Peter Chen
@ptrchn1.bsky.social
Senior Policy Analyst, NJPP. Deranged Cubs fan.
Reposted by Peter Chen
Photo by Pierre Lavie. Yes this is me. And I threw my Leica. It landed on the bass plate with hardly a scratch. Another Photographer grabbed it along with my phone and I was able to track him later. I was held face down tear gas deployed right in front of me and pepper sprayed directly into the eye.
January 17, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Photo by Pierre Lavie. Yes this is me. And I threw my Leica. It landed on the bass plate with hardly a scratch. Another Photographer grabbed it along with my phone and I was able to track him later. I was held face down tear gas deployed right in front of me and pepper sprayed directly into the eye.
Reposted by Peter Chen
Morristown Protest currently being covered by MSNow.
Thank you.
Thank you.
January 17, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Morristown Protest currently being covered by MSNow.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Reposted by Peter Chen
ICE detained people while waiting in line at a food pantry.
Again, ICE DETAINED PEOPLE WHILE WAITING IN LINE AT A FOOD PANTRY.
Again, ICE DETAINED PEOPLE WHILE WAITING IN LINE AT A FOOD PANTRY.
ICE detained people waiting at a food pantry, Salvation Army says
A foodbank in New Jersey cautioned its partners to have a plan in place in case of an ICE raid.
www.nj.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:35 PM
ICE detained people while waiting in line at a food pantry.
Again, ICE DETAINED PEOPLE WHILE WAITING IN LINE AT A FOOD PANTRY.
Again, ICE DETAINED PEOPLE WHILE WAITING IN LINE AT A FOOD PANTRY.
Reposted by Peter Chen
Governor-Elect @mikiesherrill.bsky.social is inheriting a budget that looks good on the surface, but is actually a fiscal minefield.
NJPP Senior Policy Analyst @ptrchn1.bsky.social sat down with @njspotlightnews.org to break down his latest report:
youtu.be/gf5RnmknDhU?...
NJPP Senior Policy Analyst @ptrchn1.bsky.social sat down with @njspotlightnews.org to break down his latest report:
youtu.be/gf5RnmknDhU?...
NJ Spotlight News: January 15, 2026
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Governor-Elect @mikiesherrill.bsky.social is inheriting a budget that looks good on the surface, but is actually a fiscal minefield.
NJPP Senior Policy Analyst @ptrchn1.bsky.social sat down with @njspotlightnews.org to break down his latest report:
youtu.be/gf5RnmknDhU?...
NJPP Senior Policy Analyst @ptrchn1.bsky.social sat down with @njspotlightnews.org to break down his latest report:
youtu.be/gf5RnmknDhU?...
Reposted by Peter Chen
While the pasty incels who work the federal agencies continue to churn out feeble, bloodless AI pastiches of Axis propaganda, here’s how a living breathing artist powerfully invokes design history. This is by illustrator Emily K in South Philly, a free poster-sized download on her website: →
January 15, 2026 at 7:57 PM
While the pasty incels who work the federal agencies continue to churn out feeble, bloodless AI pastiches of Axis propaganda, here’s how a living breathing artist powerfully invokes design history. This is by illustrator Emily K in South Philly, a free poster-sized download on her website: →
Reposted by Peter Chen
🚨 NEW 🚨
Without sustainable and equitable revenue sources, incoming governor Mikie Sherrill is inheriting a state budget full of fiscal threats — to the tune of $3 billion.
Read the full report from @ptrchn1.bsky.social: www.njpp.org/publications...
Without sustainable and equitable revenue sources, incoming governor Mikie Sherrill is inheriting a state budget full of fiscal threats — to the tune of $3 billion.
Read the full report from @ptrchn1.bsky.social: www.njpp.org/publications...
Five Budget Time Bombs Facing the Next Governor - New Jersey Policy Perspective
Without sustainable and equitable revenue sources, incoming governor Mikie Sherrill is inheriting a state budget full of fiscal threats.
www.njpp.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:36 PM
🚨 NEW 🚨
Without sustainable and equitable revenue sources, incoming governor Mikie Sherrill is inheriting a state budget full of fiscal threats — to the tune of $3 billion.
