Hudson Reporter

Jersey City and Hoboken were top cities in support

By Jordan Coll Staff Writer

Jersey City and Hoboken were among the cities ranked highest in LGBTQ+ friendliness, according to a report issued by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group.

The organization released its yearly Municipal Equality Index (MEI), evaluating cities based on municipal law, policies and services in tandem with issues related to the LGBTQ+ community.

The MEI highlights that “Critical amongst these is access to age-appropriate, medically-necessary gender-affirming care for municipal employees and their dependents.”

This report would be the 11th annual study conducted, in collaboration with the Equality Federation Institute, a nonprofit organization which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. The HRC scored 506 American cities, including 12 N.J. cities on LGBTQ+ equality in municipal laws and services. The statewide score was 86 out of 100 possible points in 2022, up one point from 2021.

Jodee Winterhof, who is the current vice president on policy and political affairs at the HRC, told the Jersey Journal that the top scores were based on towns and states who passed laws and ordinances supporting LGBTQ+ rights such as banning conversion therapy and enacting laws offering health benefits to their transgender employees.

“This edition marks the fifth consecutive year that the average city score has risen, despite a tightening of the MEI’s standards for credit in key areas,” according to the findings stated on the HRC site.

The MEI scorecard breaks down the report into five sections: Non-Discrimination Laws, Municipality as Employer, Municipal Services, Law Enforcement, and Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality

Last year Hoboken received a score of 85/100 in the MEI evaluation but this year received a score of 100. Jersey City ranked a score of 100 consecutively for both 2021 and 2022. The report also showed, that Hoboken does not have a Human Rights Commission, but the city does carry a LGBTQ+ liaison in the

city’s executive office, an LGBTQ+ liaison or task force in the police department and an LGBTQ+ appointed leaders.

“Jersey City and Hoboken have both shown a commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for their LGBTQ+ residents. Hudson Pride Center is proud to partner with these cities to ensure that the needs of our community are being met. We are happy to celebrate and congratulate Jersey City and Hoboken on perfect ratings from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index! said Elizabeth Schedl, Executive Director of The Hudson Pride Center.

Jersey City does have a Human Rights Commission, a LGBTQ+ liaison or task force in the police department and openly LGBTQ+ appointed leaders, according to the report.

At the state level, in 2013, New Jersey passed a statewide law that would ban licensed therapists from providing gay-to-straight conversation therapy to minors. On the MEI scorecard also showed that all 12 New Jersey towns received “flex points,” for preserving rights related to the LGBTQ+ community.

“As the most diverse city in the nation, we strive to provide equal opportunities to support all of our diverse populations in every way possible. Jersey City is proud to be a leader on LGBTQ+ equality and inclusiveness, earning a perfect score consecutively year after year for the policies and actions put in place by the Fulop Administration to address systemic discrimination,” said Kimberly WallaceScalcione, mayor Fulop’s press secretary.

By Daniel Israel Staff Writer

CarePoint

Health System has reached a settlement agreement with Alaris Health and its owner Avery Eisenreich and the two entities have agreed to settle

all outstanding differences. In a press release, CarePoint said the move “will support the nonprofit’s mission of providing high quality, patientfocused health care to Hudson County.”

By Daniel Israel Staff Writer

Numerous

Hudson County Democratic leaders and hundreds of supporters showed up on Saturday, January 7 for the official announcement of the party’s endorsements for the

new 32nd and 33rd Legislative District seats post-legislative redistricting and for County Executive in the June Democratic Primary.

Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairman (HCDO) Anthony Vain-

By Sophie Nieto-Munoz, NJ MONITOR

Parts of New Jersey’s newly implemented gun control law were blocked Monday by a federal judge who said barring people from carrying firearms in certain places could lead to “considerable constitutional problems.”

The temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Renee Marie Bumb blocks the section of the law that prohibits guns from being carried into public libraries, museums, bars, restaurants that serve alcohol, and entertainment facilities like stadiums, concerts,

CarePoint Health and Alaris Health settle all outstanding litigation However, CarePoint is still involved in litigation with RWJBarnabas Health and Hudson Regional Hospital

Judge temporarily blocks part of N.J.’s new gun law over constitutional concerns Murphy administration continues to fight for tighter gun laws

of LGBTQ+

The findings were in a report released by the Human Rights Campaign

HCDO announces endorsements for legislature and county executive

Murphy: “The people of Hudson County deserve elected officials who will work every day to deliver for New Jersey’s middle class and working families”

PUBLIC NOTICE

AT&T proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 67.2’) on the building at 627 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ (20221450). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

Annual Notice Redevelopment Agency Meetings 2023

Please be advised that at the December 20th, 2022 meeting of the Union City Redevelopment Agency, the folllowing schedule of meetings was adopted for the 2023 calendar year.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

August 2023 No Meeting

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

All meetings will take place at the Union City High School Media Center. First Floor, 2500 John F. Kennedy, Union City, NJ 07087 at 4:30pm.

Food pantries new schedule 2023

With the start of the new year, HealthierJC announced the new schedule for available food pantries for Jersey City families who are facing food insecurity.

Sires officially announces West New York mayoral campaign

By Daniel Israel Staff Writer

Former U.S. Rep. Albio Sires officially announced on January 9 that he will run for mayor of West New York in May.

The announcement was no surprise. Sires had made it known he was going to retire from Congress to run for mayor, and said he would wait until after he exited the House of Representatives to make any announcement.

He already faces a declared challenge from Commissioner of Public Affairs Cosmo Cirillo, who has announced two running mates including Commissioner of Revenue and Finance Margarita Guzman and former Assemblywoman for the 32nd Legislative District Angelica Jimenez.

Commissioner of Public Works Yoleisy Yanez and Commissioner of Parks and Public Property Victor Barrera are expected to run with Sires.

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez is not running for re-election, seeking an Assembly seat in the new 33rd Legislative District.

