South Jersey News

Around LD1 with Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan

South Jersey News provides coverage of government, public policy, tourism, education, transportation, taxes, public safety, and community issues affecting Cape May County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic County.

Published by the Office of Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan, this news center highlights legislation, local government decisions, economic development, tourism initiatives, constituent services, and community events impacting residents of New Jersey's First Legislative District.

Communities covered include Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Sea Isle City, Upper Township, Dennis Township, Vineland, Millville, Maurice River Township, and neighboring South Jersey communities.

Brittany O'Neill Brittany O'Neill

More Than Beaches and Boardwalks: Why Cape May County Keeps Families Coming Back

Cape May County is known for its beautiful beaches, iconic boardwalks, and family-friendly attractions, but what keeps millions of visitors coming back year after year? Assemblyman Antwan McClellan and Cape May County Tourism Director Diane Wieland took that question for a spin—literally.

The two met at Castaway Cove Playland in Ocean City, where they mixed tourism talk with a little thrill-seeking, discussing everything from transportation funding and local businesses to cultural heritage and the unique experiences that make Cape May County one of New Jersey’s premier vacation destinations. Between the rides and the laughs, Wieland shared why the county's appeal extends far beyond the shoreline and why families continue making memories here generation after generation.

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Sherrill Budget Grows Government to $60.7B While Taxpayers Struggle

The assemblymen noted they have consistently opposed state budgets during their time in office, arguing that they have relied on unsustainable spending increases without delivering meaningful relief for taxpayers. They warned that if the same pattern continues during this year’s negotiations, the final budget could grow even larger before it is adopted.

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LD1 Team Recognize Women in Construction Week

Senator Michael Testa Jr., Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan proudly recognize Women in Construction Week, honoring the skilled tradeswomen who are strengthening New Jersey’s workforce, building critical infrastructure, and serving as leaders within the construction industry.

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Simonsen Signs On to STEM Grant Program to Support Millville Students

“I recently had the opportunity to tour Millville’s Star Academy firsthand, and what I saw was truly impressive. The program is delivering real results - students are actively engaged in STEM learning, gaining hands-on experience in science and technology, and building skills that will carry them into high school and beyond,” Simonsen added.

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Pilot Telehealth Program for Pregnant Medicaid Beneficiaries Passes Committee 

“The closest hospital providing comprehensive maternity care for women is nearly 50 miles away for some Cape May County residents. This limited access to health care plays a significant role in the health outcomes of South Jersey moms and babies,” McClellan said.

“A telehealth program for pregnant patients on Medicaid who are living in medically underserved communities like the southern shore region would give more moms the ability to receive critical prenatal care.”

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McClellan Pushes Tourism Investment Bill as State Funnels Millions to FIFA While South Jersey Waits for Help

McClellan is sponsoring Assembly Bill A1460, legislation that would dedicate 100 percent of hotel and motel occupancy fee revenues to arts, historical heritage, and tourism promotion across New Jersey, ensuring that local communities, particularly shore and tourism driven regions like Cape May County, see real returns from the visitors they attract. The legislation is co sponsored by Assemblyman Erik K. Simonsen and is currently pending before the Legislature.

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Simonsen Criticizes Governor-Elect’s Attempt to Increase Transition Budget by 62%

“Today I voted no on the Governor-Elect’s request for an additional $250,000 in taxpayer funds for her transition. The state has already appropriated $400,000 for these costs, bringing the total transition budget to $625,000 under this bill. It’s concerning that before even being sworn in, the Governor-Elect is asking taxpayers for even more money. At a time when families are being asked to do more with less, increasing government spending when substantial funding already exists is simply not responsible. Taxpayers deserve accountability and fiscal discipline — not an expanded transition budget.”

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Simonsen: Our Kids Deserve Better - My Response to Muphy’s A3323 Veto

Athletics. Band. After school clubs. In every school these programs keep kids connected, motivated, and on track to graduate. Assembly Bill 3323 would have included pay for extracurricular duties as part of retirement compensation through the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund. This is not a new money issue. It is about counting pay that already exists toward retirement, so our mentors, coaches, band directors, choir leaders, and club sponsors stay in our schools and continue to inspire students.

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Coverage Areas: Ocean City, Cape May, West Cape May, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Upper Township, Dennis Township, Middle Township, Lower Township, Vineland, Millville, Maurice River Township, Buena Vista Township, and communities throughout Legislative District 1.