MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that New Jersey is joining 15 other states and municipalities in filing a lawsuit to block a federal rule that, if allowed to stand, would cut off federal food assistance for approximately 700,000 Americans. Thousands of New Jersey residents could be affected.

The challenged rule, which was issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in November 2019 and is scheduled to take effect in April 2020, limits states’ ability to extend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as “food stamps,” beyond a three-month period for certain adults.

Generally, non-disabled individuals without dependents must meet work requirements in order to receive more than three months of SNAP benefits in any 36-month period. But the federal government historically has allowed States to continue SNAP benefits beyond the usual time limits for individuals in areas of high unemployment, because those individuals often find it more difficult to meet the work requirements. The new rule restricts States’ ability to provide such extensions.

Waivers have allowed New Jersey to continue to provide SNAP benefits to individuals who face education or skills challenges in acquiring jobs, barriers in matching with effective job training, or other obstacles. Time-limit waivers help individuals continue to build the skills needed to find and sustain employment, while avoiding food insecurity, which can pose its own challenges for job searchers.

The complaint filed today alleges that the new rule will harm New Jersey and its residents by limiting the State’s ability to seek additional assistance for individuals in need of food assistance.

”We are committed to helping everyone in New Jersey succeed in a strong and fair economy,” said Attorney General Grewal. “But too many people still struggle to make ends meet, and food insecurity only makes it harder. Taking food off the table of someone who’s struggling won’t help them thrive, and in this case, it violates federal law.”

“New Jersey has been able to use flexibility to help individuals without dependents who face challenging economic circumstances receive food assistance benefits beyond a three-month limit. It’s wrong to take away that flexibility when we are helping people get on a better financial footing,” said Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson.  “The Trump Administration’s rule will hurt New Jerseyans, and we hope the courts agree this is bad policy that should be stopped.”

First authorized in 1977 as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP has long been the country’s frontline weapon against hunger and an important safety net for low-income people. The program provides access to nutrition for millions of Americans with limited incomes who would otherwise struggle with food insecurity.

In 1996, Congress introduced the work requirements and three-month limit on benefits for individuals aged 18 to 49 who are not disabled or raising children. The complaint asserts that Congress recognized at the time that States are best positioned to determine where local job opportunities are limited and present challenges to meeting program requirements.

USDA’s new limits on SNAP benefits resemble limits that Congress has rejected on multiple occasions, most recently in 2018.

According to the complaint, USDA’s decision to adopt the new limits without congressional authorization violates federal law. USDA also violated procedural requirements for federal agency rules, according to the plaintiffs.

The complaint explains that the new limits on SNAP benefits curtail nutrition assistance “critical to ensuring access to food for low-income people who live in areas with limited opportunities.”

For SNAP recipients, losing benefits means losing critical access to food, raising the risk of malnutrition and other negative health effects.

Studies have shown that SNAP can counteract food insecurity and lower healthcare costs for recipients—costs that state governments will likely bear in the absence of SNAP assistance. Without SNAP benefits, many will be forced to choose between having food to eat or a place to live, while their decreased purchasing power may harm local economies.

The government coalition challenging the rule is led by the District of Columbia and the State of New York. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. A motion for a preliminary injunction filed on the same day as the complaint seeks to stop the rule from taking effect.

Deputy Attorney General Marie Soueid and Assistant Attorney General Glenn J. Moramarco are representing the State in this matter.

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MORRIS COUNTY — It’s our adorable, mid-sized mama (just 36 lbs.!), August!! August is a two-year-old Hound mix who cannot wait to find her forever home after successfully giving birth to and caring for seven beautiful puppies!

August was rescued from a municipal, inner-city shelter where she was dumped pregnant. Fortunately, our sweet, sweet girl holds no grudges and is an absolute love!

August is a real puppy at heart and loves to play and have fun. She loves to run, hike and play outside. August likes everyone she meets, both of the furry and human variety! She is very food motivated and a true people-pleaser. August loves going for walks, chewing on toys, and giving kisses!

Because of the lack of care and love she received in the past, August loves giving and getting attention. If you’re looking for a second shadow, she is your girl! August loves the company of other dogs and can live with children 10+.

August has mastered her basic commands and potty training. August even sleeps all night in her crate. She would love agility training as she is very intelligent and athletic.

If you’re looking for a happy, fun, adorable dog to join your family, apply to adopt August!!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp promoted Detective Janine Buchalski to the rank of Detective Supervisor. Detective Supervisor Buchalski will assist the supervising of the Professional Standards Unit.