And to make things more interesting, the race may be a three-way entanglement. Former Mayor Dr. Felix Roque, who was ousted by Ro-

Former Rep. Albio Sires discusses the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act on the House floor back in September of 2022. Photo courtesy of Sires.

driguez in 2019, may run for his old position again in 2023, hinting at an announcement later this month at Las Palmas at 6153 Bergenline Avenue.

Roque is reportedly expected to run with former Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Tommy Mannion among other running mates.

Sires touts experience as lawmaker

Sires spent 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Sires was mayor for three terms from 1995 and 2006 before his election to the House. From 2000 to 2006, he also served the old 33rd Legislative District from 2000 to 2006, serving as Assembly Speaker from 2002 to 2006.

“Being the Mayor of West New York has been the greatest job I’ve ever had. Only in this country can a kid from Bejucal, Cuba who played basketball at Memorial High School make it to the halls of Congress,” Sires said. “West New York was the place that made me who I am today and over the years, I’ve been able to help a lot of residents.”

According to Sires, the campaign will focus on the issues that impact West New York residents everyday. That includes addressing crime, stabilizing rents and taxes, expanding local services, supporting education, adding more parking throughout town, and investing in streets and parks.

Sires said he has made several exciting new initiatives the top priorities for his team and administration. Among them is the new library in the works in town.

“I want to build a new media center in the heart of town on Bergenline Avenue for all of our residents to enjoy,” Sires said. “The current library across from Town Hall is falling apart and is not handicap accessible.”

According to Sires, he also helped secure funds for school infrastructure while in Congress. He also noted a new school on Broadway between 64th and 65th Streets is necessary to address overcrowding in the district.

“In the Congress, we were able to really invest in school infrastructure, and because of that Memorial High School, as well as some of the elementary schools, will be getting air conditioning units. Trust me, I was a student and a teacher at Memorial High School, this is desperately needed. And now, the state has said West New York needs a new school to address overcrowding that we’re going to build on Broadway between 64th and 65th Streets.”

“I also made sure before leaving Congress that there would be money for West New York to build more parks, especially in the waterfront.

I am very excited about these new projects for our town – our residents deserve the best.”

The former mayor, state assemblyman, and U.S. Congressman is looking to return to the helm of his town

‘If and when funds are available and approved’

North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco reflects on a relic of the past in municipal resolutions

By Daniel Israel Staff Writer

Those who attend with North Bergen Board of Commissioners meetings are familiar with a certain phrase: “If and when funds are available and approved.”

The phrase is attached to any resolution authorizing payments from the township to any entity. At a recent meeting, Mayor Nicholas Sacco explained the meaning of the phrase.

He said the origin of the phrase “if and when funds are available and approved” dates back to 1985. That’s when he first took office in North Bergen as a commissioner at the time, when the township was teetering on bankruptcy.

“The town was virtually bankrupt when I took office and had a ten-month budget,” Sacco said. “All the bills were in closets upstairs. We tried to buy air conditioning and they would only let us pay in cash because we had unpaid bills.”

The phrase used to allow the township wiggle

Hoboken school board fields questions to start the year

Student safety and community engagement were part of the discussion

By Jordan Coll Staff Writer

The rejected $241 million new high school, masking policy, and school district procedures in emergencies were some of the questions addressed to the Hoboken Board of Education during its first meeting of the year.

The meeting started off by recognizing students who were nominated for academic and school performance based awards such as Student of the Month for December of last year, followed by a report of some of the activities and student led events from the Hoboken Middle and High School Student Government Representative groups.

Newly elected members from the “Leadership That Listens” slate who won in the midterm elections last year took their seats for the first time. The team consists of Leslie Norwood, Antonio Graña, and Alex de la Torre Jr, who is a current trustee of the board.

A grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Recreational Improvement of “up to $100,000” according to Superintendent Dr. Christine Johnson, is intended for “pool upgrades” for the Hoboken High School, if approved.

She said new equipment would be installed

throughout the district’s building complying with the standards of a state statute called “Alyssa’s Law.” She said, “I am happy to say that our maintenance department and our technology staff members worked diligently over the winter break with a vendor to install equipment necessary for our district to comply with this law.”

According to the law, all primary and secondary schools within the State of New Jersey to install a “Panic Alarm” device that can silently and directly notify law enforcement of a lifethreatening or emergency situation requiring their response.

The superintendent assured members of the public the installation of these devices were meant towards potential security breaches or active shooting scenarios and said the system would be “running no later than early February.”

Under curriculum items, the state of New Jersey completed the final instruction and program section of the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC), which is the Department of Education’s monitoring and district self-evaluation system for public school districts, under a three year performance review of school districts conducted by the state.

A question on masking was brought up in the meeting, in which Board President Sharyn Ang-

ley responded, “The board does not see a need to institute a masking policy at this time.” Angley added, “The district continues to operate on the basis of letting our families choose what is best for their child from a masking perspective.

Additionally, a question submitted online by the public on live streaming meetings was raised. Angley said the board would plan on “revisiting this,” but would continue publishing the recorded sessions on their YouTube page.

A question arose about the $241 million 30year bond issue to create the new high school that failed by a large voting margin.

“The board has said before and will say this again, we will not be making any decisions about a new plan until the public is engaged and their input is taken,” said Angley. “While there is no plan for a new school to be up for referendum at this time the district continues to explore space for our early childhood classrooms.”

Patricia Waiters, who lost running as an independent for a seat on the board, asked clarification on whether the Action Policies approved

room when it came to paying what Sacco described as many overdue bills. However, now the township is in a much better position, in part thanks to Sacco and his administration officials over the years, yet the phrase remains as a relic of the past.

“Maybe we should re word it so that it says when funds are available,” Township Clerk Erin Barillas suggested. However, the board did not act on that.

“It’s been in there ever since so they could pay the bills,” Sacco said. “They did an investigation of the person who did the budget in those days, and she said ‘I thought the money was there.’”

Sacco concluded: “‘If and when funds are available and approved,’ that’s where it comes from.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.

by the board, listing regulations such as bomb threats, lockdown procedures and active shooters within the school district, would fall under policies or drills.

