EAST WINDSOR - In a booth in a diner on the side of a Central Jersey highway, state Senator Linda Greenstein (D-14) in a morning interview with InsiderNJ considered the political lay of the land, the new era of Governor Mikie Sherrill, energy, the challenges of data centers, labor, the environment, the economy, issues especially pertinent to her district, Israel and the Middle East, ICE and masks, the FY2027 Budget, and many other pressing issues.

Greenstein discussed critical affordability measures for vulnerable populations in the budget, which she said she supported on the strength of over $4 billion in targeted tax relief, including the Child Care Tax Credit, up to $1,000 for each dependent child five or younger; StayNJ, a property tax relief program for homeowners 65 and over; and ANCHOR, a program that offers property tax relief to New Jersey residents who own or rent property in New Jersey as their main home and meet certain income limits.

"We have an affordability crisis and we must do anything in our power to help people," said the Senator. "StayNJ and ANCHOR are extremely important to people of all ages, and will help people stay in New Jersey. In addition, we hope many people will choose the Child Care Tax Credit, which will allow people to work more comfortably. Those programs very important and we fought hard to keep them."

A battleground district veteran of the New Jersey Legislature, Senator Greenstein has long paid close attention to the needs of Labor, bringing together the (sometimes conflicting) interests of both public sector and Building Trades labor in a single pro-unions agenda.

"Democrats have to be very true to their roots and part of their roots are unions," said Greenstein. "They have to be pro-union, whether pro or private sector unions. Democrats win by staying pro union. ...Traditional Democrats are best for the public. Old fashioned moderate Democrats are best on affordability and working-class issues. They are best on the economy."

The Senator talked about that agenda, while focusing too on the delicate three balance in New Jersey among labor, energy and the environment.

She also discussed her process of legislative prioritization in a complex district, and the critical need for an elected official to do the homework, talk to impacted communities, listen and gather information, and build consensus.

For the (FULL!) two-part interview with Senator Linda Greenstein, please see below: