GOVERNOR MURPHY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LEADERS HIGHLIGHT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal, and Federal Student Aid Chief Operating Officer Rich Cordray visited The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) for a roundtable discussion with public service employees to highlight the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and steps the Murphy Administration is taking to help more public employees obtain student loan forgiveness. 

Last October, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced a limited PSLF waiver opportunity, which temporarily waives certain program rules to better deliver on the PSLF promise to public service employees with federal student loans. The Murphy Administration is also partnering with the Department to help streamline the program’s application process for public employees.

“Employees in the public and non-profit sectors provide invaluable services to our state and our nation, from defending our country to teaching the next generation, and everything in between,” said Governor Murphy. “The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program rewards these dedicated public servants by offering a path to student loan forgiveness, but many borrowers may not realize they qualify. By working with our federal partners to streamline the application process and highlight recent changes that expand eligibility for PSLF, we will encourage more student loan borrowers to get involved in public service and take advantage of this helpful program.”

“Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked hard to tackle existing student loan debt. I am proud that we are turning the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program from a promise broken into a promise kept for borrowers who devote a decade of their lives to public service,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. “Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Rich Cordray and I are pleased to support Governor Murphy’s efforts to ensure all eligible New Jersey residents get the student loan relief they have earned and deserve. I hope other states will follow suit by sharing with their residents the ways that they can take advantage of this opportunity.”

FIRST LADY TAMMY MURPHY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CONNECTING NJ TO BETTER SUPPORT FAMILIES

First Lady Tammy Murphy introduced Connecting NJ, New Jersey’s first-of-its-kind network of partners and agencies dedicated to helping New Jersey families thrive. The website – www.NJ.gov/ConnectingNJ – centralizes information and referrals to state and local wellness services, including healthcare for mothers and children, early education programs, domestic violence support, addiction treatment, financial and housing assistance, home visiting programs, behavioral health services, and more. As a single point of entry for community members in need, Connecting NJ simplifies the process of accessing care. Formerly known as Central Intake, the Connecting NJ brand launch includes a new website that provides community resources, programs, and services that help families care for children from pregnancy to age five. The rebrand supports a recommendation in the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan to improve and transform the referral system as the state continues to act as a national leader in tackling the maternal and infant health crisis. 

“As we work to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby, we must ensure that families have access to the resources and assistance they need,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I am proud of our ongoing work to improve Connecting NJ, which will serve as a welcoming platform where state and community support systems are made easily accessible. Through Connecting NJ, we will make certain that no family, mother, or child is left without the resources they need to thrive.”

Additionally, Governor Murphy’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget includes $2.1 million in funding to increase case management capacity in each of the Connecting NJ hubs. The funding strengthens the Connecting NJ network by increasing capacity for follow-up, outreach, and case management for families with young children who may need additional support to connect to resources.

GOVERNOR MURPHY ANNOUNCES FREE ENTRY TO STATE PARKS BEGINNING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Governor Phil Murphy announced that, as of Memorial Day Weekend, entry to all New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas will be free of charge this summer. Presented in the FY 2023 budget proposal, the one-year state parks fee holiday is one of several fee waivers and programs designed to advance affordability and opportunity in New Jersey. Park entrance fees will be waived for all visitors, regardless of state residency. Anyone who already purchased a 2022 annual State Park Pass will automatically receive a full refund. Other individual park fees remain in place, including but not limited to camping, interpretive programs, and mobile sport fishing permits.

“Presented in our FY2023 budget, the bold steps we have taken toward a more affordable Garden State will ensure access to our state parks for everyone – residents and visitors alike,” said Governor Murphy. “While incentivizing tourism and economic activity in our local communities, the fee holiday also promotes access to green, open space; thriving waterways; and the many natural wonders that make us proud to call New Jersey our home. We thank the Department of Environmental Protection for its devoted environmental stewardship, which enables each and every New Jerseyan to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that safe outdoor activities provide.”

“From High Point State Park in Sussex County to Cape May Point State Park in Cape May County, the state park system provides endless opportunities for recreation – from swimming, hiking and kayaking, to picnicking, exploring nature and experiencing our rich history,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Whatever your passion or interest, there is a state park in New Jersey for you. We look forward to a great season.”

NJMVC WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE OFFICE OF FIRST LADY TAMMY MURPHY

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has won an international award recognizing its partnership with the Office of First Lady Tammy Murphy in bringing motor vehicle services directly to underserved communities at Family Festivals around New Jersey. The NJMVC is proud to announce it is the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Government Partnership Award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). This annual award recognizes a successful project coordinated between a motor vehicle or law enforcement agency and a public or private sector partner that makes government services more convenient or efficient, serving as a model for other jurisdictions.

“I am honored to join MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton in accepting the Excellence in Government Partnership Service Award,” said First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Snyder Murphy. “Together, in partnership with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), we have served thousands of pregnant mothers at our Family Festivals. These festivals connect families with valuable state, county, and local resources related to their healthcare needs. I look forward to continuing this mission with Chief Fulton and her MVC team as we seek to expand access to convenient, high-quality, and equitable healthcare resources for New Jersey families.”

“We are very grateful to have our partnership with the First Lady recognized with this AAMVA International Award,” said Sue Fulton, NJMVC Chief Administrator. “Delivering motor vehicle services in innovative and more convenient ways, like with our Mobile Units, is at the core of what drives us at NJMVC. Working with First Lady Tammy Murphy has been very rewarding, and we thank her and her team for their tireless efforts to better serve and elevate families across our great state.”