MORRIS COUNTY — The financial impact of the coronavirus crisis is hitting tenants and landlords alike, but the three bills scheduled for votes in the state Legislature Monday do very little to help renters.

Assemblymen Brian Bergen and Christopher DePhillips are teaming to get renters real relief. They introduced legislation Thursday that would increase the percentage of rent considered property taxes to 30 percent so renters can benefit more from the state’s property tax deduction.

The Senate will vote Monday on allowing delayed payments for mortgages and rent (S2340) and restricting rent increases (S2341) during state of emergencies and suspending rent payments for some small businesses (A2363/A3921).

“Suspending or delaying rent payments would only delay the likely unaffordable payments and provide no relief to renters,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen). “It doesn’t help renters actually solve their problem of not being able to make ends meet now and especially in the future.”

Increasing the percentage of rent considered property taxes is intended to increase renters’ property tax deduction on income taxes and will reduce rent as a percentage of income. The federal Section 8 program defines renters as cost-burdened if rent exceeds 30 percent of income. Roughly, half of New Jersey renters are cost-burdened.

“Showing compassion means helping renters support themselves independently,” continued Bergen (R-Morris). “Delaying payments doesn’t account for a loss of income, it makes future payment twice or three times as large later on.”

Many renters are among the hundreds of thousands of workers who have lost their jobs in the service, hospitality, and retail industries after non-essential businesses were forced to shutter due to Murphy’s executive order mandating nearly all residents to stay home.

Roughly 35 percent of New Jersey residents rent their homes or apartment, according to Census data.

“The government doesn’t spend its own money. It spends taxpayer’s money,” said Bergen. “Providing these tax breaks recognizes that a state exists not with people, but because of the people. The government needs to allow people to support themselves.”

The assemblymen agree that it is tough for the state to provide a grace period for renters, but tax relief should be a consideration for the administration despite hiking taxes by over $3 billion, mostly on the working poor and middle class, since Democrats took the governor’s office while maintaining control of the legislature.

Murphy has set up multiple funds to try to facilitate relief. DePhillips says that approach spurns the ultimate problem: unaffordability is what slows recovery.

“In addition to funds and programs, we absolutely must do more,” said DePhillips. “We must also consider and implement tax breaks. In fact, tax breaks are more likely to be effective.”

The Assembly bill providing financial security for consumers will be considered Monday, though language hasn’t been released for lawmakers or the public to review. Bergen is adamant that government spending puts the cart before the horse despite the lack of transparency.

“It is simple to understand that allowing people to keep their money is more efficient than taking it, adding administrative cost, then giving it back to a limited and lesser extent,” concluded Bergen. “The most beneficial path seems clear. And I hope Democrats will consider the merit of our ideas in the future.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Mrs. Deborah (Debby) Bye Kean, the beloved wife of former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean, passed away on the evening of April 23, 2020. She would have turned 77 years of age on May 15. Mrs. Kean died peacefully at home.

Debby Kean was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1943, the only child of the late Elizabeth Griffenberg Bye and Robert Bye, a corporate executive. Mrs. Kean was a graduate of the Tower Hill School in Wilmington and of Bennett College in Millbrook, New York. She married Thomas H. Kean on June 3, 1967.

As the first lady, Mrs. Kean was noted for the renovation of the Governor’s mansion at Drumthwacket. When Kean was elected, New Jersey did not have a Governor’s mansion, as their previous site Morven was given to the New Jersey Historical Society to use as their headquarters. The new site, Drumthwacket, was filled with old and tired furniture.

Debby knew that New Jersey’s Governor’s mansion should be second-to-none. Therefore Debby formed a foundation, encouraged donations, and soon bought wonderful antique furniture which is still admired today. She said New Jersey deserves as good of a Governor’s mansion as any other state, and she made that happen.

When she saw a wrong, she tried to right it. She found that many state employees were struggling because of a lack of daycare available for their children. She lobbied various people until she received the funds, and with those funds established a number of daycare centers for the children of state employees. The largest still bears her name, The Deborah B. Kean Childcare Center.

Mrs. Kean was known to family and friends for her warm disposition and quick wit. An avid reader, she was a lifetime enthusiast of the performing and visual arts, avocations she shared with her husband.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Kean is survived by her sons, NJ state Senator Thomas H. Kean, Jr., of Westfield, Reed Kean, of Chatham, a business executive, a daughter, Alexandra Kean Strong, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, an educator; and seven grandchildren.

Above all she loved her children and seven grandchildren and was deeply loved in return.

MORRIS COUNTY — Monmouth University Polling released a poll showing that New Jerseyans widely approve of Governor Phil Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and approve of his approach to the public health crisis. Across the state, 79 percent of New Jerseyans believe Murphy has done a good job in his handling of the pandemic. Murphy earns a 71 percent overall job approval. (Click here for complete article).

New Jersey residents also overwhelmingly back Gov. Murphy’s social distancing measures. Governor Murphy took early action on the coronavirus, forming a task force on February 3, long before the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in New Jersey. He implemented social distancing measures not long after that – banning large gatherings, limiting restaurants to take out, and closing places like gyms and nonessential stores. He also recently moved the state primary back to July in the interest of public health and protecting democracy.

“Governor Phil Murphy’s decisive action and clear communication throughout his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic have earned him well-deserved high marks from New Jerseyans,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Christina Amestoy. “Throughout this crisis, Gov. Murphy has shown New Jersey and the country what strong leadership looks like. It’s clear New Jerseyans support and value Murphy’s proactive, data-driven approach.”

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County has risen to 4708 presumptively tested positive cases an increase of 40 cases since last reported on Thursday, April 22. A total of 340 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 102,196 with a total of 5,617 deaths.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. Testing is scheduled beginning at 9:00 a.m. and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To sign up for an appointment online click here for details.

