Office of the Governor | This Week in NJ: July 24th, 2020

Governor Murphy Announces Main Street Commercial Corridors Relief

Governor Phil Murphy announced a new relief program for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Lease - Emergency Assistance Grant Program (SBL-EAGP) will allow businesses in 64 eligible municipalities to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for lease costs. The program will assist small business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which also assists landlords, many of whom are also small businesses.

“We are committed to helping small businesses across our state survive this unprecedented crisis,” said Governor Murphy. “A stronger and fairer New Jersey starts from the bottom up. The Small Business Lease - Emergency Assistance Grant Program will infuse much needed funding into local economies by assisting both small businesses and the landlords that they rent from.”

“The Small Business Lease Emergency Grant Assistance Program is directly geared toward keeping the mom-and-pop shops on main streets and business centers afloat in this time of need, specifically in our most vulnerable communities in New Jersey,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and Board Chair of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. “Governor Murphy and I remain as committed as ever to supporting New Jersey’s small businesses and this new lease program will work hand-in-hand with other state assistance programs to help them emerge from this crisis stronger.”

“I am enormously proud to stand with Governor Murphy to announce the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant Program. At NJRA, impact is and has always been our primary objective. And our number one priority is our state’s most vulnerable communities and neighborhoods. Not only do we invest in the communities that need it the most, but we’re there first in the areas that are often overlooked by traditional lenders. Right now New Jersey’s small and micro businesses, particularly those in economically challenged communities, are bearing the brunt of our nation’s health and economic crisis. These businesses deliver value and stability to our state, and yet, struggle to access capital. We’re proud to be there with the Governor to offer these businesses both rental relief grants and support accessing them,” explained Leslie Anderson, President and CEO of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority.

Governor Murphy Directs U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly Half-Staff in Honor of U.S. Representative John Lewis

Governor Phil Murphy ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities starting, Saturday, July 18, 2020, in recognition of the passing of U.S. Representative and civil rights leader John Lewis. The flags will remain at half-staff until the date of his interment.

“For 60 years, from his seat among the Freedom Riders to his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, John Lewis stirred the soul of America to live up to our greatest ideals of equality,” said Governor Murphy. “In each and every action, large and small, John Lewis was the conscience of our nation. When he spoke, it was with authority and compassion.”

“Our nation and world mourn the passing of a true American icon. I mourn the passing of a role model. And, in our sorrow, let us commit to carrying on his work, and building upon the tremendous legacy which is John Lewis’ lasting gift to us all.”

Department of Education Issues Guidance Allowing Parents to Choose All-Remote Learning for Their Children

The New Jersey Department of Education issued clarifying guidance to allow parents to select fulltime remote learning for their children in the 2020-2021 school year.

“My office and the Department of Education are committed to working with our families, educators, and administrators as we navigate the unique challenges that the 2020-2021 school year will bring,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We will continue to communicate with our districts and will work diligently to find solutions that prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Today’s guidance will allow parents greater flexibility to make the choice they feel best suits the needs of their families.”

“Our initial guidance document was created after holding hundreds of meetings with stakeholders ranging from educators and school support staff to parents, health experts, and more,” said Kevin Dehmer, Interim Commissioner of Education. “We anticipated this will be an evolving document, shaped by continued input from stakeholders. Our announcement today is about honoring that commitment to listen to stakeholders.”

Governor Murphy Hosts Virtual Roundtable on Supporting Resident and Small Businesses with the Cost of Health Care Coverage

Governor Phil Murphy, alongside Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride, health care advocates, and legislators, hosted a virtual roundtable to discuss the importance of supporting residents and small businesses with the cost of purchasing health care coverage through the development of a state-level Health Insurance Assessment

“Making health care coverage more affordable has never been more critical, as COVID-19 has only further brought to light the inequities some New Jerseyans face in accessing care,” said Governor Murphy. “Despite repeated efforts from the federal government to undermine the Affordable Care Act, our Administration has made steady progress to increase coverage and affordability in New Jersey. Establishing a state-level HIA is another important step to ensure residents can lead healthy lives.”

Governor Murphy also announced his support for legislation (S2676/A4389) to create a state-level Health Insurance Assessment, a proposal that was originally included in the Governor’s initial FY2021 state budget.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing the Resumption of Contact Practices and Competitions for Certain Organized Sports in Outdoor Settings

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 168, allowing the resumption of contact practices and competitions in outdoor settings for organized sports defined as “high risk” by the New Jersey Department of Health’s “Guidance for Sports Activities.” Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 149 on May 29, 2020, allowing organized sports to resume on a phased-in schedule as defined by the Department of Health as “low,” “medium,” and “high risk” activities.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Administration has been committed to using all of the available science, data, and facts guide New Jersey’s strategic reopening and resumption of activities,” said Governor Murphy. “Today, our data gives us confidence, that in outdoor settings and with the proper public health and safety protocols in place, contact sports can resume while protecting players, coaches, and staff.”