PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers are currently on scene attempting to make contact with an occupant of a house on Smith Road near East Halsey Road.
The incident is ongoing and all roads in the area are blocked off.
At this time no further information will be released. When additional information is available Parsippany Focus will update this article.
PARSIPPANY — Aarin Feliz of Lake Hiawatha has earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Movement & Sport Studies from Springfield College for studies completed in 2019. Aaron is a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2015.
At the undergraduate commencement on May 19, 695 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. Including the degrees awarded at the graduate ceremony on May 18, a total of 1,265 degrees were awarded over the two days.
At the graduate commencement, 522 master’s degrees, one certificate of advanced graduate study, five Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 36 Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, and six Doctor of Psychology degrees were awarded.
Springfield College is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational institution founded in 1885. Nearly 5,000 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students, study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its regional campuses across the country.
Springfield College inspires students through the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy – educating in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Council will hold an agenda meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 2.
The Council will hold a second reading on Ordinance 2019:33 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY CREATING CHAPTER 181, SINGLE USE BAGS AT RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, OF THE CODE OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS; among other ordinances.
The public is invited to attend all meetings. A portion of each meeting will be set aside for public comment. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings. Ending time is approximate.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department was notified that a raccoon found on Minnehaha Boulevard in the Lake Hiawatha section has tested positive for the Rabies virus.
Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.
Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. Everyone is advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. Please do not feed stray animals. Do not make pets of wild animals. Be certain that your dog is properly licensed, vaccinated and up to date on their rabies vaccination. If you know of any stray cats, or dogs or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.
Please keep garbage in a container with a tight fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled bird seed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods.
If you are exposed (either bitten or scratched) by any suspected animal; please act promptly. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your physician and the Health Department. If your pet is bitten or in a fight with a wild animal, please contact the Parsippany Health Department at (973)-263-7160 and your Veterinarian.
Raccoons—along with foxes (red and gray), skunks, and bats—are considered a primary carrier of the rabies virus in the United States. While any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies, these are the ones we call “rabies vector species.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one human has ever died from the raccoon strain of rabies.
A rabid raccoon is usually dead within 1-3 days of becoming infectious, and even if you’re bitten by a rabid raccoon, effective post-exposure treatment is available.
PARSIPPANY — Tanvi Tandan has been named to the dean’s list for the 2019 spring Semester at Kean University.
She graduated from Mt Tabor, Brooklawn Middle School and a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2017. Tanvi is working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.
Kean University is the most affordable comprehensive university in New Jersey, Kean offers strong financial aid options and works with students and their families to provide the most financial assistance possible. Thousands of students live in our seven residence halls while others prefer to commute. Whatever your choice, our campus provides a comfortable learning environment for all.
For more information click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act to dramatically reform New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) and expand patient access to medical marijuana.
“Today’s legislation creates a medical marijuana program that is modernized, compassionate, progressive, and meets the needs of patients,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud to stand with my legislative partners as we break down barriers to ensure this life-changing medical treatment is affordable and accessible for those who need it most.”
The bill, A20, makes several statutory changes to New Jersey’s MMP. A number of these were called for in the New Jersey Department of Health’s report that was released in March 2018, pursuant to Executive Order No. 6. The changes include:
PARSIPPANY — Members from each of Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Companies, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Squad, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Parsippany Emergency Medical Services as well as numerous Parsippany Police Officers participated in an Autism Awareness Class for first responders at the Lake Parsippany Fire House. There were over 70 first responders attending the class. The class was conducted by Lauren Blaszak, Executive Director, Celebrate the Children, State Approved Private School for the Disabled, located in Denville.
The course was sponsored by Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 using a Gratitude Grant from Elks National Foundation.
Celebrate the Children (CTC) is a non-profit, state-approved private school, which serves a diverse range of students ages 3-21 with autism and other challenges in relating and communicating.
PARSIPPANY — Meet Petal, a four-year-old Puggle! This sweet face was recently rescued from an inner city shelter.
