New Jersey is second in per-capita income of all 50 states, right behind Connecticut.
New Jersey has zero excuse, it should be able to support itself and weather its storms.
There should be sinking funds at the state level to handle capital projects. Instead of borrowing and paying interest on the project, the State would be earning interest on the sinking fund, then simply do the project when it’s fully funded.
Insurance could and should cover most damages.
First Energy is a nightmare, the State should require its power providers to be in one state only, New Jersey. It should have a good Competitive model for power. We would have seen much less downtime. The big blackout from 2003 that affected an estimated 10 million people in Ontario and 45 million people in eight U.S. states was caused by First Energy not cutting trees appropriately. That, along with minimizing maintenance staff, apparently are the cost-cutting genius moves that corporate First Energy hangs its hat on, which a few months ago proved very problematic because there was enough wind to take out acres of trees in forests like they were matchsticks.
No State should accept or receive any Federal money for anything, IMHO. The Feds should get out of the highway business completely. NJ spends by far the most on roads per mile of road - far more than any other State. NJ is one of the most corrupt States. It’s common practice for lawyers to serve as municipal attorneys for multiple towns and receive several pensions.
Across most of America, government is nothing but a cesspool of corruption.
Very informative perspective. Thanks.