Office of the Governor | This Week in NJ: August 6th, 2021

Governor Murphy Signs Sweeping Housing Eviction Prevention and Utility Assistance Bill

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that will provide comprehensive housing eviction prevention and utility assistance for renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor also signed legislation (A-4463) providing additional protections for individuals who were unable to pay rent during the public health emergency by mandating that court records pertaining to their non-payment during this period be kept confidential.

“We have heard the continuing calls for help from New Jerseyans who are struggling to pay their rent and utilities. COVID-19 has put tenants and landlords in a difficult place, and I am pleased to say that more assistance is on the way,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill is going to direct money to the people and programs that need it most. Housing and access to utilities are fundamental to human health and safety and we want to ensure that as many eligible applicants impacted by the pandemic get the help they need during this challenging time.”

Governor Murphy Announces Indoor Mask Requirement for Beginning of 2021-2022 School Year

Joined by educators, medical professionals, parents, and school administrators, Governor Phil Murphy announced that all students, educators, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face masks indoors for the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

“We understand that students learn best in a classroom setting and remain committed to having our schools open for full-time, in-person instruction this fall,” said Governor Murphy. “While this announcement gives us no pleasure, I know that by taking this precaution we can keep our schools open while also keeping our children safe. We will continue to closely monitor the science and data and will lift this mandate when we can do so safely. I urge those who are eligible for vaccination but have yet to be vaccinated to act and help move our state in the right direction.”

Governor Murphy Cuts the Ribbon on the Largest Film Studio in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy cut the ribbon on Cinelease Studios – Caven Point, the largest film studio in New Jersey, and the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the state.

“When we reinstated the film tax credit in 2018 and expanded it late last year, this is exactly the type of project we envisioned,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey is where filmmaking began, and we are quickly regaining the reputation as a premier location for both film and television production.”

Governor Murphy & Treasurer Muoio Welcome S&P’s Decision to Upgrade New Jersey’s Credit Outlook to Positive

Governor Phil Murphy and State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio welcomed the decision by S&P Global Ratings to upgrade the outlook for New Jersey’s general obligation bonds from stable to positive.

“We have been entrusted by the people of New Jersey to get our fiscal house in order,” said Governor Murphy. “The S&P Global Ratings outlook upgrade, in addition to the recent outlook upgrade from Moody’s, shows that we’ve made significant progress, all while creating a more fair and equitable playing field for the working families of this state. Making the first full contribution to the pension system in 25 years, and paying off a sizable amount of current debt while avoiding future debt, proves we can return New Jersey’s financial footing to solid ground, all while remaining committed to our values and investing in our people.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Allow Caregivers to Make Alternative Child Care Arrangements for Their Children

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation, A4640/S2886, amending New Jersey’s standby guardianship laws to expand caregivers’ ability to make prospective alternative arrangements for their children in case of an emergency. This new law will help streamline the process to allow parents and guardians to designate alternative caregivers temporarily without going to court.

“When parents are unable to care for their children due to unforeseeable or emergent circumstances, they should have right to choose their caregivers,” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation will help parents make these necessary arrangements and give them peace of mind knowing that their children are being cared for.”