Petal is a lover of all things–toys, other pups, playing fetch, and especially snuggles. She is a bit underweight right now so she also loves food! Petal will gladly help you finish your plate 🙂
Petal is a very friendly girl who would do best in a home with other dogs and children 10+. She is not wild about kitty friends so a home without one is best. Petal is potty-trained, non-destructive when left alone, and so well-behaved!
In her foster home, Petal took to her foster dad and doggy siblings very quickly. She follows them around and loves their company. She also enjoys being outside and making new friends!
If you’re looking for a sweet, happy girl to play fetch with, apply to adopt Petal today!
If you are interested in adopting Petal, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Cub Scouts from across Morris County had a great time with their grandparents at Winnebago Scout Reservation in Rockaway during a visit in June. The Patriots’ Path Council of the Boy Scouts of America ran its first My Cool Grandma/Grandpa event.
Along with their grandparent, each Cub Scout built a birdhouse or a toolbox. The building of these crafts was guided by the Flintlocks, an association of volunteers who do whatever repair work is needed at the camp.
After the craft building, each Cub Scout brought their grandparent over to the BB range for some target practice. They then toasted marshmallows over a fire and had hot dogs in the great outdoors.
Grandparents commented on how much their grandson or granddaughter was enjoying Cub Scouts and the program’s role in building character and instilling values. To find a Cub Scout pack near you, click here or contact membership executive Al Thomas, (973) 765-9322 ext. 229, al.thomas@scouting.org.
PARSIPPANY — Lucas Folan, a 2017 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2019 semester, earning a spot on the Provost’s List at Hofstra University
Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, N.Y. that is the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012 and 2016). Their campus is a leafy oasis just a quick train ride away from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities.
They offer small classes and personal attention, with the resources, technology and facilities of a large university. Students can choose from more than 160 undergraduate program options and 165 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students from around the world who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.
PARSIPPANY — Ashley Jorden was recently named to the Monroe College Dean’s List for the Winter 2019 semester.
At Monroe, the Deans’ List comprises full-time students who have completed and excelled in their coursework, earning a grade point average between 3.60 and 3.79 over the course of the semester.
Founded in 1933, New York-based Monroe College is a nationally ranked private institution of higher learning with a real world learning approach that prioritizes hands-on academic experiences, practical and relevant academic programs, flexible learning schedules, best-in-class instructional technologies, and committed and engaged faculty to ensure that students are well positioned for career success upon graduation. Monroe is among the leading higher education institutions in the country for graduating minority students.
Monroe College offers Certificate, Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs. It has campuses in the Bronx, New Rochelle, as well as in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia, with programs offered through its Schools of Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Nursing, Education, Business & Accounting, Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, and Allied Health, as well as through its liberal arts and continuing education programs, and its King Graduate School. For more information and admissions criteria click here.
PARSIPPANY — Preschool Advantage, the Morristown-based not for profit that funds preschool tuitions for local families in need, announced that it has placed 113 children in area preschools for the 2019-2020 school year. Three of these schools – All Saints Academy, Children’s Circle at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church and Hearts and Hands Preschool – are located in the community of Parsippany. This is a record number of children placed by Preschool Advantage and represents a 38% increase over the number of children funded just three years ago.
The children placed by Preschool Advantage this year consist of 47 three-year-olds and 66 four-year-olds. Thirty-five percent of the children are from single-parent households, and thirty-three percent of families speak no English at home. Students reside in 34 towns across Morris and Somerset Counties; ninety-seven percent of families fall at or below the income level that the United Way has calculated is needed to provide for basic needs in Morris and Somerset Counties with a median household income of $35,700.
Preschool Advantage pays tuition for children to attend half day programs at one of 25 high-quality partner preschools, and strives to level the playing field between children whose families can afford to send them to preschool and those who cannot, so that all children in the community begin kindergarten with the tools they need for success.
In the words of Molly Dunn, Executive Director of Preschool Advantage, “Without the educational foundation that preschool provides, students begin school at a huge disadvantage. and this setback will impact them for years to come resulting in real costs for the community”.
Preschool Advantage is supported by individual donors as well as grants from foundations and businesses. Since its inception almost 25 years ago, Preschool Advantage has provided families with financial assistance for quality preschool education and has paid over 1,500 tuitions. Preschool Advantage will continue to accept applications until the end of the summer. Additional information about the organization can be found by clicking here, or by calling (973) 532-2501.
PARSIPPANY — Boiling Springs Savings Bank, one of northern New Jersey’s largest savings banks and provider of financial services to individuals and businesses for more than 80 years, announced that moving forward it will be known as Blue Foundry Bank. The local branch is located at 66 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
The revolutionary new name, effective as of July 1, 2019, reflects the bank’s reinvention and acknowledges the modern-day community members it serves filled with makers, movers and shakers.
Blue Foundry Bank’s name reflects a roll up your sleeves, committed, smart and creative mindset. Blue to represent the brand’s “true blue” ways and customer-focused culture, and foundry to depict that it is a bank of, and for, makers by its dedication to forging relationships and building opportunities.
“Blue Foundry Bank is set to revolutionize banking,” said James D. Nesci, President and CEO of Blue Foundry Bank. “Our bank has always served as more than just a means of providing financial services, and our new name reflects the grit and passion we put into making people, businesses and neighborhoods stronger. Where others may see obstacles, we see opportunities.”
Dedicated to craft banking, Blue Foundry Bank offers a comprehensive line of products and services including personal and business banking and lending, with financial planning and investing a future strategy within the bank’s innovative vision. With bankers acting more as partners, their process will be less about banking and more about living.
About Blue Foundry Bank: Founded as Boiling Springs Savings Bank in 1939 and headquartered in Rutherford, New Jersey, Blue Foundry Bank is a new kind of bank offering New Jersey full service, crafted banking. Its deposits are insured by the FDIC. With 17 branches throughout Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, Blue Foundry is one of the area’s largest savings banks designed specifically for its people, the movers and shakers. Reflecting its deep roots within New Jersey, and efforts to continue to move the community forward, the bank became Blue Foundry Bank on July 1, 2019.
To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (201) 939-5000.
PARSIPPANY — State police have identified the victim of a deadly motorcycle crash on the Garden State Parkway.
The crash happened Sunday around 12:40 p.m. near the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel.
According to state police, the victim has been identified as Devin Flores, 38, from Carlstadt.
State police say Flores was killed when his Suzuki motorcycle hit the rear of a 2011 Subaru and overturned at milepost 116. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Flores grew up in Lake Hiawatha and was a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 1998.
A quote from a GoFundMe page set up says “Devin Flores touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. He was one of the most selfless, giving, and warm hearted individuals that walked upon this earth, and all of us over at the Devoe Group were lucky enough to call him a colleague and friend. In honor of Devin, we would like to help his family with the costs of laying him to rest. Any donation, no matter what the amount, would mean the world to us. We appreciate your help.”
To donate to Devin Flores, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill presents Rick Willis with a plaque welcoming Preferred Business Systems to the Chamber.
Preferred Business Systems (PBS) is a dedicated office automation company, offering the industry’s largest and most connected line of digital imaging systems and mailing systems. Representing Savin and Pitney Bowes, PBS is focused on meeting their customers’ equipment needs in order to increase their office productivity. For a complete list of services click here.
PBS is located at 20 Leslie Court, Whippany. You can reach Rick by calling (973) 560-1992.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Vikings enjoyed a night of fun at Drew University for their Project Graduation.
Project Graduation has become a proud tradition at Parsippany Hills High School. It is an exciting all-night event that is tobacco, drug and alcohol free. This year, Project Graduation was held at Drew University, and was available for all Parsippany Hills High School graduating seniors.
The primary aims of Project Graduation activities are to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking, drugging and driving and to reduce the number of youth involved in alcohol and other drug-related highway crashes. Across the country, Project Graduation and the chemical-free celebrations it inspired are the new tradition for graduating seniors.
The seniors had many activities to participate in: Large inflatables, Gladiator Joust, Leaps and Bounds, Whack A Mole, Wrecking Ball, and Obstacle Course
Tattoo Artist, Bubble Soccer, Scooter Races, Hypnotist, DJ with complete systems and silent Disco, Super sized Video Games, Texas Hold Em Table, Giant checkers, Giant House of Cards, Speedlights Games, Giant Jenga, etc.
On behalf of the students, parents, and staff members involved with Project Graduation for the Class of 2019 they would like to thank the supporters for their continued support to this activity. All contributions are used to defray the costs of supplies, rental fees, and entertainment.
It is because of your continued support that Project Graduation in Parsippany is a success. The parents, students, and staff of the Class of 2019 thank you for your continued support!
Acom Home Improvements Inc.
Advanced Electronic Medical Billing, Inc.
Advocare, LLC
AFC Food LLC – DBA Anthony Franco
Alan Jay Rich, LLC
Anthony & Sons Bakery
Applebees
Arthur H. and Virginia A. Hendrickson
Baldwin Bagel
Baldwin Pizzeria Group Inc.
Bedding Shoppe
Bharathi Thyagarajan
BJ’S of Ledgewood
Brooklawn PTSA
Caggiano Orthodontics, LLC
Cerbo Lumber & Hardware
Cheesecake Factory of Rockaway
Cheesecake Factory of Short Hills
Chick-fil-A
Chipotle of Morris Plains
Colonial Heights, LLC
Costco
Custom Decorators Workroom, LLC
Cutting Edge Landscaping of NJ, LLC
DePasquale the Spa
Dunkin Donuts (Kohls Plaza)
Lakeland Hills YMCA
Lenfam Management Company – (Wendy’s of Parsippany)
Littleton School PTA
Longhorn
MAC Alliance
Manhattan Bagels of Roseland
Matthew A. Snyder, CPA, LLC
Michael dePierro, Town Council
Montclair Radiological Association
Morris County Building Trades
Morris Hills Veterinary Clinic
Mountain Lakes Bagels
Mt. Tabor PTA
Napoli Transportation, Inc. TIA C&L Towing
NJM
Northvail School PTA
Palermo’s Pizza
Panera Bread of Parsippany
Paradise Total Spa and Nails
Parsippany Foot & Ankle LLC
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge No. 2078
Partridge Run Management LLC
Paul Miller Porsche
Pelican Ski Shop
Priola Funeral Service, Inc.
Dunkin Donuts, Lake Hiawatha
Eastlake School PTA
Election Fund of Loretta Gragnani
Empirical Labs Inc.
Floyd Hall Arena
Fuddruckers of Parsippany
Garofalo O’Neill Ruggierio, LLC
Gripp Plumbing & Heating, LLC
Habit Burger
Hills of Troy Neighborhood Association
Hollister Construction Services
Home Depot of Parsippany
I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 102
IHOP, Parsippany
Intervale School PTA
James N. Greenlees
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Inc.
Knollwood School PTA
Lake Hiawatha School PTA
Lake Parsippany PTA
Pro Hair-cutters of Morris Plains
PTF Sports
PTLLW, Inc.
Red Iron Technologies
Ritschel Chiropractic & Wellness
Roth Children’s Center, LLC
Saint Peter the Apostle Church
Severna Operations, Inc.
ShopRite of Greater Morristown
ShopRite of Parsippany
ShopRite of Parsippany STARS Program
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Stop & Shop of Morris Plains
Super Foodtown of Lake Hiawatha
Susan Kroeger
Target of Parsippany
Thom Mist, Inc.
Tilcon New York
Top Safety Products
Troy Hills School PTA
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano helped in cutting the ribbon at the new DaVita Dialysis Center on Thursday, June 27.
The new facility is located at 900 Lanidex Center.
DaVita is a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients around the globe. Through DaVita Kidney Care and the DaVita Medical Group, DaVita is helping transform health care by delivering high-quality clinical outcomes and managing the total cost of care. DaVita is committed to bold, patient-centric care models, implementing the latest technologies and moving toward integrated care offerings for all. The company is the largest provider of kidney care services in the U.S. and has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for 20 years. DaVita currently serves approximately 203,000 patients at 2,664 outpatient dialysis centers in the United States. The company also operates 241 outpatient dialysis centers located in 9 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, and worked collaboratively to propel the kidney care industry to adopt an equitable and high-quality standard of care for all patients, everywhere. Since 2012, DaVita Medical Group has provided primary and ancillary care for approximately 1.7 million patients within medical groups and affiliated physician networks in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington. To learn more about how DaVita is leading the health care evolution, please visit DaVita.com/About.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce the sentencing of Michael T. Swanson, 42, Hackensack. On May 21, Swanson entered guilty pleas to second degree Distribution of Cocaine and Second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances. As part of the plea agreement, Swanson forfeited $5200 in United States currency.
On Tuesday, June 25, the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., sentenced Swanson to twelve years in New Jersey State Prison and required Swanson to serve fifty-three months before being eligible for parole. This extended term of confinement is a first-degree sentencing recommendation because the defendant, in 2011, was convicted in Passaic County, of first degree distribution of controlled dangerous substances. Judge Taylor also imposed a concurrent eight year state prison term on the Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances count. Mr. Swanson is the lead defendant in a case that resulted in the arrest 17 individuals and the seizure of four vehicles that Swanson and his associates used as part of the drug distribution network.
Between January 2017 and December 2018, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force and detectives with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, received information that Michael Swanson and multiple associates were importing and distributing cocaine in Morris and surrounding counties. There were also numerous members from multiple law enforcement agencies who assisted with this investigation.
Prosecutor Knapp stated “The diligent and hardworking law enforcement professionals from the Morris County Narcotics Task Force and all of our partners led to the successful prosecution of a large-scale drug distributor. Michael Swanson’s cocaine distribution network spanned multiple counties in New Jersey and provided a significant amount of illicit narcotics to the streets. We greatly appreciate the efforts of all law enforcement agencies who participated in this case. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to tirelessly investigate and prosecute for-profit narcotics dealers in our county.”
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division led the investigation, with assistance from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office/Bergen County SWAT, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Town of Boonton Police Department, Boonton Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Morristown Bureau of Police, Dover Police Department, Morris County Park Police, Butler Police Department, Lincoln Park Borough Police Department, Rockaway Borough Police Department, Kinnelon Borough Police Department, Jefferson Township Police Department, Hanover Township Police Department, Denville Township Police Department, Hackensack Police Department, and Woodland Park Police Department. Task Force Officer George Tsimpedes of the Morris County Narcotics Task Force was the lead investigator. Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan represented the State at sentencing.
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Act into law, growing core investments in education, NJ TRANSIT, and many other middle-class priorities, while taking decisive action to promote the fiscal responsibility that was lacking in the Legislature’s spending plan and set up New Jersey to better weather a possible future economic downturn.
“The budget enacted today is a victory for working families in New Jersey in many different ways—it supports middle-class priorities, invests in education, makes a record investment in NJ TRANSIT, provides property tax relief, and so much more,” said Governor Murphy. “However, we must be honest about its shortfalls: this is a budget that does not include tax fairness, does not ask opioid manufacturers to help fund addiction services, and does not raise gun fees that have been untouched since 1966. These commonsense revenues would have allowed us to save for a rainy day and sustainably fund necessary investments for New Jersey’s nine million residents. Make no mistake, I will continue fighting for tax fairness and fiscal responsibility well beyond today’s budget actions.”
Careful examination of the Legislature’s budget revealed their estimated surplus to be roughly half a billion dollars short due to the use of unrealistic revenue projections, unachievable savings assumptions, underfunded programs and services, and supplemental spending legislation passed outside the budget.
When coupled with a lack of new sustainable revenues, Governor Murphy utilized his constitutional authority to line item veto $48.5 million in spending added by the Legislature.
The Governor also signed Executive Order No. 73 directing the Treasury’s Office of Management and Budget to place up to $235 million in discretionary spending into reserve, which will be monitored by Treasury and released if, during the course of the fiscal year, sufficient revenues and assumed savings materialize.
The Executive Order was deemed necessary since the budget passed by the Legislature did not include much-needed reliable and recurring revenue sources – such as the millionaire’s tax – and instead included additional spending, while relying heavily upon questionable revenue and savings projections.
As a result of the Governor’s fiscal stewardship, the final $38.712 billion spending plan maintains a total of $1.276 billion in surplus revenues comprised of $875 million in undesignated surplus revenue, and a $401 million deposit into the state’s Surplus Revenue Fund (SRF) – the “lock box” commonly known as the Rainy Day Fund – the first such deposit in more than a decade.
The Governor and Treasurer have repeatedly underscored the importance of building up the State’s surplus resources in light of increasing warnings of an economic downturn, and due to the fact that New Jersey’s reserves have historically lagged well behind the national average of 10 percent since the Great Recession.
“As Governor, I have a responsibility to protect New Jersey from economic downturn,” Governor Murphy continued. “With this budget, I am protecting our fiscal house and making the first deposit into the Rainy Day Fund in over a decade. We cannot and will not continue to spend without ensuring we have the necessary funds to do so.”
The Appropriations Act also maintains and builds upon the investments the Governor laid out in his proposed budget in March as part of his agenda to rebuild the middle class and create a stronger and fairer New Jersey.
Details of the FY2020 budget include:
Growing Our Investments
Last year’s budget saw historic investments in mass transit, education, and workforce development. The FY2020 Appropriations Act continues this progress by making investments in the following key areas:
Strengthening NJ TRANSIT
The budget signed by the Governor includes an additional $150 million in General Fund support for NJ TRANSIT, for a total subsidy of $457.5 million, the largest General Fund subsidy to NJ TRANSIT in state history. Of this, $75 million will replace diversions and $75 million represents new direct funding. Due to this investment, NJ TRANSIT will not raise commuter fares for the second consecutive year.
Elevating Pre-K to 12 Education
The Appropriations Act maintains the commitment to our kids and our public schools – starting with nearly $200 million more to continue the ramp-up to full K-to-12 formula funding, and over $60 million more to not only maintain, but to further expand, pre-K. The enacted budget includes $250 million for Extraordinary Special Education costs, a 28 percent increase over FY2019. The budget also includes $2 million to continue the “Computer Science for All” initiative and $650,000 for STEM and other early college high school programs.
Transforming Higher Education
The Appropriations Act supports the Governor’s commitment to provide tuition-free community college, with a total of $30 million in funding for the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program, allowing thousands of qualified students to attend community college tuition-free in the 2019-2020 academic year. The budget also includes $20 million in increased funds to pilot a new funding formula for public four-year institutions that rewards student completion and support for traditionally underserved populations. The budget further includes increased funds for Tuition Aid Grants and the Educational Opportunity Fund, which is in its 50th year of supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Supporting the Middle Class
Boosting Property Tax Relief for Working Families, Seniors, and the Disabled
The Appropriations Act includes nearly $283 million in funding for the Homestead Benefit program, which will be used to lower property tax bills for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey homeowners. The budget also increases funding for the Senior Freeze property tax relief program, which benefits both seniors and disabled residents, by $18 million for a total of nearly $220 million.
Delivering Greater Tax Relief for Veterans
The Appropriations Act also budgets an additional $29.5 million to double the Veteran’s Income Tax Exemption, which will now provide a $6,000 tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans and their surviving partners.
Supporting Our Working Families
The Appropriations Act increases the Earned Income Tax Credit for the second year of a three-year phase-in, providing an additional $30.2 million to match 39 percent of the federal benefit. The State will also maintain the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit enacted last year, allowing working families to maximize their family budgets.
Protecting Our Communities
The Murphy Administration is committed to building communities, protecting the most vulnerable, and ensuring that all segments of New Jersey’s richly diverse populations share in the State’s prosperity.
Ensuring the Census Counts All Residents
Fighting back against the Trump Administration, the Appropriations Act includes $9 million to ensure a robust Census 2020 effort in New Jersey and maximize federal resources for the State. These funds will allow the Complete Count Commission to coordinate a comprehensive effort to ensure that all residents are counted, particularly in communities that historically are under-counted.
Backing a Livable Wage
The Appropriations Act builds on the Administration’s commitment to a livable minimum wage by including $88 million to boost wages for those who work with the elderly and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and for the hard-working employees at subsidized child care facilities.
Investing in Our Residents’ Health
Governor Murphy recognizes that the state is stronger when its residents are healthier. The Appropriations Act includes $2.5 million for local health departments to support county-wide public health programs. It also makes $22.5 million in new investments for individuals with developmental disabilities and expands critical mental health services.
To help address racial disparities in the health outcomes of new mothers and their children, the enacted budget expands postpartum coverage to six months and includes funds for doula care services to expectant mothers enrolled in Medicaid.
The enacted budget increases support for women’s health and family planning services, including Planned Parenthood, through an investment of $10.453 million, an over 40 percent increase from FY2019. Since this funding was restored after being zeroed out by the Christie Administration, thousands of New Jersey women have regained access to vital health care, including life-saving cancer screenings, at health clinics statewide.
Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
The State will again commit $100 million to continue combatting the opioid epidemic through carefully designed programs and thoughtful, data-driven analysis to put resources where they are most needed.
Creating New Housing Opportunities
The Appropriations Act delivers on the Governor’s pledge to fully eliminate diversions from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to better address New Jersey’s housing crisis by restoring the $59 million that had been diverted last year. A newly created Office of Homelessness Prevention in the Department of Community Affairs will also serve as an interdepartmental hub to implement policies to prevent homelessness and expand access to housing options.
Demonstrating Fiscal Stewardship
The second Appropriations Act signed by Governor Murphy builds on the foundation laid last year to make New Jersey a state that residents can once again trust.
A Stronger Surplus
The enacted budget includes $1.276 billion in total surplus, a significant increase from the average $504 million surplus under the previous administration.
Generating Real Savings
The enacted budget includes nearly $800 million in the delivery of public employee health care benefits – a 16.6 percent year-over-year decrease from the current budget to be achieved through good faith negotiations with labor partners.
Fulfilling Pension Commitments
Governor Murphy will put a total of $3.8 billion, including over $1 billion in Lottery revenue contributions, toward the public employee pension system, which is an 18.5 percent increase over last year’s contribution and, for the second year in a row, marks the largest payment in state history.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Committee welcomed DaVita Dialysis to Parsippany on Thursday, June 27. Presenting a certificate welcoming them to our community was Chairman Robert Peluso and Vice Chairman Frank Cahill. Also joining in the presentation was Committeeman Thomas Williams, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragani. Peluso presented the certificate to Dr. Barry A. Eppinger and Rabia Akhtar, M.D.
The new facility is located at 900 Lanidex Center.
DaVita is a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients around the globe. Through DaVita Kidney Care and the DaVita Medical Group, DaVita is helping transform health care by delivering high-quality clinical outcomes and managing the total cost of care. DaVita is committed to bold, patient-centric care models, implementing the latest technologies and moving toward integrated care offerings for all. The company is the largest provider of kidney care services in the U.S. and has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for 20 years. DaVita currently serves approximately 203,000 patients at 2,664 outpatient dialysis centers in the United States. The company also operates 241 outpatient dialysis centers located in 9 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, and worked collaboratively to propel the kidney care industry to adopt an equitable and high-quality standard of care for all patients, everywhere. Since 2012, DaVita Medical Group has provided primary and ancillary care for approximately 1.7 million patients within medical groups and affiliated physician networks in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington. To learn more about how DaVita is leading the health care evolution, please visit DaVita.com/About.
Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.
Contact us: news@parsippanyfocus.com
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