As it has been in the past, renewals are processed first. But, what people aren't understanding is, that the more permits that are issued, the more renewals there will be in the future. Hence, the longer it will take to get a first-time permit. The good thing is that when a permit comes up for renewal, as long as you have your renewal application in the system by the proper time, you are still covered on the old permit until it is renewed.
When "newbie" applicants apply, they are impatient, just as the rest of us were when we did our first permit application. The only answer is that the state hire more people to process the applications. But in this Liberal Democrat state, that is highly unlikely, as the Democrats don't want you to have a permit anyhow.