Governor Phil Murphy

This Week in NJ: April 9th, 2021

04/9/2021

Governor Murphy Announces All Individuals Age 16 and Older Will be Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination on April 19

Governor Phil Murphy announced that all individuals ages 16 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination on April 19 – two weeks ahead of the state’s initial target of May 1. New Jersey’s phased vaccination roll out has successfully administered 4.7 million doses of vaccine to essential frontline workers, educators, high-risk groups, and other eligible adults who live, work, or study in the state.

“Over the last several months, our Administration has worked closely with our communities and federal partners to ensure an efficient, accessible, and equitable vaccination program,” said Governor Murphy. “Together, we have administered 4.7 million doses of vaccine and opened more than 750 vaccination sites across the state, with 98.7 percent of all New Jerseyans living within five miles of where they can receive a vaccine. With an expected increase in vaccine allocation from the federal government, coupled with our extensive network of vaccination distribution sites, we can confidently expand our eligibility to all individuals ages 16 and older who live, work, or study in New Jersey on April 19.”

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Governor Murphy Marks Beginning of Testing for NJ TRANSIT Dual-Power Locomotives

Governor Murphy, NJ TRANSIT Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett, and local officials marked the beginning of testing of the first of 25 new ALP-45 dual-power locomotives manufactured by Alstom during a ceremony that was held on Track A at Newark Penn Station. 

“Since day one, our administration has been committed to building a better, more reliable, and sustainable NJ TRANSIT,” said Governor Murphy. “This locomotive is the first of 25 that will reinvigorate the NJ TRANSIT fleet with new, environmentally-friendly equipment. New Jersey commuters deserve only the best, and that is what we are delivering to them today.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Providing $15 Million in Aid to Arts and Cultural Venues

Governor Phil Murphy signed into law S-3521, which provides $15 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid for arts and cultural venues throughout New Jersey.

“Our arts and cultural establishments are among the best in the nation, but they have faced difficult challenges over the past year,” said Governor Murphy. “It’s time we lifted up these organizations and venues to ensure they are still with us as we emerge from the pandemic and look to once again experience the joy they offer.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Providing $35 Million in Aid to Restaurants

Governor Phil Murphy signed into law A-5444, which provides $35 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid for restaurants throughout New Jersey. The bill is part of a five-bill, $100 million relief effort aimed at helping New Jersey’s small businesses recover from the year-long pandemic.

“For the past year, our restaurants have fought the good fight, and we know that fight has not been easy,” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation will provide a much-needed lifeline to small business owners, who, through no fault of their own, have been devastated by this pandemic.”

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: Governor Murphy and Attorney General Grewal Release Recommendations of Interagency Working Group on Body Worn Cameras

Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal released the final report of the Interagency Working Group on Body Worn Cameras. 

“We welcome the recommendations of the working group, which focus on ways for government and police to work together to save money in purchasing body worn cameras and the related technology needed to operate them,” said Governor Murphy. “Because of their power to promote transparency and accountability, body worn cameras are a vital tool for building trust between our police officers and the diverse communities they serve— a trust shaken by the racial injustices we have witnessed across the United States. New Jersey proudly leads the nation when it comes to policing reforms designed to serve fairness, justice, and the safety of residents and officers alike.”

“We will carefully review these recommendations as we work to support police departments in the statewide deployment of these important devices,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Body worn cameras have the support of police as well as the public, because the accountability they provide is mutual— everyone behaves better when they know they are on camera. Body cameras not only promote safer and more professional law enforcement interactions, they assist police in gathering evidence and serve to reduce unfounded complaints against officers. Officers report that body-worn cameras can even help to de-escalate volatile situations.”

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