Hey, NJ

Hey, NJ! This week, we’re talking NJ Transit.

The NJ Transit strike is settled and rail service is back up and running. But the financial outlook for New Jersey’s largest bus and rail system is still down. Fares are going up... again. Why? Hosts John P. McAlpin and Maddi Ference tell you what the NJ Transit strike shows about how shaky the agency is.

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Read more: “NJ Transit strike: The agency's dire financial footing”  

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We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to [email protected].  

Hey, NJ is part of NJ Spotlight News’ “Under the Dome” project. This in-depth, ongoing reporting project focuses on NJ’s state government, its governor, its lawmakers and its extensive administrative operations.  

“Under the Dome” is made possible [in part] by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.  

This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support NJ Spotlight News.   

Sign up for our daily newsletter.

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Read more: “Is New Jersey tackling housing affordability the right way?”  

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We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to [email protected].  

Hey, NJ is part of NJ Spotlight News’ “Under the Dome” project. This in-depth, ongoing reporting project focuses on NJ’s state government, its governor, its lawmakers and its extensive administrative operations.  

“Under the Dome” is made possible [in part] by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.  

This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support NJ Spotlight News.   

Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about the state budget. 

It may sound boring, but it's not. Hosts John P. McAlpin and Maddi Ference recap some of the highlights from recent legislative committee hearings in Trenton.  

What does that mean? Climate change. Wildfires. NJ Transit fare increases. It's MVC fees and community colleges. Cuts to tuition aid. The gas tax.

Join us for the real-life, community impact beyond the tax dollars. 

See? Not boring.

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Links to specific departmental budget hearings:

Department of Environmental Protection

Higher Educational Services

Department of Transportation, NJ Transit, Motor Vehicle Commission

Read: "Can New Jersey’s budget process be bettered?"

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New Jersey is spending millions on hospitals, schools and stormwater projects. Money is going to childcare services and maternal health programs. Towns are getting money. Food pantries. Community theaters. But, where’s it coming from? NJ’s share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

What’s that have to do with COVID-19? Read more here.

On today's episode, we'll explain how we tracked the final push to spend what had been more than $6 billion in COVID-19 bailout money and discuss how the state could have lost what money it had left.

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