South Jersey News
Around LD1 with Assemblymen
Erik Simonsen
and Antwan McClellan
Our Kids Lose While Newark Wastes
A state audit found Newark Public Schools spent $566,000 on an employee fitness center used by an average of just seven employees a day.
Simonsen Introduces Housing Affordability Package Focused on New Jersey Seniors
Assemblyman Erik Simonsen is introducing a two-bill housing affordability package focused on helping New Jersey seniors stay in the communities they call home. The legislation would increase ANCHOR benefits for qualifying senior renters to at least $1,500 and create greater transparency around rent increases across the state.
Stop Moving the Goalposts on Independent Workers
If Trenton keeps needing profession-by-profession exemptions to protect legitimate independent work, it’s time to examine the system creating the problem.
SIMONSEN CALLS FOR OVERSIGHT HEARING ON SOARING NEW JERSEY HEALTH CARE COSTS
"New Jerseyans are getting crushed by the rising cost of health care," said Simonsen. "We know what families and employers are being asked to pay. What we need to know is why."
McClellan Moves to Restore Checks and Balances on Environmental Regulations
A4971 prohibits DEP and other State agencies from adopting certain rules and regulations without Legislative approval.
Citizenship Meant Everything to My Family. Does New Jersey Still Value It?
For my family, citizenship was earned through sacrifice, perseverance, and respect for the law. After New Jersey mistakenly registered thousands of noncitizens to vote, we must ask whether our state is doing enough to protect the right so many worked tirelessly to earn.
Simonsen and McClellan Legislation to Protect Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care
Bill would prevent eligible veterans from being turned away from county mental health programs while awaiting federal services
Simonsen Bill Would Create Coast Guard License Plate and Generate Donations to Support the Service
The bill would also allow individuals and organizations to make donations to help establish the license plate program. Any remaining donations, along with plate fees collected after administrative expenses, would be deposited into the United States Coast Guard License Plate Fund and appropriated annually to the Coast Guard.
Ahead of Fall Sports Season, Simonsen Renews Call for "Michael Fisher's Law" to Protect Young Athletes
Ahead of Fall Sports Season, Simonsen Renews Call for "Michael Fisher's Law" to Protect Young Athletes. Legislation Would Require Lifesaving AEDs at Youth Sporting Events and Large Public Venues
250 years. One nation.
250 years. One nation. Countless reasons to be proud.
We asked one simple question:
"Why are you proud to be an American?"
As Boating Season Peaks, Simonsen Calls for Action on Growing Crisis of Abandoned Vessels
To tackle the issue, Simonsen has introduced legislation establishing a statewide strategy to remove abandoned and derelict vessels while providing municipalities with the resources they need to do the job.
McClellan: I Warned New Jersey Was Losing Its Competitive Edge. Another Fortune 500 Departure Shows Why We Must Act
Another Fortune 500 company is leaving New Jersey. Assemblyman Antwan McClellan explains why the state's business climate, record budget, and economic priorities should concern every New Jerseyan.
Assemblymen Simonsen and McClellan Urge Residents to Prepare as Extreme Heat Returns to South Jersey
Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic County residents encouraged to stay informed and utilize New Jersey's cooling center resources.
Simonsen & McClellan: FY2027 Budget Statement
Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan explain why they voted against New Jersey's FY2027 State Budget, citing affordability, fiscal responsibility, and accountability to taxpayers.
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.
McClellan Introduces Legislation Inspired by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s Advocacy
McClellan Introduces Legislation Inspired by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s Advocacy, Visits Wildwood Schools to Discuss Perseverance and Public Service
From Combat to Coaching: Simonsen Bill Backs Veterans on the Sidelines
Simonsen Bill Inspired by Army Veteran Would Open High School Coaching Opportunities for Veterans
Simonsen Calls for Continued Search and Community Support for Missing Delaware Bay Fisherman
Assemblyman Erik Simonsen calls for continued search efforts and community support for Matthew Oliver, a South Jersey fisherman missing in the Delaware Bay near Gandy’s Beach.
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.
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.
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.