>> ANNOUNCER: MAJOR FUNDING FOR "REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE" WITH DAVID CRUZ IS PROVIDED BY NEW JERSEY REALTORS, THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN NEW JERSEY.

MORE INFORMATION IF ONLINE AT NJREALTOR.COM RJW BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

NJM INSURANCE NEEDS, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

EDUCATING NEW JERSEY, PARTNERING WITH NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES.

PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY NEW JERSEY BUSINESS MAGAZINE.

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION.

REPORTING TO EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS IN ALL 21 COUNTIES OF THE GARDEN STATE SINCE 1954.

AND BY "POLITICO'S" NEW JERSEY PLAYBOOK.

ON GOLDEN STATE POLITICS ONLINE AT "POLITICO".COM.

>>> THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS FLUSH WITH CASH.

HI, EVERYBODY.

IT IS REPORTER JOHN DAVID.

I AM DAVY CRUZ.

OUR PANEL THIS WEEK IS A FORMIDABLE TRIO, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT AND FINANCE WRITER FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

MICHAEL SIMON, THE STATEHOUSE BUREAU CHIEF FOR NJ 101.5.

AND A COLUMNIST FOR RECORD AND "USA TODAY" NET WORK.

GOING TO HEAR FROM A FEW MINUTES BUT WE START TODAY WITH THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS, WHICH IS TRUDGING ALONG BUT AS WE TURN TOWARD THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR, THE ROAD TO A FINAL-BUDGET AGREEMENT IS GOING TO GET A LITTLE BUMPY.

LET'S HEAR FROM A REPUBLICAN MEMBER OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, REPRESENTING PEOPLE OF THE FIRST DISTRICT.

HEY, SENATOR, FOOD TO SEE YOU, MAN.

>> GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN, AS WELL.

I HAVE TO TELL YOU, THIS BUDGET REALLY JUST HURTS THINK JERSIANS.

THEY ARE FEELING WEAKER AND POORER EACH AND EVERY DAY.

>> ALL RIGHT.

WE ARE GOING OH GET INTO THAT.

YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO SEE UPDATED REVENUE PROJECTIONS MORE THIS WEEK BUT THAT WAS PUT OFF BECAUSE THE [ INAUDIBLE ] COVID.

DID REPUBLICANS AGREE UNTIL MONDAY?

OR WOULD YOU HAVE PREFERRED INTERVIEWS THIS WEEK EVEN MOW R REMOTELY?

>> I PREFER TO HEAR WHAT THE ACTUAL NUMBERS WERE THIS WEEK.

BUT LOOK, THE TRAEASURER HAS COVID.

WE ARE CERTAINLY WILLING TO ACCOMMODATE ANYONE AND EVERYONE WITH COVID.

WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH MORE THAN TWO YEARS NOW BUT WE WILL HEAR IT ON MONDAY.

>> EITHER WAY, YOU EXPECT AND WE ALL EXPECT THAT YOU HAVE STATE REV REVENUE, WHAT WILL WE EXPECT TO HEAR IN TERMS OF DOLLAR AND CENTS FROM SHER?

>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS WE ARE GOING TO HAVE $5 BILLION EXTRA THAN PROJECTED JUST TWO MONTHS AGO.

I MEAN, THINK ABOUT THAT.

THAT IS $5 BILLION MORE, NOT COLLECTIONS BUT LET'S BE CLEAR, OVER PROJECTIONS THAN WHAT WAS PROJECTED JUST TWO MONTHS AGO.

I DON'T KNOW HOW WE CAN BE AN EXPERT AND BE THIS FAR OFF IN YOUR PROGNOSTICATIONS.

>> SO, YOU GUYS -- REPUBLICAN -- ARE ARE CALL ONGOING THE GOVERNOR TO HASHTAG GIVE IT BACK.

I THINK MOST TAXPAYERS SAY GIVE ME SOME OF THAT BUT HOW WOULD YOU DO THAT?

>> YOU KNOW, OUR PROPOSAL SUGGESTS THAT WE SHOULD GIVE ABOUT EACH AND EVERY NEW JERSEY FAMILY 1,500 DOLLARS IN DIRECT, IMMEDIATE RELIEF.

THAT WOULD TOTAL ABOUT $4.5 BILLION AND THAT WOULD STILL SAVE $500 MILLION FOR, YOU KNOW, THE MURPHY' ADMINISTRATION TO DO AS THEY SEE FIT THROUGH THE TREASURER.

I THINK IT IS A SENSIBLE PLAN.

IT ABSOLUTELY WILL HELP THE OVERTAXED, OVERBURDENED PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

RIGHT NOW, THEY ARE FACING AS YOU KNOW, AND EVERYBODY ELSE KNOWS, THE HIGHEST GRASS PRICES THEY HAVE EVER SEEN.

THE HIGHEST RATE OF INFLATION MOST PEOPLE HAVE EVER SEEN IN THEIR LIFETIME.

THEY ARE HURTING.

THEY DESERVE REAL HELP AND THAT WILL MAKE NEW JERSEY STRONGER AND FAIRER.

>> 1,500 DOLLARS.

YOU DIDN'T USE THE WORD BUT I WILL USE THE WORD.

REBATE.

THE GOVERNOR DOING JUST THAT?

>> WELL, THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A DIFFERENT STORY.

I MEAN, YOU KNOW, TO QUOTE ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES, THIS IS A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR.

WE HAD NO IDEA WE WERE GOING TO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL $5 BILLION IN OVER COLLECTIONS.

THOSE ARE THE FACTS AND GUESS WHAT?

THE GOVERNOR AND TREASURER SHOULD GIVE IT BACK TO THOSE WHO ARE HURTING.

>> LET ME GET A QUICK COUPLE PANEL QUESTIONS IN HERE.

CHARLIE, YOU HAD SOMETHING FOR THE SENATOR?

>> YES, GOOD MORNING.

I -- YOU KNOW, THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN TRADITIONALLY -- UM -- LEADING THE PARADE IN CRITICISM -- CRITICIZING THE GOVERNOR FOR THIS GIMMICK AND -- BUT ALSO, UM, CRITICIZING THE GOVERNOR FOR THE OR CRITICIZING MURPHY ADMINISTRATION FOR THE FAILURE OF STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO PERFORM DURING THIS PANDEMIC.

SHOULDN'T WE, RATHER THAN COMPOUND THE GIMMICK OF A REBATE, USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN THE -- IN BUILDING A NEW UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM, NEW MVC, MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION, ANOTHER INFRASTRUCTURE THAT THE PUBLIC IS -- DID HURT THE PUBLIC, IF YOU WILL, DURING THE PANDEMIC?

>> YOU KNOW, THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION BUT WE HAVE BEEN SUGGESTING UPON THE UP EMPLOYMENT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TWO YEARS AT THIS POINT.

OBVIOUSLY, THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION ISN'T LOOKING TO DO THAT AND YOU KEEP HEARING FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR EVEN IF WE FIX OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, BECAUSE OF THE INTERFACE WITH THE FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE, THAT WOULDN'T WORK.

SO I SAY IF WE HAVE 5 BILLION EXTRA DOLLARS, LET'S GIVE SOME REAL RELIEF TO THINK JERSIANS.

A REBATE IN SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER IN AN ELECTION YEAR IS THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION PLAYING SANTA CLAUSE TO GET RE-ELECTED.

>>> JOHN, YOU HAD A QUESTION FOR THE SENATOR?

>> YEP.

GOOD MORNING.

SORT OF PIGGYBACK OFF CHARLIE'S QUESTIONS, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT REBATES RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE SAW A LOT OF ECONOMISTS WEIGH IN ON STATES SUGGESTING SIMILAR POLICIES -- PERHAPS, WELL INTENTIONED GIVEN THE CONSTRAINTS THAT CONSUMERS ARE FACING RIGHT NOW.

BUT ARE YOU CONCERNED, AND HAVE YOU LOOKED INTO SORT OF PROVIDING SOME SORT OF BACKSIDE PROTECTION ON PUMPING MORE MONEY INTO THE ECONOMY, AT A TIME WHEN MANY ECONOMISTS ARE SAYING DOING EXACTLY THAT COULD WORSEN THE INFLATIONARY TIMES THAT WE ARE IN RIGHT NOW BECAUSE WE ARE NOT REALLY IN A SITUATION OF -- OF DEMAND.

WE ARE -- WE'RE -- CONSTRAIN IS ON THE SUPPLY SIDE SO YOU ARE JUST PUMPING MORE DEMAND IF YOU WERE TO PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO PEOPLE'S POCKETS NEW RIGHT NOW, HOWEVER WELL INTENTIONED, KNOWING, AGAIN, THE CONSTRAINTS THAT PEOPLE ARE FACING.

>> WELL, I THINK THIS IS WHOLLY UNLIKE WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DID, WHICH WAS ESSENTIALLY DONE UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION.

THIS IS ACTUAL DOLLARS THAT NEW JERSEY HAS COLLECTED.

$5 BILLION.

AND WE EXPECT THE NUMBER TO BE HIGHER FROM WHAT WE ACTUALLY HEAR ON MONDAY.

SO THIS IS ACTUALLY MONEY THAT WAS TAX OVER-COLLECTIONS THAT THE STATE HAS IN THEIR POSSESSION.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE A TAX RETURN THAT YOU FIND OUR OUTYOU HAVE OVERPAID?

YOU GET YOUR OWN MONEY BACK.

SO THIS WOULD ESSENTIALLY BEING GIVE NEW JERSEYANS THEIR OWN MONEY BACK SO I WOULD DISAGREE WITH THAT ASSESSMENT ENTIRELY.

PEOPLE COULD USE THE ADDITIONAL $1,500 AND WE KNOW THAT THAT $1,500 BUY -- DOESN'T BUY WHAT IT DID JUST ONE YEAR AGO BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER, I WOULD BE WILLING TO BET IF YOU ASK EVERY SINGLE NEW JERSEYIAN, ALL 9 MILLION WOULD SAY I WOULD RATHER HAVE MY OWN MONEY.

>>> THIS WEEK FROM THE SUPREME COURT ON THE ROEV.

WADE DECISION, ON THE POLE POLYTICKS OF THIS GOVERNOR -- SENATOR, DO YOU THINK PARTICULAR FOLKS ARE ARE LESS INTERESTED IN TALKING ABOUT ABORTION THAN THE MEDIA AND SOME POLITICIANS ARE?

>> WELL, I LOOK AT IT THIS WAY.

GOVERNOR MURPHY ALREADY STATED WHAT THE LAW IS IN NEW JERSEY.

I THINK QUITE FRANKLY EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN SHOULD BE MORE FOCUSED ON THE LEAK.

THIS LEAK SHOWS THERE IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM, IN AN INSTITUTION THAT HAS HAALWAYS BEEN HERALDEDS THE MOST SACRED INSTITUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

>> I AM REALLY RUNNING OUT OF TIME.

MY QUESTION IS ABOUT -- UM -- NOT THE -- THE -- WHAT CAME OUT OF THE THAT?

>> I MEAN I THINK THE LEAK, QUITE FRANKLY WAS TO RILE PEOPLE UP, TO SHOW UP AT JUSTICES' HOMES.

I THINK THAT IS A REAL PROBLEM, AND WE CAN'T HAVE OUR JUSTICES LIVING IN FEAR AS THOSE DECISIONS THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE FROM OUR HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND.

THAT IS A REAL PROBLEM AND I DON'T WANT TO SEE A REPEAT OF THE SUMMER WE JUST HAD A COUPLE SUMMERS AGO, WHERE PEOPLE RAILROAD TALKING ABOUT MOSTLY-PEACEFUL PROTESTS, WHILE FEDERAL BUILDINGS WERE BURNING.

THAT IS A REAL PROBLEM.

>> REPUBLICANS HERE IN NEW JERSEY HAVE BEEN SAYING, WELL, ABORTION'S LEGAL IN NEW JERSEY.

AS IF THAT'S SOME SORT OF A -- A FIREWALL OF SORTS.

LET MANY ASK YOU DIRECTLY IF IT WERE UP TO THE STATES, WOULD YOU KEEP ABORTION LEGAL IN NEW JERSEY?

>> LISTEN.

I BELIEVE THIS IS, IN FACT, A TENTH-AMENDMENT ISSUE.

AND THAT HE IS WHAT THE DECISION, THIS PRELIMINARY DECISION -- WE DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE FINAL DECISION SAYS THIS IS A STATE'S RIGHT ISSUE.

AND LOOK, I AM A HUGE FAN OF JUSTICE.

ANTHONY SCALIA, THAT'S WHAT HE ALWAYS SAID.

MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

>> IF IT WERE UP TO THE STATE, WOULD YOU KEEP ABORTION LEGAL IN NEW JERSEY?

>> LOOK AT IT THIS WAY, TAIFBD.

THE ISSUE IS SETTLED IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

WE HAVE A LAW THAT'S BEEN PASSED, WHICH I THINK IS FWAT SLOOTLY DESPICABLE WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT LATE-TERM ABORTION.

HE WE HAVE A LAW THAT GIVES AMNESTY FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE COUNTRY OR WORLDWIDE TO GET AN ABORTION UP TO THE VERY MINUTE PRIOR TO THAT CHILD BEING BORN.

THAT PART -- >> AGAIN, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, I AM TRYING TO, I GUESS, GET YOU TO ANSWER THE QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT, IF IT WERE UP TO YOU AND THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, WOULD YOU KEEP ABORTION LEGAL IN NEW JERSEY?

>> LOOK, DAVID, YOU ARE TRYING TO TRAP ME.

AND WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO IS TRAP ME AND THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS -- CLARIFICATION BECAUSE IT IS SORT OF LIKE YOU'RE -- YOU'RE MAKING ME ASK THE QUESTION EVEN MORE BECAUSE YOU KIND OF DANCED AROUND IT.

BUT YOU SAY IT IS A STATE'S RIGHT RN.

BUT IF YOU ARE A PERSON OF INFLUENCE AND POWER IN THE STATE, AND SOMEONE WHO IS INVOLVED IN LEGISLATION IN THE STAY, WOULD YOU KEEP ABORTION LEGAL IN NEW JERSEY?

>> I LOOK AT IT THIS BAY.

LET'S LOOK AT THE LAW AS IT IS BRING IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DAVID.

IT IS BUN OF THE MOST REPREHENSIBLE LAWS ON THE BOOKS IN THE COUNTRY.

IT ALLOWS FOR AN ABORTION RIGHT UP TO THE MINUTE PRIOR TO DELIVERY.

I FIND THAT TO BE ABSOLUTELY REPREHENSIBLE.

I THINK THIS LAW DESERVES TO HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF AMENDMENTS TO IT BECAUSE -- AND QUITE FRANCHLY, THE FACT THAT NEW JERSEY' TAXPAYERS ARE ON THE HOOK FOR ANYONE THAT WANTS TO COME TO NEW JERSEY TO GET AN ABORTION IS ABSOLUTELY REPREHENSIBLE.

NEW JERSEY TAXPAYERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT.

THAT'S WHAT I AM GOING TO SAY RIGHT NOW, DAVID.

>> GOT YA.

YOU GUYS CAME DOWN REALLY HARD ON THE COMMISSIONERS.

SHOULD EITHER OF THOSE TWO OR BOTH BE FIRED?

>> THEY ACTUALLY SHOULD HAVE DONE THE DIGNIFIED THING AND RESIGNED.

>> ALL RIGHT.

SENATOR, REPUBLICAN MEMBER OF THE BUDGET COMMITTEE.

ALWAYS GOOD TO TALK TO YOU, MAN.

THANKS FOR COMING ON.

>> THANK YOU SO, VERY MUCH.

HAVE A GOOD ONE.

>> LET'S GET THE PANEL BACK IN HERE.

JOHN, MICHAEL, CHARLES.

POLITICALLY GIVE IT BACK SEEMS TO WORK AS A MESSAGE FOR REPUBLICANS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE REST OF US ARE FEELING INFLATION.

BUT DOES JUST GIVING IT BACK WORK FOR THE ECONOMY OR BEYOND THE ISSUE THE RUSH FOR VOTERS?

>> I THINK THAT IS THE CONCERN I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ASK THE SENATOR ABOUT IS THAT IS BEEN SOME GOOD RESEARCH BY ECONOMISTS, SOME GOOD COMMENTARY, THAT SUGGESTS THAT ALTHOUGH WELL INTENTIONED, STATES THAT ARE DOING THINGS LIKE GAS-TAX HOLIDAYS AND PROVIDING REBATES COULD BE MAKING MATTERS WORSE WHEN IT COMES TO INFLATION, BECAUSE YOU ARE PUMPING SORT OF MORE DEMAND INTO THE ECONOMY, AT A TIME WHEN THE CONSTRAINTS ARE REALLY ON THE SUPPLY SIDE.

YOU KNOW, IT'S FAR MORE COMPLICATED BUT TO JUST BUILD IT DOWN.

BUT YEAH, SO THERE IS ALWAYS TENSION BETWEEN WHAT WORKS POLITICALLY AND WHAT WORKS FROM A POLICY PERSPECTIVE.

OF COURSE, NEW JERSEY DOESN'T PAY ITS CURRENT BILLS RIGHT NOW, EVEN AS HAVE IMPROVED.

SO HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY FUNDED.

WE HAVE ONLY RECENTLY REACHED FULL FUNDING OF THE PENSION OBLIGATION, BUT STILL HAVE TREMENDOUS PENSION THAT WE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB OF MAINTAINING A BUDGET SURPLUS AND NEW JERSEY CERTAINLY HAS A KIND OF DEBT TOPY PAY OFF.

FOR POLICYMAKERS, THOSE ARE THE SORT OF NEEDS NEW JERSEY HAS WHERE PROVIDING A TAX REBATE FITS IN AND, YOU KNOW, THAT IS GOING TO BE UP TO WHAT THE GOVERNOR AND LAWMAKERS ULTIMATELY DECIDE.

BUT, YOU KNOW, THE PICTURE IS FAR MORE COMPLEX THAN JUST SHOULD WE GIVE TAXPAYERS' MONEY BACK OR NOT?

AND THAT WAS ALSO, YOU KNOW, THE SAME CALCULUS AROUND THIS TIME LAST YEAR WHEN TALKING ABOUT A ONE-TIME REBATE CHECK THAT HAPPENED TO COINCIDE.

JUST AS THOSE WERE CONCERNS LAST YEAR WITH DEMOCRATS, CONCERNS ARE HERE RIGHT NOW WITH REPUBLICANS DOING SO.

>> IS HE RIGHT, BY THE WAY, IS IT GOING TO BE AROUND $5 BILLION AND MAYBE MORE THAT WE HEAR FROM THE STATE TREASURER ON MONDAY?

>> I MEAN, WE DON'T HAVE THAT OUT IN THE PUBLIC.

RIGHT NOW.

WE DON'T HAVE THAT INFORMATION.

SO, CERTAINLY, YOU CAN LOOK AT WHAT OTHER STATES HAVE REALIZED IN RECENT WEEKS.

THE TREND THAT NEW JERSEY WAS ON IN TERMS OF CONSISTENTLY UPGRADED REVENUE FORECAST.

AND, REMEMBER, WE JUST HAD AN EIGHT BALL INCOME TAX COLLECTIONS FOR A CALENDAR-TAX YEAR THAT FINISHED AT THE END OF DECEMBER WHEN SOME FINANCIAL MARKETS WERE DOING VERY, VERY WELL AND NEW JERSEY IS A STATE THAT TENDS TO DO VERY WELL WHEN PEOPLE ARE REALIZING SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL GAINS.

>> MICHAEL SIMONS, ARE REPUBLICANS RIGHT THAT PEOPLE ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH $6 A GALLON GAS THAN THE LEGAL RIGHT TO ABORTION?

>> UM, I THINK IT DEPENDS ON THE PERSON YOU TALK TO.

BUT GENERALLY SPEAKING, PEOPLE ARE MOST IMMEDIATELY CONCERNED WITH POCKETBOOK ISSUES.

THERE ARE CERTAINLY A LOT OF CONCERN THAT INTEREST IN THE ABORTION RULING THAT IS COMING.

BUT AT THIS POINT, YOU KNOW, IT -- IT IS A LEAK AND NOT EVEN FINAL OPINION.

SO THERE IS MOBILIZATION AROUND THAT.

BUT YOU PASS THE GAS STATION EVERY DAY.

>> YOU DIDN'T PWIN THE PULITZER THIS YEAR, CORRECT?

>> YOU HAVE TO REALLY GO FOR THE JUGULAR EVERY TIME, MICHAEL.

>> WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWAKE, BUDDY.

THIS ISSUE THEY INSIST ON FIGHTING, ARE THEY -- ARE THEY SCORING?

>> I DON'T KNOW.

SCORING.

TUNED IN PUBLIC -- PUBLIC'S TUNED IN.

BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, IF THEY ARE LOOKING FOR SOME ELECTORAL BENEFIT FROM BOOSTING THE REBATE TO $1,500, LET US HE A HE NOT FORGET A LOT OF DEMOCRATS WILL SIMPLY VOTE FOR IT AND TAKE CREDIT FOR IT ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, TOO.

SO I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MILEAGE THEY GET OUT OF THAT AND I CERTAINLY -- AND TO JOHN'S POINT ABOUT THEM -- INFLATION, I THINK -- I DON'T THINK THEY CARE LESS ABOUT THAT.

I MEAN, IF -- IF THIS DRIVES UP INFLATION,PY PUTTING MORE MONEY INTO THE PIPELINE TO SPEND AND CREATE MORE DEMAND, WELL THEY'LL JUST BLAME THE DEMOCRATS ON IT, ANYWAY.

SO I DON'T -- I DON'T REALLY SEE THAT BEING A CONCERN FOR THEM.

>> YOU HAD A PIECE ON THE SUPREME COURT LEAK THAT WE TALKED ABOUT.

REPUBLICANS SEEM OBSESSED WITH THE LEAK, AS -- MUCH MORE THAN THEY ARE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WAS IN THE LEAK.

>> SO, WE HAD A PIECE ON THIS POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE MIDTERMS FOR DEMOCRATS.

NO?

>> YEAH.

I -- I -- I THINK THERE IS -- THERE IS HOPE FROM THE DEMOCRATS THAT THIS WILL RALLY A KIND OF DISPIRITED DEMOCRATIC BASE RIGHT NOW.

I THINK, YOU KNOW, THEY ARE KIND OF SHTILL SHELLSHOCKED, IN NEW JERSEY ANYWAY OVER WHAT HAPPENED IN NOVEMBER.

AND THEN, THERE IS THESE FORECAST THAT IS PREDICTING, YOU KNOW, KEVIN McCARTHY AS THE NEXT HOUSE SPEAKER AND ALL KINDS OF REPUBLICAN-TRUMPIST RUIN THAT WILL BE INFLICTED.

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE JUST BROWBEATEN OVER THAT.

I THINK THEY ARE HOPING, PARTICULARLY AMONG WOMEN VOTERS, WHO EVEN IF THERE ISN'T A COMPLETE DISMANTLING OF ROE, THEY WILL SEE THE LATE MISOGYNY OF THIS COURT.

UM, AND THEY'LL FEEL -- THEY'LL BE A KIND KOOIIND OF FURY THAT A WHOLE LIKE THE 7th DISTRICT, WHICH IS A SWING DISTRICT AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT THAT THIS MIGHT BENEFIT THE DEMOCRAT, IN THIS CASE.

I DON'T KNOW.

I THINK THERE IS SOME KIND OF -- I -- I THINK MICHAEL IS RIGHT.

I THINK THAT POCKETBOOK ISSUES WIL WILL STILL BE THE OVERRIDING CONCERN BUT WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN JUNE WHEN THE DECISION COMES OUT.

THE OLD CALCULUS COULD BE UPENDED BECAUSE OF THAT.

>> BUDGET PROCESS.

MICHAEL SIMONS, SENATORS HAVE BEEN BEATING UP ON ANGELO.

IS IT JUST BLUSTER?

I MEAN, I AM NOT THE FIRST PERSON TO BRING UP FIRING THE LABOR COMMISSIONER, AM I?

>> I MEAN, IS IT BLUSTER THAT IS PART OF THE JOB OF THE PARTY I SUPPOSE.

I THINK WHEN -- RIGHT?

WHEN ROB ANGELO CAME TO THE -- TO THE BUDGET COMMITTEE CONTRITE AND CONCILIATORY AT THOSE HEARINGS, THERE WERE A LOT OF POINTED QUESTIONS.

BUT THERE WAS ALSO A CERTAIN LEVEL OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT THINGS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN GETTING BETTER.

THIS IDEA OF BEING ABLE TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS AND COME IN PERSON TO RESOLVE CASES ACTUALLY DOES SEEM TO BE WORKING AND CLEARING SOME OF THAT BACKLOG.

AND SOON, PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN APPOINTMENTS AND SO, YEAH, THERE WERE QUESTIONS.

YOU KNOW, LAWMAKERS WERE FOLLOWING THE FRUSTRATIONS OF CONSTITUENTS.

BUT I THINK THAT IT -- THE LABOR COMMISSIONER, TO A LESSER DEGREE, THE MBC CHIEF, KIND OF ADDRESSED THOSE QUESTIONS.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS GROUPS HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR FROM THIS ADMINISTRATION IS A BREAK FROM THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX.

THEY WANT THE STATE TO USE SOME OF THAT FREE MONEY THEY GOT LYING AROUND TO COVER IT.

JOHN, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT TAX THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE GOING TO GET WHAT THEY WANT?

>> YEAH, IT IS A TAX RIGHT NOW THAT IS LEVIED ON -- IT IS A PAYROLL TAX AND IT'S NEEDED TO PUMP UP THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND TO ENSURE THAT WHEN THERE IS A RECESSION, THERE IS ENOUGH MONEY IN THE FUND TO, YOU KNOW, MAKE SURE WE CAN PROVIDE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AT A TIME WHEN A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SEEKING THEM.

AND SO, THAT FUND WAS DEPLETED DURING THE DOWNTURN THAT WAS TRIGGERED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

AND DURING IN THE PROCESS, STATUTORILY REQUIRED TAX HIKES GOING INTO EFFECT TO BRING THE BALANCE BACK TO WHERE IT SHOULD BE.

ALSO, BORROWED MONEY IN A FLUCTUATING AMOUNT BUT IT HAS TO STILL PAY BACK FEDERAL LOANS BECAUSE WE HAD HISTORIC DRAIN ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

AND SO, THE QUESTION IS, YOU KNOW, WHILE THE STATE HAS A LOT OF FEDERAL DOLLARS, PANDEMIC-RELIEF FUNDS THAT IT RECEIVED LAST YEAR, AND STILL HAS ABOUT 3 OUT OF 6 BILLION -- SHOULD SOME OF THAT MONEY -- COUPLE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS -- APPROBE USED?

RIGHT NOW, THERE IS A COMPROMISE MEASURE THAT ACTUALLY DOESN'T GO AFTER THE -- THE UPCOMING-PAYROLL TAX INCREASE THAT EMPLOYERS FACE, THE BUN THAT IS COMING AROUND THIS TIME NEXT GRAER.

AND SO, WE WILL SEE, I THINK THERE IS SOME APPETITE AMONG DEMOCRATS IN THE LEGISLATURE BUT SO FAR, FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, WE HAVE HEARD MOSTLY THE FO GOVERNOR PREFERS A TARGETED APPROACH.

IN PROPOSED BUDGET, THERE IS MORE MONEY FOR A MAIN STREET RECOVERY PROGRAM.

SO, WE ARE NOT GIVING EVERYONE RELIEF BUT TRYING TO TARGET BUSINESSES THAT ARE IN THE MOST DIRE STRAITS.

DO WE DO A BLANKET TAX BREAK THAT WILL HELP EVERY EMPLOYER, NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES THEY ARE IN?

OR -- OR DO WE STICK TO THE GOVERNOR'S APPROACH, THUS FAR, WHICH IS PROBABLY BE A BIT MORE SURGICAL AND SAY NOT TO THROW AS MUCH MONEY AT THE PROBLEM, BUT TRY TO PUT IT IN AREAS THAT ARE MOST IN NEED?

>> YEAH.

WHAT ABOUT THIS WHOLE DEBATE OVER SEX ED CURRICULUM.

DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO GET INTO IT.

ARE REPUBLICANS SCORING WITH THIS?

ARE THEY RAISING CONCERNS REALLY AMONG PARENTS?

>> AGYEAH, I THINK THEY ARE MUDDYING THE ISSUE TO A CERTAIN DEGREE.

AND I -- I THINK THERE WAS A LOT OF CONFUSION OVER THIS.

AND -- AND IT DID INFLAME A LOT OF FAMILIES OR CONTINUES TO INFLAME SOME VOTERS.

I -- I THINK, THOUGH, THERE'S BEEN -- YOU WILL SEE, OVER TIME, KIND SIFTING THROUGH THIS AS TO WHAT REALLY IS ON THE GROUND.

AND SO, I THINK, THOUGH, THEY SEE THIS AS A REAL BASE ISSUE.

THIS IS GOING TO TURN OUT VOTERS AND KEEP THEM MOTIVATED.

AND THEY THROW IT IN WITH THIS WHOLE BOWL OF CONFUSION AND BALL OF ANGST ABOUT THE POLICIES OF THE DEMOCRATS RANGING FROM THIS TO CRITICAL-RACE THEORY TO MASK MANDATES AND IT JUST, YOU KNOW, IT -- IT'S -- IT'S A BALL OF CONFUSION AND LEADS TO BACKLASH AND GETS THEIR PEOPLE PUMPED UP TO POLLS.

AND I THINK, ESPECIALLY IN PLACES LIKE OCEAN COUNTY AND SUSSEX.

BUT IT'S UP TO D.C.

WHETHER THIS WILL REALLY EXTEND BEYOND THAT.

>> ALL RIGHT.

THAT IS GOING TO DO IT.

CHARLIE, JOHN, MICHAEL, GOOD TO SEE YOU GUYS.

THANKS, ALSO, TO SENATOR MIKE.

YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AT DAVID CRUZ NJ.

AND YOU CAN GET ALL KIND OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, INCLUDING LIVE STREAMS FROM AROUND THE STATE IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL, THANKS FOR WATCHING, FOLKS.

I AM DAVID CRUZ.

FROM THE ENTIRE TEAM HERE, HAVE A GREAT WEEK.

>> Announcer: MAJOR FUNDING FOR "REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE" WITH DAVID CRUZ IS PROVIDED BY NEW JERSEY REALTORS, THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN NEW JERSEY.

MORE INFORMATION IS ONLINE AT NJREALTOR.COM.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

PARTNERING WITH NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES.

PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT IS PROVIDED BY "NEW JERSEY BUSINESS MAGAZINE," THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, REPORTING TO EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS IN ALL 21 COUNTIES OF THE GARDEN STATE SINCE 1954.

AND BY "POLITICO'S" NEW JERSEY PLAYBOOK, A TOPICAL NEWSLETTER ON GOLDEN STATE POLITICS ONLINE AT "POLITICO".COM.

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