By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
Here we go again, Save Jerseyans.
Winter Storm Titan is poised to drop anywhere from a few to a foot of snow and ice on the Garden State over the next 24 hours. Governor Christie has once again declared a state of emergency and closed state government for all but “essential” employees on Monday.
Click here to see the executive order. Chief Justice Rabner arrived at the same conclusion and closed all state judicial vicinages and offices.
Classification of “essential” employees is governed by Title 4A of the New Jersey Administrative Code:
Each State department and agency shall annually review its criteria for the designation of essential attendance employees and, based on these criteria, update its roster of such employees. Employees so designated shall be notified no later than October 31 of each year of this designation and shall at that time be provided with a copy of the department or agency’s Essential Employee Attendance Plan. The Plan shall include the responsibilities, requirements and expectations of such employees in the event that a period of inclement weather or other adverse situation requires the curtailment of State operations or services.
Of course, my definition of essential isn’t always the same Trenton’s, and politics inevitably plays a role, such as back in 2010 when the Governor declared all casino workers “essential” by executive order during a budget impasse with Democrats.
“This winter storm is expected to arrive tonight and last through Monday, bringing heavy snow and creating hazardous travel conditions throughout the state,” said Governor Christie in a press release. “I’ve authorized state officials to take all necessary actions, and my Administration will monitor conditions throughout the remainder of the storm. I encourage all New Jerseyans to drive carefully and remain off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations.”