Angley said the policies are “recognized as regulations.” Waiters asked if the information on Fire and Safety Drill reports were public record.

“What has happened with those regulations is the overall state policy manual organization has moved school districts away from putting process for those safety drills out to the public,” said Superintendent Johnson, “And basically what they’ve said is those processes need to be housed in a district’s safety plan. Meaning that a district is no longer putting in a policy manual or regulations. What steps would be taken if by some chance there were …basically said it goes into a confidential safety and security plan that is reviewed with the police department.”

Waiters expressed her concerns to the board when it came to honoring Martin Luther King

The North Bergen Board of Commissioners meets in-person bi-weekly at Town Hall. Photo courtesy of the township.

First Hoboken Board of Education meeting of the year. Photo by Jordan Coll.

Councilmembers approve $2.1 million in renovations aiding homeless community

Jersey City social services center could receive $2.1 million for renovations to help homeless

By Jordan Coll Staff Writer

In City Hall this week, a vote on a lease agreement allocating $2.1 million towards renovations for a homeless shelter was at the forefront of debate among council members. With an 8-1 vote, Ward C Councilmember Richard Boggiano opposed the agreement between the Jersey City Housing Authority, Garden State Community Development Corporation and the City of Jersey City for property at 514 Newark Avenue.

According to the ordinance the agreement would be for “the purpose of providing services to people experiencing homelessness.” Hudson Gardens, a public housing organization overseen by the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA) is located across Palisade Avenue from Dickinson High School.

The lease agreement would be spread out in a period of ten years costing from $140,000 to $167,000 per year. In addition, if the ordinance is approved, the city would take on costs related to improving the property of about $2.1 million.

“I am totally disappointed with all of you passing this,” said Boggiano, who claimed that the JCHA or Garden State did not reach out to neighbors notifying in advance on the development project. “This is just a yes council that does what its told,” added Boggiano who signaled out the other eight council members for approving the ordinance.

The Hudson Reporter spoke to Jaleel Williams, who is the vice president of The Hudson Gardens Resident Management Board, saying that residents “are not bothered with the shelter accepting homeless people,” but said prior to having security “it was really violent there.”

Speaking in front of the council members he said, “before they had a security guard or police it was really violent there,” pointing out

that members of the homeless community were urinating in the hall ways and fighting with each other. He asked the council members to provide round the clock security instead of having temporary ones.

“As the need grows the need to change space and expand services grows,” said councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey who said the drop-service locations should be provided in other parts of the city to “alleviate some of the stresses in different neighborhoods.”

She added, that “homelessness is not relegated to one part of the city, it is across the entire city.” A majority of council members agreed that the situation was of “concern” and needed to be addressed.

President Joyce Waterman expressed her concerns over security with housing, saying that she was brought up in public housing and “beefing up” security would help with the issues brought by The Hudson Garden Residents. “We want to make sure that the residents there are safe, that is our responsibility.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at jcoll@hudsonreporter.com.

In reference to his commission team, Sires said he would be announcing a “dynamic” group of people that represent all of West New York. He did not name any running mates at this time but may do so soon.

“One of the things that I saw in Washington was how deeply divided our country is today,” Sires said. “I want to be a mayor for everyone who calls West New York home, and my team will reflect just that.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.

Day, on Jan.16.

“You are here to represent all the people and this is when my job get hard. When I got to stand up here and ask you to please reach out to the black and brown people to live in this community for years. Let us know that a day like this that means so much to us count,” said Waiters.

The flag demonstration will take place this Friday at 11 a.m. in front of Hoboken City hall.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at jcoll@hudsonreporter.com.

The Hudson Reporter • January 19, 2023

Mamta Singh

Mamta Singh announces candidacy for Hudson County Commissioner for District 4

She is the founder and executive director of JCFamilies Inc.

By Hudson Reporter

Mamta Singh has announced her candidacy for Hudson County Commissioner for District 4. Singh is running to ensure Hudson County remains a safe and affordable city and to bring increased transparency and accountability to local government.

District 4 encompasses Jersey City wards D and C and part of Ward E. The current commissioner is Yraida Aponte-Lipski.

“I’m running for County Commissioner because I believe that the people of District 4 deserve to live in a county that is affordable, safe, and resilient to the challenges the future holds,” Singh said. “It would be an honor to serve the

Jersey City school board makes swift changes at the start of the year

same community that allowed me to live out my own American Dream and I am eager to get to work to ensure Hudson County is a place where everyone can live and thrive.”

As a mom and local non-profit founder, Singh understands the needs of the Hudson County community. She is the founder and executive director of JCFamilies Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Jersey City residents’ parenting experience. The community connects over 40,000 families and provides regular opportunities to network and celebrate all Jersey City has to offer. In addition to her work with JCFamilies, Singh is an active member of the Hamilton Park community, and serves on the County Committee.

Singh is seeking to serve, in an even greater

capacity, the community that embraced her 14 years ago when she immigrated to Jersey City. Her vision includes increasing climate resilience, revitalizing public transportation, and ensuring District 4 remains an affordable community to raise a family like hers. She also is eager to get to work ensuring the County’s $600 million budget is managed fairly, transparently, and to directly benefit the community.

“Mamta Singh is an extraordinary leader. She’s already done so much for families across Jersey City, and I am so excited she’s decided to run for County Commissioner on a platform of lower taxes, affordable homes, and progressive values,” said Jersey City Councilman James Solomon. Election day for County Commissioners is June 6, 2023.

Media Literacy law signed by

Gov. Murphy for K-12 School System

The bill requires the Department of Education to incorporate curricula on information literacy

By Jordan Coll Staff Writer

The Jersey City Board of Education made some swift changes with the start of the year, nominating elected Trustee Natalia Ioffe as president and Trustee Noemi Velazquez as the vice president, in a reorganization meeting.

