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Governor Phil Murphy

This Week in New Jersey: December 17th, 2021

12/17/2021

GOVERNOR MURPHY CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS IN NEW JERSEY

Governor Phil Murphy returned to University Hospital in celebration of the one-year anniversary of the of the first COVID-19 vaccination in New Jersey. On December 15, 2020, Governor Murphy marked the historic beginning of New Jersey’s vaccination effort at University Hospital and witnessed the administration of the first COVID-19 vaccinations to the state’s frontline health care workers. To mark the anniversary, Governor Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli designated December 15 as Boost NJ Day, with vaccination sites offering expanded walk-in availability and extended hours to increase accessibility and encourage booster doses.

“Today’s anniversary marks a significant milestone in the progress we have made against COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “Over the last year, we have learned that vaccines are the best tool we have in preventing hospitalizations and death, and millions of New Jerseyans have rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. However, with data showing waning immunity over time, we encourage all New Jerseyans ages 16 and older to receive a necessary booster dose to enhance their protection against COVID-19.”

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GOVERNOR MURPHY HIGHLIGHTS NEW JERSEY'S SUPPLY CHAIN INFRASTRUCTURE

Governor Murphy, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Deputy Director of Port Department Bethann Rooney, Senator Joe Cryan, Port Newark Container Terminal CEO Jim Pelliccio, and International Longshoreman’s Association Chief of Staff & Director of Public Relations Jim McNamara visited the Port of Newark to highlight New Jersey’s supply chain infrastructure and steps that the State, the PANYNJ, and other key stakeholders are taking to battle global supply chain issues.

“In working with our partners at the Port Authority, organized labor, and the private sector, New Jersey has avoided the supply chain and logistical breakdowns that much of our country has faced,” said Governor Murphy. “Through a combination of proactive infrastructure investment, collaboration in state government, and the help of key partners, the Port of New York and New Jersey is breaking cargo records and getting consumer and commercial products onto trucks and buses headed across America.”

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GOVERNOR MURPHY ANNOUNCES $2.7 BILLION IN SECOND ROUND OF FUNDING TO EXPAND HIGH-QUALITY PRE-K IN NEW JERSEY

Continuing his commitment to expand early childhood education in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy announced a second round of more than $2.7 million in Preschool Expansion Aid, bringing high-quality pre-K programs to an additional five school districts.

“Access to high-quality pre-K has been shown to improve long-term educational outcomes for our students,” said Governor Murphy. “My Administration has prioritized the expansion of these programs across our state, and I am proud to say that 140 districts have been able to create or expand pre-K programs over the past four years. I remain committed to achieving Universal Pre-K for New Jersey and reaching all of our state’s youngest learners.”

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NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZED IN NEW NATIONAL REPORT AS AN HONOR ROLL STATE FOR DATA-DRIVEN AND EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY MAKING

At a virtual event co-hosted by the National Governors Association (NGA), New Jersey was highlighted by Results for America as a honor roll state in using evidence and data to deliver better results for New Jerseyans.

“I’m proud of the recognition our state has earned for being a national leader in innovation,” said Governor Murphy, who also serves as vice-chair of the NGA. “We will continue to invest in the tools, talent, and technology that will empower us to better serve the public. Whether it’s equipping our workforce with cutting-edge training or making it easier for New Jerseyans to start and grow a business, I look forward to building on all that we’ve accomplished. I would like to recognize my entire cabinet for their continued leadership that makes this great work possible.”

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NEXT STEP FIFA 2026 AFTER NJ DELIVERS FOR ICONIC ARMY-NAVY FOOTBALL GAME

Saturday's Army-Navy game marked the 122nd meeting between Army's Black Knights and Navy's Midshipmen - and the real winners were the 80,000+ fans in attendance to witness this historic rivalry.

“Our State was proud to host the 2021 Army-Navy game and to provide a seamless experience to the thousands of fans attending,” said Governor Murphy, “More than ever before, New Jersey is equipped to handle large-scale sporting events with NJ TRANSIT and our partners at MetLife Stadium. Whether it is world-class restaurants and hotels, proximity to New York City and two international airports, or reliable transit options, New Jersey has much to offer to those traveling for the many high-profile events that take place in our sports and entertainment venues.”

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