Read the full report from @ptrchn1.bsky.social: www.njpp.org/publications...
Without sustainable and equitable revenue sources, incoming governor Mikie Sherrill is inheriting a state budget full of fiscal threats — to the tune of $3 billion.
Read the full report from @ptrchn1.bsky.social: www.njpp.org/publications...
Reposted by Peter Chen
To @govmurphy.bsky.social:
As a Jerseyite (Bloomfield) and an American, I was deeply disappointed by your answers on #AskTheGov suggesting you may not sign the Immigrant Protection Package. You said signing these bills would just be a “feel good moment” that wouldn’t change much and hinted
🧵
As a Jerseyite (Bloomfield) and an American, I was deeply disappointed by your answers on #AskTheGov suggesting you may not sign the Immigrant Protection Package. You said signing these bills would just be a “feel good moment” that wouldn’t change much and hinted
🧵
Governor Phil Murphy (@govmurphy.bsky.social)
56th Governor of the Garden State and husband to Tammy. Building a stronger, fairer, and more affordable New Jersey.
Text me: (732) 605-5455
govmurphy.bsky.social
January 15, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Reposted by Peter Chen
We are at the point this week where IR scholars are mentioning things like "WWIII"
January 14, 2026 at 8:30 PM
We are at the point this week where IR scholars are mentioning things like "WWIII"
Reposted by Peter Chen
I know people on Bsky know this but I hope it filters out: The feds are OCCUPYING the Twin Cities. This is a blockade, a siege. They are shutting down economic and civic activity. They are conducting "papers please" stops. They are criminalizing being a bystander/witness.
You could be next.
You could be next.
January 14, 2026 at 4:25 PM
I know people on Bsky know this but I hope it filters out: The feds are OCCUPYING the Twin Cities. This is a blockade, a siege. They are shutting down economic and civic activity. They are conducting "papers please" stops. They are criminalizing being a bystander/witness.
You could be next.
You could be next.
Reposted by Peter Chen
The Supreme Court only cleared the way for Kavanaugh Stops four months ago and ICE now openly engages in violent racial profiling, snatching anyone who looks non-white and treating them as presumptively guilty of a crime. Remarkable how quickly our liberties can be crushed when courts go along.
Can confirm I have personally seen three attempts just today of agents in a convoy of ICE vehicles trying to snatch random POCs along Central Ave - and then being chased off by neighbors with whistles. It's blatant racial profiling.
Minneapolis city council member says POC should stay home:
Minneapolis city council member says POC should stay home:
Dear neighbor,
HIGH ALERT‼️ If you are vulnerable to deportation please stay home today. I’m sorry to say this but it’s not safe to be outside. ICE is tearing families apart.
Children of immigrants please keep your family safe.
Jason Chavez 1/
HIGH ALERT‼️ If you are vulnerable to deportation please stay home today. I’m sorry to say this but it’s not safe to be outside. ICE is tearing families apart.
Children of immigrants please keep your family safe.
Jason Chavez 1/
January 14, 2026 at 4:29 PM
The Supreme Court only cleared the way for Kavanaugh Stops four months ago and ICE now openly engages in violent racial profiling, snatching anyone who looks non-white and treating them as presumptively guilty of a crime. Remarkable how quickly our liberties can be crushed when courts go along.
Reposted by Peter Chen
I wrote about Renee Good, Venezuela, Greenland, and what it means to be a human being. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
January 14, 2026 at 3:26 PM
I wrote about Renee Good, Venezuela, Greenland, and what it means to be a human being. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Peter Chen
“Under the authority of the people”. That’s part of our oath. That’s who I work for, the people of Hoboken and Jersey City.
Rather than a religious text, newly-minted New Jersey Assemblywoman Katie Brennan, a progressive who beat a million-dollar spending disadvantage and the full force of the Hudson County machine, was sworn in on a printout of her district's entire universe of registered voters
January 14, 2026 at 12:02 AM
“Under the authority of the people”. That’s part of our oath. That’s who I work for, the people of Hoboken and Jersey City.
Reposted by Peter Chen
This “affordability” framework for a second reconciliation bill (i.e. a “Second Big Beautiful Bill”) follows the same structure as its predecessor:
1.)Making it harder for Americans to afford health care, food & groceries.
2.)Tax cuts for rich people. 🧵
1.)Making it harder for Americans to afford health care, food & groceries.
2.)Tax cuts for rich people. 🧵
🐘📈 Republicans in the House have started about a second party-line reconciliation package.
In other words: A "One Big Beautiful Bill 2.0."
The Republican Study Committee put out its framework for a bill.
Here is everything in it, and how much it costs or saves on th3e federal budget:
In other words: A "One Big Beautiful Bill 2.0."
The Republican Study Committee put out its framework for a bill.
Here is everything in it, and how much it costs or saves on th3e federal budget:
Republican Study Committee reconciliation proposals
Figures in red represent increases to the national debt over 10 years, and in teal represent savings.
datawrapper.dwcdn.net
January 13, 2026 at 10:09 PM
This “affordability” framework for a second reconciliation bill (i.e. a “Second Big Beautiful Bill”) follows the same structure as its predecessor:
1.)Making it harder for Americans to afford health care, food & groceries.
2.)Tax cuts for rich people. 🧵
1.)Making it harder for Americans to afford health care, food & groceries.
2.)Tax cuts for rich people. 🧵
Reposted by Peter Chen
For the first time: The Assembly voting board with 12 new members
January 13, 2026 at 9:57 PM
For the first time: The Assembly voting board with 12 new members
OK but also remember when the state passed the Corporate Transit Fee????
www.njpp.org/media/statem...
www.njpp.org/media/statem...
January 13, 2026 at 9:23 PM
OK but also remember when the state passed the Corporate Transit Fee????
www.njpp.org/media/statem...
www.njpp.org/media/statem...
Reposted by Peter Chen
Okay, good self-deprecating NJ Transit joke.
Gov Murphy was dealt a BAD hand, and we knew transit wasn’t going to be solved in just one or two terms. The Corporate Transit Fee prevented it from getting worse, but there’s no doubt CEO Kolluri has his work cut out for him. The work continues! #NJSOTS
Gov Murphy was dealt a BAD hand, and we knew transit wasn’t going to be solved in just one or two terms. The Corporate Transit Fee prevented it from getting worse, but there’s no doubt CEO Kolluri has his work cut out for him. The work continues! #NJSOTS
January 13, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Okay, good self-deprecating NJ Transit joke.
Gov Murphy was dealt a BAD hand, and we knew transit wasn’t going to be solved in just one or two terms. The Corporate Transit Fee prevented it from getting worse, but there’s no doubt CEO Kolluri has his work cut out for him. The work continues! #NJSOTS
Gov Murphy was dealt a BAD hand, and we knew transit wasn’t going to be solved in just one or two terms. The Corporate Transit Fee prevented it from getting worse, but there’s no doubt CEO Kolluri has his work cut out for him. The work continues! #NJSOTS
Reposted by Peter Chen
I really hope the World Cup and the 250th anniversary celebrations both center around this message: IMMIGRANTS ARE WHAT MAKE OUR COUNTRY GREAT. #NJSOTS
January 13, 2026 at 9:19 PM
I really hope the World Cup and the 250th anniversary celebrations both center around this message: IMMIGRANTS ARE WHAT MAKE OUR COUNTRY GREAT. #NJSOTS
Reposted by Peter Chen
Former BPU Prez Fiordaliso was a giant! Joe Jr once told a story about cleaning out his father’s desk and finding a handwritten note from an elderly woman thanking Prez Fiordaliso for helping her pay her bills.
It’s fine, I’m not crying, you are. #NJSOTS
It’s fine, I’m not crying, you are. #NJSOTS
January 13, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Former BPU Prez Fiordaliso was a giant! Joe Jr once told a story about cleaning out his father’s desk and finding a handwritten note from an elderly woman thanking Prez Fiordaliso for helping her pay her bills.
It’s fine, I’m not crying, you are. #NJSOTS
It’s fine, I’m not crying, you are. #NJSOTS
Reposted by Peter Chen
Lol, angry comment in the NJSpotlight Youtube chat about higher electric bills.
A reminder that our higher bills are due largely in part to 1. AI data center demand and 2. PJM dragging its feet on building more energy supply.
Learn more here: www.njpp.org/publications... #NJSOTS
A reminder that our higher bills are due largely in part to 1. AI data center demand and 2. PJM dragging its feet on building more energy supply.
Learn more here: www.njpp.org/publications... #NJSOTS
Millions of New Jerseyans at Risk from Hazardous Materials Transported by Rail - New Jersey Policy Perspective
New Jersey should update its hazmat freight rail policies to protect the millions of residents who live along freight lines.
www.njpp.org
January 13, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Lol, angry comment in the NJSpotlight Youtube chat about higher electric bills.
A reminder that our higher bills are due largely in part to 1. AI data center demand and 2. PJM dragging its feet on building more energy supply.
Learn more here: www.njpp.org/publications... #NJSOTS
A reminder that our higher bills are due largely in part to 1. AI data center demand and 2. PJM dragging its feet on building more energy supply.
Learn more here: www.njpp.org/publications... #NJSOTS
Reposted by Peter Chen
I think it’s easy to forget how DIRE things were back in 2017. Similar federal government but we ALSO just had eight years of austerity state budgets and state funding cuts that left many New Jerseyans behind.
State policy-wise, there’s no doubt we’re in a far better place now. #NJSOTS
State policy-wise, there’s no doubt we’re in a far better place now. #NJSOTS
January 13, 2026 at 8:31 PM
I think it’s easy to forget how DIRE things were back in 2017. Similar federal government but we ALSO just had eight years of austerity state budgets and state funding cuts that left many New Jerseyans behind.
State policy-wise, there’s no doubt we’re in a far better place now. #NJSOTS
State policy-wise, there’s no doubt we’re in a far better place now. #NJSOTS
Reposted by Peter Chen
DOUBLING the state minimum wage AND a millionaire’s tax! HUGE accomplishments that predated my time at NJPP, but I’m proud that this organization helped lead those fights to truly make New Jersey more affordable for all. #NJSOTS
January 13, 2026 at 8:34 PM
DOUBLING the state minimum wage AND a millionaire’s tax! HUGE accomplishments that predated my time at NJPP, but I’m proud that this organization helped lead those fights to truly make New Jersey more affordable for all. #NJSOTS
THREAD: It's @govmurphy.bsky.social's last State of the State and I'm curious to see how he'll frame his legacy as he leaves office.
#NJSOTS
#NJSOTS
January 13, 2026 at 8:06 PM
THREAD: It's @govmurphy.bsky.social's last State of the State and I'm curious to see how he'll frame his legacy as he leaves office.
#NJSOTS
#NJSOTS
Reposted by Peter Chen
Being right about trump was boring, tedious, partisan, ideological. Being wrong about trump? Heterodox, contrarian, free thinking.
January 13, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Being right about trump was boring, tedious, partisan, ideological. Being wrong about trump? Heterodox, contrarian, free thinking.
Reposted by Peter Chen
There’s reports that there will be 1,000 more agents coming to our city. We need that same surge in residents out patrolling our streets. Even if you can’t patrol, come work from a coffee shop on one of cultural corridors so you can be there to show up for our neighbors.
January 13, 2026 at 3:23 AM
There’s reports that there will be 1,000 more agents coming to our city. We need that same surge in residents out patrolling our streets. Even if you can’t patrol, come work from a coffee shop on one of cultural corridors so you can be there to show up for our neighbors.