Office of the Governor | This Week In New Jersey: October 4, 2019

Governor Murphy Marks One-Year Anniversary of Economic Plan

Governor Phil Murphy touted his Administration’s economic successes over the past year as he marked the one-year anniversary of the release of his sweeping economic vision with a one-on-one discussion with New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairwoman Linda Bowden at Rowan University.
“In the year since I announced my economic vision for New Jersey, we have made substantial progress in making our state both stronger and fairer for everyone,” Governor Murphy said. “Although we have made progress, we still have more work to do. We are hard at work attracting businesses to our state, beyond a narrow focus on excessive corporate tax incentives. We must continue to find ways to realize New Jersey’s potential as a hub for business activity, as well as a fantastic place to raise a family.”
“One year ago, Gov. Murphy outlined a bold and comprehensive vision for New Jersey's economic future, one which prioritizes investments in people, communities and innovation," said EDA CEO Tim Sullivan. "We are proud of the progress we have made in building a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy, but mindful that much work remains to ensure that all New Jersey residents have access to a good-paying job in a vibrant community.”

Governor Murphy Announces Recommendations from the Electronic Smoking Device Task Force

Governor Phil Murphy announced recommendations and guidelines from the Electronic Smoking Device Task Force, which was created by Executive Order No. 84 and directed to formulate a comprehensive strategy within 21 days to protect New Jersey residents from the hazards of electronic cigarettes. These recommendations include the imposition of a ban by the Legislature on the sale of flavored electronic smoking devices and products.

“The recent spate of lung disease and deaths across the country due to electronic smoking device use is startling,” said Governor Murphy. “In just 21 days, the Electronic Smoking Device Task Force has set forth a comprehensive list of recommendations to protect New Jersey residents from the inherent dangers associated with vaping. My Administration will act swiftly to implement the Task Force’s recommendations and we ask our legislative partners to do the same. We must work together to protect the health and safety of New Jersey’s youth.”

First Lady Tammy Murphy, NJEDA, and Golden Seeds Host Information Session Highlighting New Resource for Women-Led Businesses

First Lady Tammy Murphy joined representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Golden Seeds to host an information session at Drumthwacket highlighting the resources Golden Seeds offers both women-led businesses and the broader investment and entrepreneurial community in New Jersey. The event is part of the NJEDA’s collaboration with Golden Seeds that launched in July to support Governor Murphy’s goal of making New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem the most diverse in the nation.

“Establishing a Golden Seeds chapter in New Jersey is a critical step forward, both for supporting women in business and for driving economic growth,” said First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy. “Studies show that companies with women in high-level management positions increase their margins and produce more patents than teams with solely male leaders, yet these women-led companies still struggle to find funding. Our collaboration with Golden Seeds to provide mentorship opportunities for women in business and connect angel investors with women-led companies will address this disparity, strengthen New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem, and drive long-term, sustainable economic growth.”

Murphy Administration Restores New Jersey's Role in Refugee Resettlement

New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson announced that New Jersey as of Tuesday resumed its role as the State Refugee Coordinator of the Refugee Resettlement Program.

“New Jersey is resuming this role at a critical time,” Commissioner Johnson said. “The federal government’s policy is wrong and devastating for refugees desperate for safety and to be reunited with their families. We stand ready to welcome refugees and recognize their contribution to our state.”

New Jersey Will Provide $2 Million in Navigator Grants & Outreach Funding to Assist New Jerseyans with ACA Enrollment

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance announced the state will dedicate up to $2 million in grant funding for state Navigators and other organizations to provide enrollment assistance to New Jersey residents shopping for health coverage during this year’s open enrollment period, as part of the state’s move to a State-Based Exchange on the Federal Platform.

“New Jersey’s transition to a State-Based Exchange will allow the state to build on efforts already made to improve access to health coverage. Through the establishment of a State-Based Exchange on the Federal Platform, we are able to demonstrate a greater commitment and investment in outreach and enrollment assistance that the federal government has refused to provide in recent years. This means that for the approaching Open Enrollment Period we can connect more New Jerseyans to information about coverage and ensure that residents who need help enrolling or re-enrolling in health coverage will have the support they need,” said Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride. “This is yet another step forward in the Murphy Administration’s work to protect access to health coverage and to ensure that families in our state get the care they depend on and that they deserve.”