The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.

Please note the following limitations and provisos related to the data above:

• COVID-19-related deaths are not included in this data. Visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard for a summary of death totals.
• Pursuant to HIPAA, specific identifying health information of persons testing positive or who have passed due to the virus will not be released.
• Data reflects COVID-19 positive cases on dates and times indicated; some cases may be pending and are not yet entered.
• Data may not include cases with incomplete or incorrect street addresses or PO boxes. Such cases require additional investigation by local health officials.
• Figures do not include persons under quarantine/isolation due to exposure and who have not tested positive.
• The numbers, especially higher numbers, do not necessarily reflect community spread in a specific town. Various factors may be related to high numbers, such as increased testing and facilities with high-risk populations.
• This data should not be used to gauge if heightened precautions are needed in specific towns. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and preventive steps must be followed at all times regardless of the number of cases in a municipality.

MORRIS COUNTY — “The Morris County Clerk’s Office understands the balance it must achieve between maintaining essential functions, including its role in supporting the economic stability of the region, and designing a plan compliant with guidelines to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (“COVID 19′).” said Clerk Ann Grossi, Esq.

As the need arises, updates will continue to be posted at www.morriscountyclerk.org.

The Morris County Clerk’s Office continues to be closed to the public as follows:

REGISTRY DEPARTMENT:
It is recommended that stakeholders who are impacted forward all documents to be filed and recorded either by mail or utilizing the Clerk’s automated e-filing system. To participate in e­filing, please contact one of our e-filing (electronic) vendors below:

Simplifile @ 1-801-223-1052 or www.simplifile.com
CSC@ 1-435-374-0139/0150/0141 or www.cscglobal.com.
ERX@ 1-214-887-7461 or email [email protected]

All documents will be processed upon receipt as required by law. For further information, please call the Recording Department at (973) 285-6130.

DROP-OFF BOX:
A drop-off box is now available in the lobby of the Records and Administration Building, 10 Com1 Street, 1st Floor, Morristown, NJ

PASSPORT DEPARTMENT:
Passport Department services have been suspended. For further information, please call the Passport Department at (973) 285-6161.

RECORDS VAULT DEPARTMENT:
The Records Vault Department remains closed to the public. Business users and the public may access all documents on line back to 1969 at www.morriscountyclerk.org. Anyone needing a certified copy or requiring assistance may do so by either email or calling the Vault. If you need assistance, please call (973) 285-6747.

ELECTION DEPARTMENT:

The Election Department remains closed to the public. We strongly urge all residents to Vote-by­Mail (“VBM”) to avoid unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. VBM applications and other documents and information can be accessed at www.morriscountyclerk.org. If you need assistance, please call the Election Department at (973) 285-6066.

NOTARY DEPARTMENT:
The Notary Department remains closed to the public and services have been suspended until further notice. New notary applications are available online at www.njportal.com/dor/notary. For additional details or updates, please call (973) 285-6122.

WEDDING SERVICES:
Wedding ceremonies performed by the County Clerk remain suspended until further notice. For additional information, please call (973) 285-6120.

ADULT ID CARDS, VETERAN ID CARDS, AND GOLD STAR ID CARDS: Issuing of all ID cards are suspended until further notice.

OUTREACH, ON THE ROAD AND SPECIAL EVENT PROGRAMS: All programs are suspended until further notice.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton announced that all agency, road testing, and inspections facilities will remain closed until at least Monday, May 11. The closures are part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to expanding online services, the Commission is continuing essential operations, including measures to support commercial trucking to keep the supply chain moving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most renewals of driver licenses, non-driver IDs, and registrations – including, for the first time, some commercial registrations – can be processed online at NJMVC.gov. Customers can change their address, pay fees, and other services online as well.

Drivers with suspended licenses can seek to get licenses restored, if they are eligible, using email instead of phone or in-person interactions. Drivers who believe they are eligible for restoration should email [email protected].

“As Governor Murphy reminds us, public gatherings represent a threat to all of us, as New Jersey works to flatten the curve in this global pandemic,” Fulton said. “The volume of customers that typically visit our agencies would risk the health of our customers and employees alike. We will continue to strive to make as many services available online as possible.”

Working with Governor Murphy, Chief Administrator Fulton ordered the initial closure of agencies and inspection stations from March 16 until March 30 and followed that with two-week extensions until April 27. Expiration dates for driver licenses (including CDLs), registrations, inspection stickers, and temporary tags were extended by two months on March 13.

Customers should check NJMVC.gov for the latest information and updates.

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County has risen to 4662 an increase of 207 cases since last reported on Wednesday, April 22. A total of 324 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 99,989 with a total of 5,368 deaths.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. Testing is scheduled beginning at 9:00 a.m. and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To sign up for an appointment online click here for details.

The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.

Please note the following limitations and provisos related to the data above:

• COVID-19-related deaths are not included in this data. Visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard for a summary of death totals.
• Pursuant to HIPAA, specific identifying health information of persons testing positive or who have passed due to the virus will not be released.
• Data reflects COVID-19 positive cases on dates and times indicated; some cases may be pending and are not yet entered.
• Data may not include cases with incomplete or incorrect street addresses or PO boxes. Such cases require additional investigation by local health officials.
• Figures do not include persons under quarantine/isolation due to exposure and who have not tested positive.
• The numbers, especially higher numbers, do not necessarily reflect community spread in a specific town. Various factors may be related to high numbers, such as increased testing and facilities with high-risk populations.
• This data should not be used to gauge if heightened precautions are needed in specific towns. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and preventive steps must be followed at all times regardless of the number of cases in a municipality.