South Jersey News

Around LD1 with Assemblymen
Erik Simonsen
and Antwan McClellan

LD1 Assemblymen LD1 Assemblymen

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.

Read More
LD1 Assemblymen LD1 Assemblymen

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.”

Read More
LD1 Assemblymen LD1 Assemblymen

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.

Read More
LD1 Assemblymen LD1 Assemblymen

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.”

Read More
LD1 Assemblymen LD1 Assemblymen

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.

Read More
Brittany O'Neill Brittany O'Neill

New Jersey’s FY26 Budget: Taxpayers Deserve Better

New Jersey’s FY26 budget makes our state more expensive, not more affordable. With 125 tax hikes in seven years, $5.8 billion in higher property taxes, and schools underfunded by nearly $500 million, Democrats are treating taxpayers like an ATM while families struggle to keep up with skyrocketing costs. It’s time to strip this budget down to the studs and rebuild one that puts families—not pork projects and political games—first.

Read More

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.