Prosecutor Knapp administered the oath of office to Detective Supervisor Buchalski on January 24, 2020 at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

Detective Supervisor Buchalski started with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a victim advocate in August 2004, being promoted to detective in March 2008. Between 2008 and 2012, Buchalski was assigned to the General Investigations Unit, On-Call Missing Persons, Domestic Violence Unit and the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit. During her time in the SC/CEU, she was recognized by the Morris County Detective’s Association and awarded the Meritorious Service Award in 2010 and a Certificate of Recognition in 2011. In 2012, Buchalski was hired by the Division of Criminal Justice, where she was assigned to the Government Corruption Bureau. She was recognized by Director Elie Honig for her participation in indicting and then securing $3.6 million in forfeitures and penalties in the largest Pay-to-Play case in New Jersey state history. In 2015, Buchalski joined the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation as a Special Agent, where her work on the “Questionable Contracting: No Bids, Lax Oversight and a Monopoly in Online Tax Sales” investigation was presented to the New Jersey Legislature, to request statutory changes to protect New Jersey citizens. In 2017, Buchalski returned to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office where she is currently assigned to the Professional Standards Unit. Detective Supervisor Buchalski also instructs at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy as a classroom instructor and at the Division of Criminal Justice Police Academy as a physical training instructor.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Republican Committee Vice Chair Laura Marie Ali announced a special Republican convention on Saturday, February 1, to fill the one-year unexpired term on the Morris County Freeholder board.

The seat was vacated when Heather Darling became Morris County Surrogate on January 1, 2020.

There are eight candidates looking to fill Darling’s seat — including former Chatham Township Mayor Tayfun Selen, former Madison Borough Councilman Robert Catalanello, Pompton Lakes Councilman Christian Barranco, former Morristown Councilwoman Alison Deeb, Parsippany GOP County Committeeman Thomas J. DeLorenzo, Pequannock Councilwoman Melissa Florance-Lynch, Mary Gallagher of Mount Olive, and former Long Hill Township Committeeman Bruce Meringolo.

The February 1 convention will start at 9:00 a.m. in the Davidson Room, County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph Township.

Former Morris County Freeholder and Parsippany Councilman John Cesaro, who lost his freeholder re-election bid last year with running mate and now state Assemblywoman Aura Dunn of Mendham. He was considered the front runner for the freeholder appointment but dropped out of the race after he was one of five officials charged Thursday, December 19, with taking thousands of dollars in bribes.

The vacancy on the seven-member Freeholder board occurred after Darling, a Republican from Roxbury Township, resigned on December 31, 2019 to accept the five-year position of Morris County Surrogate, a post she won over Democratic candidate Michael Thompson.

Her freeholder term expires on December 31, 2020.

Darling, a 43-year Morris County resident, was in her second year on the freeholder board but ran for surrogate because veteran Surrogate John Pecoraro retired after 25 years of service. She is principal of the Darling Law Firm LLC, which she founded, and is president of her father’s real estate business.

PARSIPPANY — Christopher Schellhorn, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor of the Major Crimes and Arson and Environmental Crimes Units, has been installed as Secretary of the Morris County Bar Association. A 2019 trustee of the Morris County Bar Association, Schellhorn was installed to the position during the Morris County Bar Association Installation & Awards Dinner at the Brooklake Country Club on January 21.

During the event, Morris County Bar Association officers, trustees and the acting Executive Director were sworn in.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp said “We are extremely proud that Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Chris Schellhorn has continued his leadership role with the Morris County Bar Association. Chris has served the County of Morris with distinction for several years and is an extremely talented and dedicated attorney.  The Bar Association is very fortunate to have elected him to this position.”

MORRIS COUNTY — This 13-year-old was surrendered to a local shelter and then rescues by Wise!

His foster dad says that he can almost always be found lounging in a big comfy couch –unless you’re on the couch–then, you can find him right by your side watching TV! Boo loves a good cuddle session.

Boo has an issue with his leg but that does not slow him down one bit. He loves loves loves going on walks and walks just fine. Rain, shine, or snow, he is the happiest boy when he is galloping down the sidewalk! Boo likes saying hi to other dogs and loves living with his two foster doggy siblings.

He can live with children 13+ as he is looking for a quieter home and is partially blind. We also think he may be able to live with cats!

Boo is a chill, happy-go-lucky senior who is looking to spend his golden years with you.

If you are interested in adopting, 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.

PARSIPPANY — With the governor’s signature, a bill (A2431) sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, capping out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs was signed into law.

“Many people with high-cost-sharing plans don’t take vital medications prescribed by their doctors because they can’t afford their co-pays,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “The result is poor health outcomes and increased long term costs for chronically ill patients. Capping out-of-pocket payments will reduce health care costs in the long run.”

The law limits a patient’s share to $150.00 or $250.00 a month depending on the health-benefit plan level.

A study commissioned by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society found a connection between high-deductible plans and lower medication use and adherence, leading to poor outcomes and an increase in the cost of care.

Similar measures have passed in Delaware, Maryland, Louisiana, California and the District of Columbia. Maine and Vermont have limits on the annual out-of-pocket costs to consumers, and Virginia and five other states require insurance companies to provide notice to consumers of cost-sharing tiers and all changes to the plans.