Office of the Governor | This Week in NJ: April 16th, 2021

Governor Murphy Unveils Sweeping Gun Safety Package

Governor Murphy unveiled a sweeping series of reforms aimed at reducing the epidemic of gun violence. The proposals, when paired with previous steps the Governor and members of the Legislature have taken to reduce gun violence, will further solidify New Jersey’s standing as a national leader in gun safety.

“Half of New Jersey’s gun homicides occur in only five cities, and the number of gun crimes in these cities has skyrocketed over the last year,” said Governor Murphy. “We cannot sit back when we know there is more to do to address the danger of gun violence in our communities. By taking the steps we are announcing today, we will further commit to making every block and every street in our state safer.”

Governor Murphy Nominates Shawn LaTourette as New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner

Governor Murphy announced his nomination of Shawn LaTourette as the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

“The decisions made by the Department of Environmental Protection are not just important for today, but will have far reaching impacts across generations,” said Governor Murphy. “The work we do now for cleaner air and water, to meaningfully combat climate change, to ensure that every community is treated with dignity and respect and that the principles of environmental justice serve us every day, will far outlive us all. Shawn’s passion for environmental protection, coupled with his extensive knowledge on climate, energy, and infrastructure, will help build an environmental legacy that exemplifies these principles. I am confident that with Shawn’s leadership, we will create a cleaner, more sustainable New Jersey that we are proud to leave for future generations.”

“To serve the people of New Jersey as Commissioner of Environmental Protection is an honor beyond any I could have imagined, and I am grateful to Governor Murphy for his outstanding environmental leadership, and his confidence in mine,” said Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “New Jersey has no shortage of environmental challenges—from confronting the climate crisis to modernizing our water infrastructure—challenges that also present us with an incredible opportunity to grow our economy, lift our people, and further the promise of environmental justice. NJDEP is charting a new course for the future in our great state, with a stronger, more just environment at its center. I am eager to lead the Department in supporting Governor Murphy in his vision to make New Jersey a national model for its commitment to a more resilient, fairer, greener future for everyone.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Providing $15 Million in Aid to Small Businesses and Non-Profits

Governor Murphy signed into law A-A5446, which provides $15 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid for small businesses throughout New Jersey. The bill – sponsored by Senators Linda Greenstein and Joseph Lagana and Assembly Members Joann Downey, Andrew Zwicker, and Sterley Stanley – provides aid in the form of grants to small businesses and non-profits in need.

“New Jersey’s small businesses were particularly hard hit by the ravages of COVID-19, ” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation, along with three additional bills I signed last week and one I will sign in the near future, will go a long way toward helping hundreds of state businesses keep their doors open as we recover from this year-long ordeal.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Providing $10 Million in Relief to Child Care Providers

Governor Phil Murphy signed into law A-5445, which provides $10 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid for child care providers throughout New Jersey. The bill – sponsored by Senators M. Teresa Ruiz and Joseph Lagana and Assembly Members Lisa Swain, Gabriela Mosquera, and Adam Taliaferro – will provide grants to child care providers in need. The bill is part of a five-bill, $100 million relief effort aimed at helping New Jersey’s economy recover from the year-long pandemic.

“Child care providers are absolutely critical to New Jersey’s workforce, and the COVID-19 pandemic has hit them especially hard,” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation will help to ensure that these providers can continue to weather the pandemic and remain open and able to meet the needs of so many New Jerseyans who rely on them.”

Governor Murphy Announces Nominations for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners

Governor Murphy announced his intent to nominate Michelle Richardson, Dana Martinotti, and Robert Menendez, Jr. to the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Governor also announced his intent to re-nominate Commissioner Kevin McCabe.

“It is my pleasure to nominate this group of experienced and capable professionals to the Board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “I know that Michelle, Dana, and Rob will continue and build upon the great work that Kevin and the other Commissioners have done over the years.”