County commissioners adopt resolution calling for state to prohibit jails from housing undocumented individuals

County commissioners adopt resolution calling for state to prohibit jails from housing undocumented individuals

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — On June 9, the Essex County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution of support for New Jersey State Senate and Assembly bills S3361/A5207. If signed into law, the bills would prohibit state, local government agencies and private detention facilities from entering into, renewing or extending agreements with federal immigration authorities […]

Freeholders pass resolution supported ‘The People’s Bill’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — On Oct. 7, the Essex County freeholder board passed a resolution in support of New Jersey Assembly Bill 4034, which aims to provide protection to tenants, homeowners and landlords who have suffered significant financial losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bill, known as “The People’s Bill,” will help renters avoid […]

New Jersey freeholders say the time has come

New Jersey freeholders say the time has come

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey’s black county elected officials stand united to remove the term “freeholder” from the state’s governmental and political lexicon. The state’s 19 black freeholders together established an alliance that will address key issues and needs of black communities within their counties and the state. “The origin of the title runs afoul […]

Assemblywoman speaks about People’s Bill at virtual meeting

Assemblywoman speaks about People’s Bill at virtual meeting

EAST ORANGE, NJ — Continuing the momentum from Mayor Ted Green’s May 7 virtual town hall meeting, which drew in approximately 50,000 views via Facebook Live, his May 14 meeting welcomed New Jersey General Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake and Rutgers University Student Health and Wellness Executive Director Anice Thomas as the meeting’s special guests. Held on […]

‘COVID-19 Financial Security for Consumers Act’ clears Assembly panel

TRENTON, NJ — To provide future security for many families and residents in New Jersey experiencing financial hardship brought on as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Assembly Democrats Mila Jasey, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and John McKeon sponsored legislation that would institute protections. The Assembly Commerce Committee advanced the bill on Thursday, May 7. “The virus […]

NJ Legislature passes package of bills relating to COVID-19

NJ Legislature passes package of bills relating to COVID-19

TRENTON, NJ — In an effort to help New Jersey address the COVID-19 pandemic now and in the future, the state Assembly and Senate passed a package of bills that addresses a variety of topics, from health care to allowing municipalities to hold online council meetings. A total of 27 bills were passed in the […]

COVID-19 touches down in West Orange

Township, entire state, close down everyday life to prevent spread of disease

COVID-19 touches down in West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The township is feeling the effects of COVID-19, the strain of coronavirus that was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11. School districts, many businesses and other organizations have closed and schools have moved to online learning for at least two weeks. As of March 19, […]

COVID-19 comes to Maplewood and South Orange

Two towns, entire state, close down everyday life to prevent spread of disease

COVID-19 comes to Maplewood and South Orange

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The two towns are feeling the effects of COVID-19, the strain of coronavirus that was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11. School districts, many businesses and other organizations have closed and moved to online learning for at least two weeks. As of March […]

TBZ, other local projects to see state spending freeze

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — On June 30, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Act into law. The budget lacked the governor’s long-supported millionaire’s tax, which had been vehemently opposed by N.J. Senate President Stephen Sweeney. While Murphy seemingly lost the fight for a millionaire’s tax, he hit back with Executive Order No. […]

County dedicates ‘Essex County Kevin J. Ryan Sheriff’s Headquarters’

NEWARK, NJ — Essex County dedicated the Essex County Sheriff’s Patrol Building in Newark as the “Essex County Kevin J. Ryan Sheriff’s Headquarters” in honor of the late Sheriff’s Chief Kevin J. Ryan. Ryan, who also served as a NJ State Assemblyman and School Board member with the Essex County Schools of Technology, died June […]