Ray Lesniak in 2017 NJ Governor's race

On Welfare & Poverty: Private donations for job training for SNAP recipients

Under federal requirements, recipients must have a job or be in a training program to be eligible for the benefit. New Jersey had waived that requirement because of the weak economy, but last year Gov. Chris Christie's administration refused to extend that waiver. Elected officials gathered to kick off the SNAP Employment and Demonstration Project, the result of legislation sponsored by state senator Ray Lesniak.

Lesniak said, "It matches private sector money to federal money--at no costs to the state--in funding job training for SNAP recipients." Lesniak said 11,000 people statewide would lose their food stamps unless they get jobs or are in training programs.

On Environment: Ban baiting of deer and bear during hunting

The extended hunt is scheduled to start a half-hour before sunrise on Wednesday and run through a half-hour after sunset on Saturday, the division said. Hunters who have already killed their one permitted bear this season are not eligible to continue hunting during the four-day extension.

Opponents of the hunt are also pushing for adoption of a bill, S-687, sponsored by Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Union, that would ban baiting of deer and bear and require people who live in bear areas to store their trash in animal-proof containers.

On Drugs: Ultimately we'll get legalization but wait for other states

Senator Ray Lesniak said he would consult with those involved in drug recovery efforts before making a decision. "I wanna hear more about the experiences in the states and other countries where it is legal," he said. "It's a process; I think ultimately we'll get there but we need more information before a final decision is made."

On Drugs: Study legalization of recreational cannabis in other states

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said he's still studying the issue. "I think that there's certainly pros and cons," he said, "and we've heard both sides of it and we're trying to learn what works in other states."

Senator Ray Lesniak said he would consult with those involved in drug recovery efforts before making a decision. "I wanna hear more about the experiences in the states and other countries where it is legal," he said. "It's a process; I think ultimately we'll get there but we need more information before a final decision is made."

On Gun Control: Buy police weapons from socially responsible gun sellers

The city awarded a $500,000 contract to Lawmen Supply Company to provide weapons and ammunition to the police department after a bid process that involved the city quizzing potential vendors about how they would handle firearms returned by the city, whether they sell assault weapons to citizens and whether they agree not to sell certain models of firearms for civilian use.

The mayor's plan is backed by Ceasefire NJ, which lobbies for stricter gun control laws. The city plans to award the contract to Lawmen over the other bidder, Atlantic Tactical, whose bid was $10,000 less.