Governor Murphy Lifts State of Emergency

Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the State of Emergency that took effect on January 19, 2019, for all 21 counties in New Jersey will be lifted as of 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 21, 2019.

Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency

Governor Phil Murphy today declared that New Jersey will enter a state of emergency beginning at noon on Saturday ahead of Winter Storm Harper, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate response and recovery efforts. Executive Order No. 50 indicates a state of emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, and allows resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.

ICYMI: Murphy Administration Reminds Residents to Take Steps to Protect Their Health During Winter Weather

With New Jersey expecting its first winter storm of the year this weekend, the New Jersey Department of Health would like to remind residents to prepare for possible power outages and hazardous conditions.

From the New Jersey Department of Health

Governor Phil Murphy Announces Nominations

Governor Phil Murphy filed the following nominations today, which require the advice and consent of the Senate.

Governor Murphy Leads Multi-State Effort Urging President Trump to Fund Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program for U.S. Coast Guard’s Servicemembers

Governor Phil Murphy and Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina today sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging his administration to allow U.S. Coast Guard servicemembers to receive federal food assistance through a Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) fund. Due to the partial government shutdown, Coast Guard servicemembers have not been paid since December 31, 2018.

ICYMI: Governor Murphy and the Murphy Administration Urge Residents to Prepare for Upcoming Snow Storm

Governor Phil Murphy and the Murphy Administration are asking New Jersey residents to prepare for a winter storm that will affect the area throughout the weekend.   

Governor Murphy Discusses Importance of Fully Funding New Jersey Public Schools

Governor Phil Murphy today visited Ross Street Elementary School in Woodbridge to discuss how full funding of New Jersey’s public schools stands to provide relief for property taxpayers, as well as improve the educational experience for students and educators.  

**Winter Weather Congestion Alert**
ICYMI: NJDOT Implementing Business Day Protocol for Friday Storm Avoid Unnecessary Travel and Consider Telecommuting if possible

From the New Jersey Department of Transportation: 

Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin Announce Agreement on $15/Hour Minimum Wage Legislation, Boosting Wages for Over One Million New Jersey Workers

Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced an agreement on legislation to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15/hour.

ICYMI: NJBPU Approves State’s First Community Solar Pilot Program Rules

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved the three-year Community Solar Energy Pilot Program Rules, a key component of Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy agenda. Community solar will make solar available to more state residents by allowing customers of an electric public utility to participate in a solar project not actually located on their property. Instead, the system can be located in the subscriber’s electric utility service territory.

ICYMI: New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance Urges Regulated Entities to Assist NJ Residents Affected by Federal Shutdown

Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride today issued a bulletin encouraging entities regulated by the department to work with and assist New Jersey residents affected by the federal government shutdown.

NJ TRANSIT Recruits Hundreds of Train Engineers and Bus Operators

Governor Phil Murphy today met with NJ TRANSIT employees training to become new train conductors, locomotive engineers, and bus operators at the Ferry St. training facility in Newark. 

Governor Murphy Announces New Vision for State’s Tax Incentive Programs

Governor Phil Murphy today released his plans for developing capped and targeted tax incentive programs as part of his economic development vision, with a focus on innovative, high-growth sectors and world-class communities. 

Governor Murphy Announces Kathleen Frangione as Acting Chief of Staff

Governor Phil Murphy today announced that Kathleen Frangione, currently Chief Policy Advisor to the Governor, will serve as Acting Chief of Staff. Frangione will succeed outgoing Chief of Staff Pete Cammarano, who will transition back to the private sector and whose last day in the Governor’s Office will be today, Tuesday, January 15th. 

Governor Murphy Delivers First State of the State Address

Governor Murphy outlines his vision to reform the State’s tax incentives programs and highlights initiatives to continue building a stronger and fairer New Jersey

Governor Murphy State of the State 2019 Remarks

Lieutenant Governor Oliver, Senate President Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, Majority Leaders Weinberg and Greenwald, Minority Leaders Kean and Bramnick, members of the Legislature, Chief Justice Rabner and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, former governors Florio, McGreevey, and Codey, distinguished faith leaders, honored guests, and fellow New Jerseyans.

ICYMI: New Jersey, PA Win Nationwide Injunction Blocking Enforcement of Rules that Would Deny Women No-Cost Contraception

Judge Bars Rules that Would Broaden Employer Exceptions to Coverage Requirements

From the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General

ICYMI: NJDOL Announces $3M Pre-Apprenticeship Training Grant to Prepare Individuals to Succeed in Registered Apprenticeships

To better align secondary, post-secondary, and adult education and occupational training to the unique needs of Garden State employers, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced a Notice of Grant Opportunity (NGO) today in the amount of $3,000,000 to promote upward mobility and economic fairness through the newly formed Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) Training Program.

ICYMI: N.J. Department of Human Services: February SNAP Benefits to be Paid January 19

The New Jersey Department of Human Services announced today that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will be receiving their February benefits early because of the continued federal government shutdown.

ICYMI: Furloughed Federal Workers May Be Eligible to Collect Unemployment Benefits

Furloughed federal employees assigned to work in New Jersey are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits.

New Jersey Leaders React to the Office of the State Comptroller’s Performance Audit of the Economic Development Authority's Tax Incentives Programs

“State resources of this magnitude would have kept people in their homes and should have been used make NJ a more affordable place for all. During the time that $11 billion in tax incentives were being distributed, nonprofit community developers were working with a very modest tax credit to strengthen communities, create jobs, and build affordable homes.

ICYMI: New Jersey’s Complete Count Commission Meets, Focuses on Increased Participation for 2020 Census

On Wednesday, January 9, 2019, New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way chaired the first meeting of the New Jersey Complete Count Commission at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey.

Governor Murphy Announces Second Round of Funding of $27 Million in Preschool Expansion Aid to 33 School Districts

Governor Phil Murphy today announced a second round of state funding to create or expand preschool programs in 33 school districts – marking the first time those communities have received state aid for preschool.

Governor Murphy Reacts to the Office of the State Comptroller’s Performance Audit of the Economic Development Authority's Tax Incentives Programs

Governor Phil Murphy today highlighted the results of Comptroller Philip J. Degnan’s audit of the Economic Development Authority’s corporate tax incentive programs that were significantly expanded during the Christie Administration.

Response of Governor Murphy to President Trump's Border Wall Address

“President Trump continues to mislead to justify his nonsensical and damaging shutdown. There is a much better and smarter way for us to invest $5 billion than an impractical non-starter of a wall. The Gateway Project would do more to create jobs, promote economic and national security, and build critically needed 21st century infrastructure. Enough of the misguided rhetoric that is hurting our economy and our people, and making us less safe. Let’s get the government open and get to work to get Gateway done.” 

Murphy Administration Announces NJ Preschool Development Collaboration Initiative

Governor Phil Murphy and members of his Administration today announced that New Jersey will receive $10.6 million in federal funding for a new initiative – The NJ Preschool Development Collaboration.

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Enhance Safety and Security at Schools, Houses of Worship, and Community Centers

Governor Phil Murphy today signed two pieces of legislation to enhance the safety and security of New Jersey residents at schools, houses of worship, and community centers. Assembly Bill No. 4597 makes a supplemental appropriation of $11,300,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education to increase per pupil funding for nonpublic security aid from $75 to $150, and Assembly Bill No. 3906 makes a revision to the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program to expand the type of protective measures that can be installed or constructed at houses of worship and community centers.

This Week in New Jersey: January 4, 2019

Governor Murphy Directs U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Former Assembly Majority Leader Albert Burstein

Governor Phil Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Monday, January 7, 2019, in recognition of the passing of former Assembly Majority Leader Albert Burstein.

Acting Governor Oliver Signs Financial Literacy Education Bill

Acting Governor Sheila Oliver today signed legislation (A-1414) requiring school districts to provide financial literacy education to middle school students in grades six through eight.

Statement from Governor Murphy on the Need for a $15/Hour Minimum Wage

As we celebrate the start of a new year, New Jersey’s minimum wage workers are getting a 25 cents an hour raise to $8.85 an hour.