Trustee Lekendrick Shaw, who is also the Finance Manager for the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, according to his LinkedIn profile, casted his nomination in favor of Trustee Gina Verdibello for Board of Ed. president but was opposed by a 5-4 vote.

Followed by Velasquez who nominated Ioffe for president, alongside members of Trustees Younass Barkouch, Christopher Tisdale, and Paula Jones-Watson in approving yes with a 5-4 vote.

“First of all, I would like to thank you very much. Thank you for your trust and I respect and acknowledge the dissenting voices and pledge to do my best to serve and advance this team towards our common goals,” Ioffe said after being sworn in as president of the board.

The Education Matters slate which has the full backing of the local teacher’s union, had sworn in members from the slate at the meeting including Chris Tisdale, Afaf Muhammad and Trustee Noemi Velazquez. The Hudson Reporter previously interviewed members of the “Education Matters” slate on some of the issues they would address once nominated for the Board of Ed.

A looming ethics complaint against Ioffe was

brought up by Jersey City Education Association President Ron Greco, who said “I’m glad that you weren’t bamboozled by a former employee of this district, a former employee of the department of ed who was a state monitor,” referring to Catherine Coyle, a former district associate superintendent who filed the ethics complaint on behalf of the School Ethics Commission on November 5. “A highly skilled professional – among many other titles – that was run out of this district by the JCEA after the 1998 strike,” Greco added.

Ioffe published a letter in Hudson County View, showing her full support for the “Education Matters” team. Candidates were elected a month after the release of the letter.

“Jersey City school district continues to struggle with state funding cuts and does its best to supply our children with the resources they

By Jordan Coll Staff Writer

Factversus opinion, real versus fake news, misinformation online versus finding verified sources. This has always been the job of a journalist. But now media literacy will be taught in New Jersey in classes K-12.

Gov. Phil Murphy has signed off on a bill which would require the Department of Education (DOE) to incorporate curricula on information literacy. The primary sponsors of the bill include Senators Michael Testa and Shirley Turner, and Assembly members Daniel Benson, Pamela Lampitt, and Mila Jasey.

“Our democracy remains under sustained attack through the proliferation of disinformation that is eroding the role of truth in our political and civic discourse,” said Murphy in a statement. “It is our responsibility to ensure our nation’s future leaders are equipped with the tools necessary to identify fact from fiction.”

As previously reported by the Hudson Reporter, the bill directs the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the New Jersey State Librarian, to develop curriculum guidelines on information literacy to be used by school districts.

The New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) heralded the passing of the bill, “as they will be in charge of planning curriculum for grades K-12,” said Kerry Weinstein, a school librarian and part of the Bayonne Board of Education, according to her LinkedIn page.

“We thank Governor Murphy and the Legislature for their support of information literacy education,” said Jessica Trujillo, president of the NJASL. “School librarians are integral in ensuring that our New Jersey students have the knowledge and tools to assess information, determine accurate sources, and think critically. This literacy bill will ensure that students are well prepared to navigate a world where misinformation and disinformation are prevalent.”

Pamela Brunskill, who works at the News Literacy Project, a nonprofit education based organization that offers educators with free resources encouraging lessons in media literacy, told The Hudson Reporter “educators and districts looking to begin planning curriculum should start with our Framework for Teaching News Literacy.”

As a news literacy specialist, she added

The nomination and voting process took less than 10 minutes of the two hour meeting

Jersey City Board of Education reorganization meeting.

CarePoint officials said the settlement will allow the company to “move forward without further distractions and unnecessary legal costs,” and continue its quest to determine its successor as it has completed its transition from for-profit to non-profit status to the praise of Hudson County officials.

“Settling this matter with Alaris Health has been a top priority since I arrived at CarePoint Health,” said President and CEO of CarePoint Health Achintya Moulick, “and I am proud that we can now put this situation behind us and move forward with our goal of bringing the highest quality health care services to Hudson County, especially to vulnerable populations that need it the most.”

“Clearing away these types of distractions supports our mission of making CarePoint Health a national model for providing patientcentric healthcare in a community driven, non-profit setting,” Moulick added. “With the support of our local, county and state officials, there is no limit to the advances in health care delivery that we can bring to Hudson County.”

Terms of the settlement agreement involving CarePoint Health and Alaris Health cannot be divulged due to confidentiality agreements between the parties. In 2020, CarePoint sued Alaris in the Delaware Chancery Court over claims that Eisenreich attempted to thwart negotiations to maintain Bayonne Medical Center’s operation as a hospital by discouraging potential buyers.

The suit alleged Eisenreich intentionally disrupted the negotiations between CarePoint and an unnamed potential bidder who would have continued to operate Bayonne Medical Center as a hospital. The lawsuit claimed Eisenreich wanted to turn the facility into a nursing home like others that Alaris operates across Hudson County.

Eisenreich had previously purchased the land under CarePoint’s Hoboken University Medical Center and Bayonne Medical Center and was eyeing the land of Christ Hospital. However, the land would be purchased from Eisenreich by Secaucus-based Hudson Regional Hospital, prompting more legal maneuvers by CarePoint and its hand-picked successor BMC Hospital, LLC consisting of the principals of surgery center chain Surgicore.

The lawsuit also claimed that Eisenreich engaged in discussions with Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health concerning a new lease between RWJBarnabas and Hudson Propco, the entity that owns Christ Hospital’s real estate, without involvement of the other members of Hudson Propco. The suit alleged that Eisenreich interfered with its ability to negotiate definitive documents with RWJBarnabas, which may have prevented CarePoint from finalizing the deal with them to operate both Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center.

Additionally, the suit alleged Eisenreich purchased the membership interest of MPT of Hoboken in HUMC Opco, the Hoboken real estate, and the Bayonne real estate from MPT of Hoboken TRS without HUMC Holdco’s knowledge or consent. Instead of informing HUMC Holdco as required per their agreement,

The Hudson Reporter • January 19, 2023

Part of the legal action revolved around Bayonne Medical Center and its ownership and operations. Photo by Daniel Israel.

the lawsuit alleged MPT of Hoboken allegedly conspired with Eisenreich to conceal the offer and executed a confidentiality agreement.

In a counterclaim, Eisenreich denied that he was trying to turn Bayonne Medical Center into a nursing home, as well as allegations that he has interfered in CarePoint’s negotiations with RWJBarnabas to operate Christ Hospital. Eisenreich also alleged that the deal to purchase Hoboken University Medical Center was approved by CarePoint.

Eisenreich also pointed out that the owners of CarePoint at the time, Vivek Garipalli, James Lawler, and Jeffrey Mandler, allegedly used duplicate agreements with two shell management companies to allegedly embezzle millions of dollars from CarePoint. The counterclaim cited the NJ State Commission of Investigation report that initially uncovered the alleged scheme involving CarePoint’s owners, although it only condemned their actions and did not recommend a criminal investigation.

However, all that is behind the two entities now as they have settled in court. In a statement, Eisenreich echoed the CarePoint officials regarding the resolution of the litigation.

“Ensuring quality healthcare in Hudson County has always been a top priority of ours,” said Eisenreich. “Resolution of this dispute allows the focus of everyone to be solely on providing the residents of Hudson County with the healthcare they deserve.”

CarePoint officials highlighted the major strides it said it has made in bringing quality healthcare to Hudson County since its announcement that it would convert to a nonprofit organization with new leadership. In the past two years, CarePoint pointed to national recognition as the No. 1 ranked hospital for equitable care in the US by the Lown Institute and 4th ranked safety net hospital by Washington Journal.

CarePoint has also announced partnerships with “national leaders in healthcare delivery” like Rothman Orthopaedics and Columbia University, with several new agreements with healthcare providers in the pipeline.

Despite this settlement, CarePoint is still involved in litigation with Hudson Regional Hos-

pital as well as other entities, while it still owns and operates Christ Hospital and only operates Bayonne Medical Center and Hoboken University Medical Center, which are now owned by Hudson Regional Hospital. A spokeswoman for Hudson Regional Hospital said it had no comment at this time.

CarePoint Health sues RWJBarnabas Health

One of the other entities CarePoint is involved in active litigation against is RWJBarnabas. The legal action was filed back in September of 2022.

A 69-page antitrust lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court alleges that RWJBarnabas Health sought to eliminate CarePoint as a competitor by attempting to force it to close two hospitals and sell the third. The suit was filed back in September of 2022, and paints a picture of RWJBarnabas working to overtake CarePoint and drive it out of business as opposed to competing fairly with it.

The suit alleges RWJBarnabas had ambulances strategically redirected to Jersey City Medical Center to gain more affluent and insured patients. Allegedly, other patients that did not fit that profile were sent to CarePoint hospitals, causing a loss of $227 million, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit also claims that RWJBarnabas signed an intent to purchase Christ Hospital only to get insider information and to spread rumors that the hospital may close. The suit alleges the rumors caused employees of not only Christ Hospital but Hoboken University Medical Center to leave their jobs and CarePoint had to hire and pay nurses at triple the normal rate, totaling $20.1 million this year.

The suit also claims the Hoboken Municipal Hospital Authority, with whom CarePoint is also engaged in separate litigation and with whom it tried to replace CarePoint as operator of the hospital in 2022, conspired with RWJBarnabas in their endeavors. The lawsuit claims that RWJBarnabas engaged with the Hospital Authority and its contractor Raymond James before a Request for Indications was placed for replacement hospital operators was

sent out.

In addition, the lawsuit also claims that RWJBarnabas lobbied state lawmakers to ensure CarePoint did not receive any of the federal American Rescue Plan funds awarded to New Jersey hospitals, an overall total of $293 million. The suit does not name them as plaintiffs, but also alleges that Eisenreich as well as Hudson Regional Hospital officials also conspired against CarePoint. However, that was before the settlement with settlement with Eisenreich in January of 2023.

Spokesperson for CarePoint Health, Phil Swibinski, said in a statement that September that the lawsuit was filed to address “long term, systematic and insidious attempts” to undermine CarePoint Health System and drive it out of business. He said that outcome that would “have a catastrophic effect on Hudson County residents especially the many uninsured and under-insured patients that CarePoint serves through its neighborhood clinics and inpatient acute care facilities.”

“CarePoint’s new physician-led leadership team is making tremendous strides in stabilizing its hospitals in the aftermath of COVID-19 and providing outstanding health care services to Hudson County residents, exemplified by its hospitals being named the most equitable in the country and among the leanest and most wellrun in the state, as well as the many exciting partnerships and initiatives it has entered into with leading institutions like Columbia University, Rothman Orthopaedics, and another major oncology partner soon to be announced,” Swibinski said.

“Despite these significant strides, CarePoint’s competitors have continued to engage in selfish, coordinated, antagonistic attacks designed to further their goals of unfair domination of the county’s health care and real estate markets.”

He continued: “CarePoint has earned the trust of Hudson County’s elected leaders and the community by starting its transition to a nonprofit organization and becoming in-network with all major insurance carriers, and now it simply asks to be treated fairly with support for the community that needs these hospitals and without interference from vested interests that would leave residents without immediate access to care.”

RWJBarnabas denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the company called the lawsuit’s claims unfounded.

“This is yet another in a series of baseless complaints filed by CarePoint, an organization whose leadership apparently prefers to assign blame to others rather than accept responsibility for the unsatisfactory results of their own poor business decisions and actions over the years,” a spokesperson said. “RWJBarnabas Health has a longstanding commitment to serve the residents of Hudson County and is proud of the significant investments we have made in technology, facilities and clinical teams as we advance our mission.”

Regardless of the recent settlement, CarePoint’s legal actions will undoubtedly continue to unfold in 2023.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.

and theaters.

Bumb also barred the state from enforcing the law’s ban on guns on private property without the property owner’s consent and its prohibition on firearms in vehicles.

In the 60-page decision, Bumb said the law “essentially renders the entire state of New Jersey a ‘sensitive place’ where firearms are prohibited.”

“The deprivation of plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights, as the holders of valid permits from the state to conceal carry handguns, constitutes irreparable injury, and neither the state nor the public has an interest in enforcing unconstitutional laws,” said Bumb, an appointee of former President George W. Bush.

Attorney General Matt Platkin said in a statement he is “disappointed by the court’s ruling, which is inconsistent with the Second Amendment and will make New Jerseyans considerably less safe. But this temporary order is just that: temporary.”

Platkin said he plans to appeal as the case continues.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s office is working closely with the Attorney General’s Office to “correct this errant decision,” said Murphy spokesman Tyler Jones.

“While we are pleased that most of our concealed carry law remains in effect, we are disappointed that a right-wing federal judge, without any serious justification, has chosen to invalidate common sense restrictions around the right to carry a firearm in certain public spaces,” Jones said in a statement.

Democrats fast-tracked the new gun law last year after a Supreme Court ruling in June overturned a New York law that placed restrictions on who can obtain concealed carry permits. Murphy signed the bill into law in December.

Previously, New Jerseyans who wanted to carry a gun in public needed to provide a justifiable need before they could obtain a permit.

The Supreme Court’s decision said governments can bar firearms in “sensitive places,”

The temporary restraining order blocks portions of the new gun law, including its ban on bringing guns into places like libraries and restaurants. (Getty Images)

though it declined to define them. New Jersey’s law bans firearms in a wide swath of public and private property, including polling places, beaches, casinos, movie theaters, government buildings, courthouses, day care centers and schools, and hospitals.

New Jersey lawmakers have said they believed the law would face legal challenges, but they said they worked with Murphy administration attorneys when crafting the bill.

Bumb suggests the administration “should have been better prepared to defend the legislation’s constitutionality,” considering they anticipated these challenges. During an oral argument, the state could not produce evidence showing that concealed carry permit holders are responsible for an increase in gun crimes, Bumb’s decision says.

“Defendants must do more than promise they will justify the constitutional basis for its legislation later,” she wrote.

The suit was filed by Ronald Koons, Nicholas Gaudio, and Jeffrey Muller — along with groups including the New Jersey Second Amendment Society and the Firearms Policy Coalition Inc. — the same day the bill was signed into law.

The gun rights advocates who filed the lawsuit say they were no longer able to carry their firearms in places they could before the law was

signed — in supermarkets, at church services, or while driving their cars.

“For example, because Mr. Koons regularly meets for breakfast at restaurants that occasionally have liquor licenses, he now leaves his firearm at home,” Monday’s decision says.

Another legal challenge filed by the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs is still pending.

Republicans in the Legislature commended the judge’s decision, with one mocking Democrats by saying, “I told you so.”

“We knew the law was likely unconstitutional since it copied major portions of a New York law that has already suffered serious setbacks in federal court,” said Sen. Tony Bucco (RMorris) in a statement. “Despite all of our warnings, Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats plowed ahead and enacted an obviously flawed proposal. Yet again, the Legislature will have to revisit one of their bad laws to fix the mess they created.”

Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Sussex) added that he looks forward to “offending provisions of the law being permanently struck down.”

“The federal judge’s ruling, which validates what we have been saying, is a victory for the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves both in public and in private.”

This report is reprinted with permission from NJ Monitor under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

CITIES from cover

She added, “Mayor Fulop was the first in the state to add transgender healthcare coverage for city employees in 2015 and has since added several key initiatives to further protect the LGBTQ+ community, including equality training for employees and making all municipal bathrooms gender neutral.”

The city’s expanded covered for individuals who identify as transgender was announced on Sept.22, 2015.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at jcoll@hudsonreporter.com.

BRIEFS from page 2

Learn Chinese brush painting in North Bergen

The North Bergen Free Public Library is offering class on Chinese brush painting with artist Jane Chang. Classes take place every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 17, 2023 and continuing for four weeks at the main branch.

The class is for teens and adults ages 15 and older. Space will be limited. Pre-registration is required and can be done in-person or by phone. The main library is located at 8411 Bergenline Ave. For more information, call 201-869-4715 or visit nbpl.org/calendar.

City Hall is getting a makeover

Under a resolution that would renovate City Hall from the inside and out, and add a 1-acre park in front of City Hall, the renovation project was passed with a 5-3 vote.

The city issued a request for proposal (RFP) from a landscape consulting company, and received three proposals from ETM Associates, LLC. ($160,430), Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc.($280,700) and Arterial + Langan ($659,420).

Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc. was awarded the contract under the city’s resolution.

For more on the story visit the HudsonReporter.com

Family & Cosmetic Dentistr y

Dr. Monique Dardzinski is best known for connect ing with her pat ients and making them feel comfor table. She puts special emphasis in making sure pat ients get all their quest ions answered and have their treatment tailored to their special needs.

She, along with her friendly and knowledgeable st aff, will provide you with the highest qualit y, most updated care available in a clean, comfor table environment.

The Hudson Reporter • January 19, 2023

ieri was joined by Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, as well as Senate President Nick Scutari, among others at the press conference.

Due to legislative redistricting at the state level, there has been a bit of a leadership shuffle in Hudson County. On the legislative map, the 32nd and 33rd Legislative Districts essentially swapped.

The 32nd shifted from North Hudson to Hoboken and parts of Jersey City. Meanwhile, the 33rd shifted from Hoboken and parts of Jersey City to North Hudson.

This left state Sen. and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco in the same district as fellow Democratic state Sen. and Union City Mayor Brian Stack. Instead of rehashing an old beef, Sacco opted to retire and focus on running for re-election for mayor, endorsing Stack for the new 33rd Legislative District in the process.

However, Sacco cut a deal to choose one of the new assembly members with West New York keeping the other choice. That has since materialized with the announcements of the endorsements across the county.

The 32nd Legislative District

The HCDO had endorsed Raj Mukherji for State Senate, and Jessica Ramirez and John Allen for State Assembly in District 32.

