporary Replacements?
Governor names Rochelle Hendricks, Gregg Edwards and Andrew Smarick to head NJ Department of Education -- but for how long?
»Princeton Hospital Points to Future of Energy Use
New medical center boasts its own power generation plant, promising reduced emissions and bills.
»Opinion: Getting Beyond the Race to the Top
New Jersey can attain the advantages of RTTT, one failing school district at a time.
September 1, 2010
»Race to the Top Consultant Earned $500,000 for Two Failed Bids
State Department of Education discloses new information about Wireless Generation.
»'Green' Report Explores Sustainable Economic Growth for the Garden State
A sustainable green economy must meld consumer demand for new products and services and state and federal mandates crafted to support environmental goals.
»State Retiree Healthcare Costs Could Double Over Next Nine Years
On the hook for nearly $70 billion, New Jersey already tops all states in unfunded liability.
August 31, 2010
»Solar Battle Heats Up
New Jersey has set aggressive goals for its solar industry. The question now is can it afford to meet them.
»Role of Consultant Comes to Light as Schundler Admits Error
Brooklyn education technology firm hired to help Race to the Top application also overlooked crucial mistake.
August 30, 2010
»In the Wake of Schundler’s Ouster, Questions Arise in Classrooms and in Trenton
With the education commissioner’s job vacant, there’s even more uncertainty for teachers and educators at the start of another school year.
»Opinion: Raise My Gas Tax, Please!
Paying a little more per gallon isn’t as big a burden as the cost of added debt or the damage to the environment.
August 28, 2010
»Schundler Firing Highlights Earlier Clash With Christie
Prior dispute over teachers union and Race to the Top application may have cost New Jersey $400 million -- and Schundler his job.
August 27, 2010
»Christie Checklist Aimed at Helping Local Governments Keep Costs in Check
Noncompliance with checklist will affect the amount of state aid municipalities receive.
»Opposition to Unfunded State Mandates -- Local and Vocal
Local officials make sure NJ lawmakers get the message, unfunded mandates drive up property taxes and make it tough on Garden State residents.
»Can New Jersey’s Educators Make the Grade?
Tables turned, public schools across the Garden State are told to disclose how they evaluate faculty -- and then there’s the little issue of posting the results online.
August 26, 2010
»DEP Names Assistant Commissioner for Site Remediation
David E. Sweeney to oversee new professional cleanup program and manage oversight of 20,000+ contaminated sites.
»Wet Weather May Help NJ Avoid Drought Emergency
The recent rainfall has replenished reservoirs, but environmentalists, DEP and water companies disagree on long-term health of water supply.
»Behind the Race to the Top Furor, Five Nameless Judges
Reports from panel of reviewers show where NJ gained and lost -- and maybe tripped up
August 25, 2010
»New Jersey Finishes Just Out of the Money in Race to the Top
Only three points kept NJ out of the winner’s circle, but a close review of its application reveals many categories where it came up short.
»Opinion: Time to Retire the Worst Tax of All
Why is the property tax so bad? Let us count the ways.
»PA Petition -- Like NJ Initiative -- Seeks to Recover Billions in Stranded Charges
Like their counterparts in New Jersey, consumer advocates in Pennsylvania are urging state regulators to decide if utilities overcharged customers.
August 24, 2010
»Christie Pay Caps Bedevil Back-to-School Hires
Millburn brings aboard two new administrators while struggling with unofficial salary caps and new rules regarding tenure.
»Fine Print: Diploma Rate for New Jersey’s Black Males
Newark earns the very highest rank for urban districts in the country, with 75 percent of black males graduating in 2008.
»PSE&G Says Gas Contract Lowered Costs to Consumers
Newark utility tells SBU that it saved consumers $32 million a year by not requiring affiliate to pay societal benefits charges.
August 23, 2010
»Family-Planning Clinics Feel Christie's Cuts
A busy Morristown clinic is just one of 58 family-planning centers statewide that will take a hit as the 2011 budget slashes state aid from $7.5 million to 0.
»State Policies and Programs Add 25 Percent to NJ Electrical Bills
The Christie administration take a close look at the energy master plan with an eye to reducing ratepayer bills.
»Opinion: Scholarship Act Puts Strange Spin on ‘Opportunity’
Proposed voucher legislation redirects funds away from the very students who need help most.
August 20, 2010
»Summer Reading Series: Smart Growth
Gov. Christie been openly critical of smart-planning initiatives. When the legislature comes back in session, the same issues and arguments will likely come to the fore. This special editorial package will help you interpret what's being said and done.
August 19, 2010
»Summer Reading Series: School Choice
Charter schools are catching on in the suburbs, while school vouchers are racking up more backing across the state. Stay ahead of these and other fast-moving issues with this special package.
August 18, 2010
»Summer Reading Series: Renewables
The BPU is beginning to evaluate renewable energy programs to see which deliver the most for the money. This special editorial package can help you sort out the issues.
»Summer Reading Series: Transportation
With the Transportation Trust Fund out of money for new projects by next July, New Jersey will be looking for an alternative way to fund its transportation capital program. Come up to speed on the issues with this special editorial package.

Become A Member!

Comment on anything and everything we publish.
Join the conversation. Or sign up for our free weekly news digest.

NJ Budget watch 2010 - 2012

Preview: 2011 - 2012 State Budget

NJ State Budget: 2010 - 2011

Click links to open or close

School Aid - By School District

Municipal Aid - By Municipality

School Budget Vote 2010

Around New Jersey Aug. 23 - Sept. 3

Corporate Sponsor

Founding Supporters: