John Reitmeyer
@johnreitmeyer.bsky.social
Budget/Finance Writer at NJ Spotlight News, serving digital and broadcast audiences as the news division of NJ PBS.
The Gateway Development Commission, the project’s overseer, reported “an initial disbursement of $30 million” and expected to receive $205 million in total, according to a statement it issued late Friday afternoon.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Gateway court order frees funding, though crews stay on hold
Hudson River tunnels project overseer counting on $205 million to get roughly 1,000 workers back to construction sites
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:02 AM
The Gateway Development Commission, the project’s overseer, reported “an initial disbursement of $30 million” and expected to receive $205 million in total, according to a statement it issued late Friday afternoon.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
The Trump administration fails in its attempt to block last week's order freeing up federal funding for the Gateway tunnel project.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Statement from Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport on Gateway Order .
February 12, 2026 at 11:15 PM
The Trump administration fails in its attempt to block last week's order freeing up federal funding for the Gateway tunnel project.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
. . . the federal government is now expected to run a $23.1 trillion shortfall over the next nine years . . .
Federal Debt to Hit Record Levels, Budget Office Warns
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:26 PM
. . . the federal government is now expected to run a $23.1 trillion shortfall over the next nine years . . .
Getting a hearing in the Senate on Monday was legislation that would return diverted money to the state Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund. An earlier attempt to do that stalled in NJ's majority Democratic Legislature at the end of last year.
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Restore addiction funding, NJ lawmakers urged | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers diverted $45 million from lawsuit settlement fund to hospitals
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Getting a hearing in the Senate on Monday was legislation that would return diverted money to the state Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund. An earlier attempt to do that stalled in NJ's majority Democratic Legislature at the end of last year.
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
More than $250M for NJ earmarks is coming after Congress passes a series of new spending bills, reports @bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
At least $250 million coming from Congress for NJ local projects NJ Spotlight News
Flood mitigation, drinking water, police and fire needs all on list as Republicans and Democrats alike score earmarks
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 1:06 PM
More than $250M for NJ earmarks is coming after Congress passes a series of new spending bills, reports @bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
“As the court correctly recognized, the Trump Administration’s attempts to freeze funding for the Gateway Tunnel project are plainly illegal, and they would cause grave harm to New Jersey and New York,” said Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey’s acting attorney general.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Average NJ property-tax bill hit another record high last year | NJ Spotlight News
Data shows average property tax bill increased $475 from prior year
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 7, 2026 at 2:11 AM
“As the court correctly recognized, the Trump Administration’s attempts to freeze funding for the Gateway Tunnel project are plainly illegal, and they would cause grave harm to New Jersey and New York,” said Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey’s acting attorney general.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Just updated my super high-tech NJ property tax bill tracker with the 2025 data.
February 6, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Just updated my super high-tech NJ property tax bill tracker with the 2025 data.
-New Jersey’s average property tax bill increased once again last year, rising to $10,570, setting another record high.
-$36.1 billion was raised from New Jersey property owners last year to support spending by local school districts and municipal and county governments.
@njspotlightnews.org
-$36.1 billion was raised from New Jersey property owners last year to support spending by local school districts and municipal and county governments.
@njspotlightnews.org
Average NJ property-tax bill hit another record high last year | NJ Spotlight News
Data shows average property tax bill increased $475 from prior year
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 6, 2026 at 2:19 PM
-New Jersey’s average property tax bill increased once again last year, rising to $10,570, setting another record high.
-$36.1 billion was raised from New Jersey property owners last year to support spending by local school districts and municipal and county governments.
@njspotlightnews.org
-$36.1 billion was raised from New Jersey property owners last year to support spending by local school districts and municipal and county governments.
@njspotlightnews.org
Dems DHS ask
-clear identification for immigration agents
-body cameras
-requirement of warrants signed by a judge
-language barring agents from entering sensitive locations, like schools, houses of worship and polling places
-legal bar against racially profiling people to detain
@bhulac.bsky.social
-clear identification for immigration agents
-body cameras
-requirement of warrants signed by a judge
-language barring agents from entering sensitive locations, like schools, houses of worship and polling places
-legal bar against racially profiling people to detain
@bhulac.bsky.social
Pushing for reforms, Democrats to block ICE, homeland security funding | NJ Spotlight News
NJ groups say actions fall short as mass deportation efforts escalate
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 5, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Dems DHS ask
-clear identification for immigration agents
-body cameras
-requirement of warrants signed by a judge
-language barring agents from entering sensitive locations, like schools, houses of worship and polling places
-legal bar against racially profiling people to detain
@bhulac.bsky.social
-clear identification for immigration agents
-body cameras
-requirement of warrants signed by a judge
-language barring agents from entering sensitive locations, like schools, houses of worship and polling places
-legal bar against racially profiling people to detain
@bhulac.bsky.social
NJ acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and Gov. Mikie Sherrill discuss the lawsuit NJ has filed against the Trump administration over Gateway funding during a news conference at Newark Penn Station.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:41 PM
NJ acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and Gov. Mikie Sherrill discuss the lawsuit NJ has filed against the Trump administration over Gateway funding during a news conference at Newark Penn Station.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
The funding worries come as prolonged record-breaking cold grips parts of the United States . . . In Toms River, an elderly homeless woman last month was found dead in her snow-covered car.
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Trump proposal imperils $8 million for New Jerseyans' rental aid | NJ Spotlight News
Social-service groups say they're turning to the state -- and tapping credit lines -- to help prevent disaster for almost 900 households
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 5:24 PM
The funding worries come as prolonged record-breaking cold grips parts of the United States . . . In Toms River, an elderly homeless woman last month was found dead in her snow-covered car.
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
“Time is not on our side and any delay is going to dramatically add to the cost of doing this project and, by the way, everybody knows we need to build this new tunnel.” said Tom Wright, president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association.
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@njspotlightnews.org
Gateway commission sues Trump administration over frozen funds
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:59 PM
“Time is not on our side and any delay is going to dramatically add to the cost of doing this project and, by the way, everybody knows we need to build this new tunnel.” said Tom Wright, president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
“Any of the laws and the rights of the people in our state, if they’re violated by law enforcement, regardless of if it’s state, federal or county, you name it, [that] is something that we would want to make sure that we’re taking seriously,” acting NJ AG Jennifer Davenport said
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Sherrill's picks for AG, treasurer clear first Senate hurdle | NJ Spotlight News
Trumps immigration actions, NJ structural deficit top questions from committee members
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 3, 2026 at 7:32 PM
“Any of the laws and the rights of the people in our state, if they’re violated by law enforcement, regardless of if it’s state, federal or county, you name it, [that] is something that we would want to make sure that we’re taking seriously,” acting NJ AG Jennifer Davenport said
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
"One of the most important things that our state government can do, and any level of government, is to be thinking about the long-term, trying to improve peoples lives now, but also working to make decisions that protect our future generation,” Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy (D-Union) said.
Lawmaker renews push for multiyear revenue, spending forecasts
Limiting data to one year keeps the state from spotting potential trouble long before it happens, freshman Assembly member says
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 2, 2026 at 1:34 PM
"One of the most important things that our state government can do, and any level of government, is to be thinking about the long-term, trying to improve peoples lives now, but also working to make decisions that protect our future generation,” Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy (D-Union) said.
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
As mounting economic pressures push more people into homelessness, volunteers and outreach workers traversed NJ this week for the state’s annual count of the homeless.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
January 30, 2026 at 3:47 PM
As mounting economic pressures push more people into homelessness, volunteers and outreach workers traversed NJ this week for the state’s annual count of the homeless.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
"I think what I was calling for and I still call for and will call for is the recognition of the dignity of human beings, no matter what their legal status may be."
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@njspotlightnews.org
@pbsnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
One of the country’s highest-ranking Catholic leaders, and a top ally of Pope Leo, is sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, calling ICE a “lawless organization." https://to.pbs.org/3LRVzZd
U.S. cardinal urges defunding of ICE: 'We need to see what's happening in front of us'
One of the country’s highest-ranking Catholic leaders, and a top ally of Pope Leo, is sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, calling ICE a “lawless organization." Card...
to.pbs.org
January 29, 2026 at 2:41 PM
"I think what I was calling for and I still call for and will call for is the recognition of the dignity of human beings, no matter what their legal status may be."
@pbsnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
@pbsnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ public-worker pension officials are being urged to divest a more than $130 million stake in a technology firm playing a key role in President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement.
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@njspotlightnews.org
NJ pension pressed to ditch Palantir over ICE enforcement | NJ Spotlight News
A longtime government contractor, Palantir's technology allows clients to comb through digital data, personal information
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 29, 2026 at 1:31 PM
NJ public-worker pension officials are being urged to divest a more than $130 million stake in a technology firm playing a key role in President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
“Will you contact your congressional representatives . . . Will you ask them, for the love of God and the love of human beings, which can’t be separated, to vote against renewing funding for such a lawless organization?”
-- Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark
@bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
-- Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark
@bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Defund ICE? Why that’s almost impossible | NJ Spotlight News
Trump anti-immigration agenda includes massive funding, protections
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:05 PM
“Will you contact your congressional representatives . . . Will you ask them, for the love of God and the love of human beings, which can’t be separated, to vote against renewing funding for such a lawless organization?”
-- Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark
@bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
-- Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark
@bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
As the Trump administration refuses to disburse funding for an economically vital rail tunnel under the Hudson River between New Jersey with Manhattan, construction will come to a halt, putting up to 1,000 jobs at-risk in the near-term.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Gateway tunnel construction to stop as Trump withholds funds | NJ Spotlight News
Officials said nearly 1,000 jobs are at risk in the near-term
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:15 PM
As the Trump administration refuses to disburse funding for an economically vital rail tunnel under the Hudson River between New Jersey with Manhattan, construction will come to a halt, putting up to 1,000 jobs at-risk in the near-term.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
Food prices in December were up 2.4% for the year — and if you go back five years, they’re up about 25%.
"I just eat to survive": How consumers are dealing with rising food prices
Food prices in December were up 2.4% for the year — and if you go back five years, they’re up about 25%, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
mktplc.org
January 14, 2026 at 2:01 AM
Food prices in December were up 2.4% for the year — and if you go back five years, they’re up about 25%.
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
Measures on climate polluters, antisemitism definitions, opioid funding, voting rights, property tax appeals, budget stress testing and parole reform must be reintroduced in the new legislative session that started Tuesday.
What bills stalled in lame duck session | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers can reintroduce bills in new session to restart process
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 13, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Measures on climate polluters, antisemitism definitions, opioid funding, voting rights, property tax appeals, budget stress testing and parole reform must be reintroduced in the new legislative session that started Tuesday.
As lame duck comes to an end, NJ's majority Democratic lawmakers approve spending millions on World Cup marketing and pet projects, as well as new tax breaks for the operators of the Prudential Center in Newark.
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@njspotlightnews.org
NJ lawmakers rush to pass bills on final day of lame duck session | NJ Spotlight News
Include codifying protections for undocumented immigrants, providing tax incentives to refurbish Prudential Center
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:13 PM
As lame duck comes to an end, NJ's majority Democratic lawmakers approve spending millions on World Cup marketing and pet projects, as well as new tax breaks for the operators of the Prudential Center in Newark.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
"This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions — or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation," Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said. https://to.pbs.org/4jI4s46
WATCH: Powell vows to stand firm against 'unprecedented' Trump administration indictment threats
“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions -- or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.”
www.pbs.org
January 12, 2026 at 7:19 PM
"This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions — or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation," Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said. https://to.pbs.org/4jI4s46
"I think it’s a great for young women to see a woman treasurer,” said Elizabeth Maher Muoio, NJ's longest serving woman treasurer, as she looked back on her tenure during a recent interview with @njspotlightnews.org.
Handling NJ finances for eight years, Treasurer credits 'competent' team | NJ Spotlight News
Few women have served as state treasurer, and none as long as Elizabeth Maher Muoio
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:01 PM
"I think it’s a great for young women to see a woman treasurer,” said Elizabeth Maher Muoio, NJ's longest serving woman treasurer, as she looked back on her tenure during a recent interview with @njspotlightnews.org.
The first draft of history, expertly composed by @bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
In first year, Trump targeted NJ. Will he be constrained? | NJ Spotlight News
Shrinking GOP majority may blunt Trump and his policy blitzes
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:56 PM
The first draft of history, expertly composed by @bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.