Mukherji has served in the State Assembly since 2013 representing the 33rd District. He is an attorney and serial entrepreneur with healthcare, real estate, technology, and regulated cannabis holdings who joined the U.S. Marine Corps following 9/11 and later entered public service as a Deputy Mayor in Jersey City.

Ramirez is a Jersey City resident and partner at the law firm D’Arcy Johnson Day, where she specializes in serious personal injury, sexual abuse, medical device and product liability litigation. She has served on the State Ethics Committee and as an Eminent Domain Commissioner.

The announcement of her candidacy means a Latina will continue to represent the District. This was a concern of outgoing State Assemblywomen Angelica Jimenez and Annette Chaparro, which appears to have been qualmed. Allen of Hoboken is the former Chief of Staff to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and his predecessor Dawn Zimmer. He’s an attorney with the firm Schenck Price and also serves on a number of public bodies, including the Hudson County Planning Board and the Garden State Joint Insurance Fund.

Both Ramirez and Allen were already known as candidates since December of last year. And Mukherji announced he was running for the State Senate seat back in February of 2022.

The 33rd Legislative District and County Executive

In District 33, the HCDO backs Brian Stack for State Senate, and Gabriel Rodriguez and Julio Marenco for State Assembly. Rodriguez

is not running for re-election for mayor and Marenco is leaving his post as Commissioner of Revenue and Finance in North Bergen.

Stack has served as a State Senator representing the 33rd Legislative District since 2007 and previously was elected to the State Assembly. He is the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has responsibility for approving nominations to a variety of state and judicial positions.

Rodriguez is currently in his first term as mayor of West New York and has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2015. He formerly served as Field Representative and Campaign Director for Congressman Albio Sires, and he works as an Accounts Manager for the West New York Board of Education.

Marenco was elected to the North Bergen Board of Commissioners in 2015 and previously served as a member of the local Board of Education. A U.S. Navy veteran who served in the submarine service, he is an attorney, adjunct professor and an associate member of the State Parole Board.

After Stack and Sacco worked out a deal, Rodriguez was rumored to be West New York’s candidate for Assembly since Sires announced he was going to retire and run for West New York mayor. And Marenco was speculated to be North Bergen’s choice since Sacco announced he would retire from the State Senate.

In addition, the HCDO also formally endorsed Craig Guy for County Executive. Guy announced his campaign in September, already with full support of the HCDO, to replace retiring County Executive Tom DeGise.

Guy is the longtime Chief of Staff to Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and a career public servant. He is a retired Jersey City police officer, a member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education and the Treasurer of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

Democrats support selected candidates

“This is an exciting day for Hudson County as we officially begin the Primary Election by endorsing seven truly outstanding candidates,

all of whom have long records of public service and varied experiences that will enable them to become the excellent representatives that the people of our county deserve,” said Vainieri. “With two talented, seasoned legislators in Brian Stack and Raj Mukherji running for Senate, four dynamic new candidates for State Assembly and a candidate for County Executive in Craig Guy who could not be more prepared to hit the ground running on day one, I’m very proud of the group of leaders we have assembled today, and of the unity that exists right now in the Hudson County Democratic Organization.”

The event was held outside the historic Brennan Courthouse at 583 Newark Avenue in Jersey City and was also attended by 8th District Congressman Rob Menendez, former 8th District Congressman Albio Sires, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Bayonne Mayor James Davis, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, County Sheriff Frank Schillari, County Clerk Junior Maldonado, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, Assemblyman William Sampson, Kearny Mayor Al Santos, Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt, County Commissioners Bill O’Dea, Jerry Walker, Ken Kopacz and Anthony Romano, as well as numerous local council members, union leaders, community members and more.

“I commend Chairman Vainieri, Senator Stack, Assemblyman Mukherji, and Hudson Democratic leaders on selecting an experienced, talented team of candidates who are ready to deliver for Hudson County,” said Murphy. “The people of Hudson County deserve elected officials who will work every day to deliver for New Jersey’s middle class and working families and I look forward to working alongside Craig Guy and the legislators from Hudson County to do just that.”

The legislative candidates will be running in newly created districts that were selected by the Legislative Redistricting Commission last year. District 32 now includes parts of Jersey City as well as Hoboken. District 33 now includes Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Weehawken, Secaucus and Guttenberg.

“Hudson County will always be a place that is close to my heart, so I am proud to be a part of

today’s announcement of this new day for the Hudson County Democratic Organization under the leadership of Chairman Vainieri,” said Sen. Menendez. “Each of these candidates represents the best of Hudson County and I know they will work hard between now and Election Day, so they each have my full support and endorsement. I look forward to partnering with them to fight for our shared Democratic values here in Hudson County, in Trenton and in Washington.”

What’s next for the 31st Legislative District?

Meanwhile State Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, much like Pedro Mejia and Jimenez, is left off the “county line.” It is not clear yet what Mejia, and also Chaparro for that matter, will do in terms of running against the HCDObacked candidates.

Amid the announcements, questions are also swirling around state Sen. Sandra Cunningham resigning in the 31st Legislative District, encompassing parts of Jersey City and Bayonne. While replacement candidates have ranged from Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea to the 31st Legislative District’s own state Assemblywoman McKnight, activists have called for the candidate to remain a woman of color.

The district’s seats are currently occupied by a trifecta of Black lawmakers, in what is thought to be the first time that has occurred in history. In addition to Cunningham’s woes, the 31st Legislative District’s Sampson has also faced recent controversy over his removal by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor from his position as a longshoreman which he is appealing.

However, amid rumors Cunningham would resign, and the Sampson issue, the HCDO has not made any endorsements for the 31st Legislative District. It has made it clear it will announce its endorsements in the District and for the County Commission at a later date.

“As one of our economic, cultural and political powerhouses, Hudson County is critical to New Jersey’s future, and I am glad to see Chairman Vainieri endorse this exciting team of leaders to keep the county and our state moving forward,” said Booker. “I’ve seen the hard work, dedication, and leadership these candidates bring to their communities. I’m confident they will continue to bring people together and fight for policies that empower New Jersey families.”

