Office of the Governor | This Week in NJ: June 18th, 2021

Governor Murphy Marks Milestone Achievement of Fully Vaccinating 4.7 Million Individuals Who Live, Work, or Study in New Jersey Ahead of June 30th Goal

Returning to University Hospital, the location of New Jersey’s first COVID-19 vaccination on December 15, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the state has hit its ambitious goal of fully vaccinating 4.7 million individuals who live, work, or study in New Jersey nearly two weeks before its original target date of June 30th.

“Before the arrival of vaccines in mid-December, our Administration set one of the most aggressive vaccination goals in the country,” said Governor Murphy. “Reaching our milestone of 4.7 million fully vaccinated individuals who live, work, or study in New Jersey in a little more than six months required a comprehensive statewide approach, with strong partnerships across all levels of government, the private sector, and in our communities. Our Administration built a large-scale vaccination infrastructure, with more than 1,500 vaccine distribution sites to date, to meet demand and provide equitable access to all eligible individuals. We are grateful to the millions who rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from COVID-19, and together, we have exceeded our initial goal. While we are celebrating this remarkable achievement, our work is not yet finished, and we must continue working together to vaccinate all eligible individuals to end the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Governor Murphy Commemorates Juneteenth By Signing the "Fair Chance in Housing Act"

During New Jersey’s first commemoration of Juneteenth as an official state and federal holiday, Governor Murphy signed legislation (S250/A1919) barring landlords from asking about criminal history on housing applications in most instances. By signing the legislation — known as the “Fair Chance in Housing Act” — Governor Murphy is furthering his commitment to taking action to dismantle systemic racial disparities that have been allowed to exist for too long in New Jersey.

“As we commemorate Juneteenth, we must commit to both remembering the past and continuing to take action to ensure communities of color, especially Black Americans, achieve the full equity they deserve,” said Governor Murphy. “Today, I am proud to sign the Fair Chance in Housing Act into law and work to level what has been for too long an uneven playing field when it comes to access to housing. I thank the sponsors and advocates for their tireless commitment to making this bill a reality and ensuring that New Jersey is a fairer place to live.”

On Juneteenth, Governor Murphy Announces Leadership of Wealth Disparity Task Force

Governor Phil Murphy announced that Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride, Rutgers University President Dr. Jonathan Holloway, and Council of New Jersey Grantmakers President and CEO Maria Vizcarrondo will lead the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force. They will be joined by additional government officials, academic researchers, and faith and community leaders to be announced at a later date.

“In my State of the State Address in 2020, a month before the pandemic swept over our state, I announced my intention to form a task force focused specifically on the issue of our state’s gaping racial wealth disparity,” said Governor Murphy. “Lieutenant Governor Oliver, Commissioner Caride, Dr. Holloway, and Maria Vizcarrondo are the right choices to lead the Wealth Disparity Task Force. As esteemed and experienced leaders in government and education, they are well qualified to tackle this issue and advocate for the inclusion of all in prosperous future of our state.”

Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin Announce Naming of New Department of Health Building for Commissioner Judy Persichilli

Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced that the new Department of Health building in Downtown Trenton will be named after Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, in honor of her past and ongoing service to the people of New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Each and every day throughout the pandemic, Judy has remained singularly engaged to save lives and protect public health,” said Governor Murphy. “She has been the right leader for these times, and I could not be prouder to have asked Judy to serve as Commissioner two years ago. Now all those who pass through the halls of the ‘Judith M. Persichilli Building’ will be reminded of Judy’s selfless, honorable, and dedicated service to our state and its residents during the greatest public health crisis in New Jersey’s history.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Offering an Additional Year of Special Education to Students with Disabilities

Building on his commitment to ensuring a high-quality education for all New Jersey students, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S3434/A5366) to offer an additional year of public education and related services to students with disabilities. This bill will provide a temporary one-year extension of special education and related services to students with disabilities who exceed, or will exceed, the current age of eligibility for special education and related services in the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, or 2022-2023 school year following a determination by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team that such education and/or services are necessary.

“The pandemic has been especially hard on students with disabilities who rely on school programs to ensure they have the skills and services they need to be successful following graduation,” said Governor Murphy. “By providing an additional year for students who will otherwise age out allows to us acknowledge the unique impact of the pandemic on these students and help secure a better future for them and their families.”