The HCDO-backed candidates will likely prevail in the establishment Democrat-leaning Hudson County. Republicans may run their own tickets challenging the Democrats in power in the 31st, 32nd and 33rd Legislative Districts, but local voters lean overwhelmingly Democratic, and when the HCDO determines the candidates, it means their choices are shooins to win.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.

Hudson Reporter • January 19, 2023

Hudson County Democrats have announced their endorsements for State Senate and Assembly candidates ahead of the upcoming primaries. Photos courtesy of the HCDO.

The HCDO touted the numerous supporters and officials in attendance for their announcement.

The Hudson Reporter welcomes letters to the editor on all subjects of interest to our readers. To submit a letter, visit our website, hudsonreporter.com, and in the Opinion pull down, click on Submit a Letter. Once you’ve filled in the boxes our content management system notifies us, and we’ll call you for verification before it’s posted on the web and scheduled for our newspapers. Please limit your letter to 500 words or less. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, and to reject any letters we feel are inappropriate.

We’ll Always Remember

Dear Editor:

On Jan. 27, 1945, the Russian army entered Auschwitz. During its abominable existence, an estimated 1.3 million people were sent to Auschwitz; 1.1 million perished there. The death toll includes 960 thousand Jews; 865 thousand were gassed on arrival, 74 thousand Poles, 21,000 Roma, 15,000 Russian prisoners of war, and 15,000 other Europeans.

That infamous camp has become the primary symbol of the Holocaust. To that extent, on Jan. 27, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Victims of the Holocaust were deprived of their dignity and their humanity. Those who managed to survive the horrors of the Holocaust are truly inspiring. They endured and overcame the tribulations of atrocious captivity and, by doing so, taught the world a very important lesson – A lesson that should never, ever be forgotten.

As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, it is up to each one of us to keep the torch of remembrance burning brightly, so it can serve as a guiding light for education, understanding, compassion, acceptance, and tolerance.

The torch has been passed to each one of us! We cannot allow the flame of remembrance to ever be extinguished.

John Di Genio

Neumann Leathers

Dear Editor:

They should just knock it down like they did ALL over town and build more condo towers so the town can flood even more.

Thomas Chichizola

Bluevine Announces New Corporate Headquarters in Jersey City

Bluevine, a fintech based company is opening up their headquarters in Jersey City, at 30 Montgomery Street.

The fintech-based company also announced it would partner with Rutgers University to offer internship opportunities for students across departments encouraging technological advancements in New Jersey, but has not disclosed when the programs would take place.

For more on the story visit HudsonReporter. com

Hoboken and NHSA to begin Madison Street improvements

The City of Hoboken and North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) will start on the first phase called the Madison Street Infrastructure Improvement Project in an effort to improve the city’s storm water management infrastructure.

The NHSA will relocate approximately 275 linear feet of electrical duct bank along the west curb line of Madison Street from 11th Street to Ninth Street. Once relocated, the City and NHSA will launch Phase II, which will upgrade and expand the combined sewer, replace an outdated water main, and elevate and reconstruct the roadway with Vision Zero safety improvements.

Phase II construction will commence in the summer of 2023 and is scheduled to be completed the following year, according to the Nixle alert sent out to residents.

For more on the story visit the HudsonReporter.com

Jersey City will host 28th Annual Dr. Martin

JERSEY CITY

from page 6

need for a thorough and efficient education,” said the letter first published by the Hudson County View.

The nomination and voting process took less than 10 minutes of the two hour meeting. The board adjourned the meeting and did not appoint a second vice president to the Board of Ed.

presidents. Right now, our bylaw doesn’t make reference to one, two, or 30. Certainly, if anyone wanted to do that at this meeting, or even at any subsequent meeting, you certainly have the ability and a right to do that and the majority of the board wants to proceed.”

The meeting was held at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School, also known as Public School No. 11, located at 886 Bergen Ave. and was also live streamed on the Jersey City Public Schools Facebook page.

Luther

King Jr. Oratory Contest

Jersey City will host its 28th Annual MLK Oratory Contest at City Hall in the Council Chambers.

The final competition is set to take place on Feb.16, from 3:30 p.m. through 6 p.m., according to a statement provided by the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs.

Read more on the story visit the HudsonReporter.com

Barkouch asked Board Counsel Michael Gross as to why the board was not electing two vice presidents as they did in the previous year, and he said, “That was suspending our bylaw at that time, for that year, so we’d have two vice

MEDIA LITERACY

from page 6

“news literacy can be embedded into all subjects as well as be taught as a stand alone topic,” enabling students to take on those skills of combing through a media landscape she called “saturated.”

Each school district will incorporate instruction on information literacy in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The guidelines will include, at a minimum, the following as listed on the state’s site.

“Information literacy is more important now than ever before, especially with the grow-

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at jcoll@hudsonreporter.com.

ing prevalence of social media and online news,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, acting Commissioner of Education. “Students for generations will be well-served by this legislation, which sets into statute the requirement for schools to provide instruction on information literacy.”

The guidelines would call for “a sequential course of study for each of the grades kindergarten through 12 and must include, at a minimum, the following to foster techniques to combat misinformation media literacy techniques for students in kindergarten through 12th grade,” as stated by the bill.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at jcoll@hudsonreporter.com.

For more of this week’s news, visit our website HudsonReporter.com

Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated

and are neither

All financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, which are subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. Savings comparison is based on the purchase of a single unit at regular list price. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. NJ Consumer Affairs License #: 13VH01541700. NYC Consumer Affairs License #: 1244514. Nassau Consumer Affairs License #: H0810150000. Suffolk Consumer Affairs License #: 43991-H. NYC 1307704. Rockland County License #: H-11942-07-00-00. Putnam County Consumer Affairs License #51220. Lic # HIC.0667292 (CT) Lic # WC-35743-H22 (NY). “ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation.