Governor Murphy Announces Intention to Nominate John Jay Hoffman to Serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court
Governor Phil Murphy announced his intention to nominate John Jay Hoffman to the New Jersey Supreme Court to fill the seat of Associate Justice Lee A. Solomon, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on August 17, 2024. The nomination will first be sent to the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee for approval. The Governor will then proceed with a formal nomination, subject to advice and consent in the Senate.
“I am honored to announce the nomination of John Hoffman to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court,” said Governor Murphy. “John is a pillar of New Jersey’s legal community with a remarkable career in public service. Having held a number of high-ranking positions at the federal and state levels, including serving as the Acting Attorney General of New Jersey for nearly three years, John has earned universal respect on both sides of the aisle for his honesty, integrity, and intellect. I know he will contribute greatly to the New Jersey Supreme Court’s well-earned reputation as a national model, and I look forward to working with Senate President Scutari, Senate Minority Leader Bucco, Senate Judiciary Chair Stack, and their colleagues during the confirmation process.”
“I could not be more honored and humbled by the opportunity provided by Governor Murphy to be considered for a seat on the strongest state Supreme Court in the country, with an amazing group of current Justices, and to assume the seat of my former boss and dear friend Justice Solomon,” said John Hoffman. “Serving our State, in this capacity, is a lawyer’s dream come true. I look forward to working closely with Senate President Scutari, Senate Minority Leader Bucco, Senate Judiciary Chairman Stack, and the entire Senate as this process unfolds.”
Hoffman has dedicated the vast majority of his professional career to public service at both the state and federal levels. After spending two years as an associate at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. in Washington D.C., Hoffman joined the Department of Justice in 1996 as a trial attorney in the Civil Division. Over the next eight years, Hoffman focused on breach of contract litigation involving the savings and loan industry, and argued five appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In 2004, Hoffman became an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, focusing on both violent and white-collar crime.
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AAUW NJ Names First Lady Tammy Murphy and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz as Agents of Change
The New Jersey State Affiliate of the American Association of University Women (AAUW NJ) is proud to announce First Lady Tammy Murphy and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz as our 2024 Women as Agents of Change. The award selection committee noted in their recommendation that both nominees work tirelessly to lift and empower women, making them both ideal examples of the values we embrace with this award. Both awardees will address the members of AAUW NJ at a special virtual event “Changemakers: Leading for Equity” on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
AAUW NJ recognizes Ms. Murphy for improving outcomes for Black Maternal and Infant Health in New Jersey by raising awareness, creating programs and helping to pass legislation. She has led the charge to include Climate Education and curriculum in our K-12 system and partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to ensure that women-led businesses are getting their share of angel investments.
“I am honored to be recognized by the American Association of University Women of New Jersey as a 2024 Agent of Change,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “From our maternal and infant health work to implementing the nation’s first climate change education standards to promoting women-led businesses, I have benefitted from the support of a vast network of talented and hardworking women who have helped propel New Jersey to new heights. Without their partnership, none of these achievements would be possible. Together, we are on the road to making New Jersey the safest, most equitable state in the nation to live, work, go to school, and raise a family.”
Senator M. Teresa Ruiz has long been focused on eliminating disparities in education and ensuring that all students in New Jersey have access to quality public education. The highest-ranking Latina legislator in state history, Senator Ruiz has expanded employment opportunities for underserved communities by sponsoring bills to expand apprenticeship programs and increase teacher diversity.
“I am deeply moved and honored to receive this year’s ‘Agents of Change’ award alongside First Lady Tammy Murphy. Championing the advancement of women and girls in New Jersey has been a constant pursuit of mine throughout my time in public service, strengthened by partnerships with organizations like AAUW NJ. Last year, AAUW NJ was instrumental in helping pass legislation that now provides free period products for girls in public schools,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “I could not do this work alone and thank the fierce advocates on the ground for their vital contributions. As we look towards the future, collaboration will be crucial to keep pushing the needle to promote equity and inclusion for all women in education, healthcare, business, and beyond. Let’s continue to work together on our mission of empowering women. Thank you for this meaningful recognition.”
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Murphy Administration Unveils Proposal to Spur Transit-Oriented Development and Bolster NJ TRANSIT
The Murphy Administration unveiled a legislative proposal that would direct the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to purchase up to $100 million in property from NJ TRANSIT to help expand commuter hubs across the state and meet a variety of critical needs. Under the proposal, the NJEDA would purchase a number of NJ TRANSIT properties, such as surface parking lots, and transform them into mixed-use, transit-oriented developments that will spur economic activity and increase walkability near transit lines while also creating a direct revenue source for the mass transit agency.
“Investing in transit-oriented development will revitalize commuter hubs, promote walkable neighborhoods, and improve overall affordability for working families in New Jersey, and potentially generate much-needed, new, affordable housing,” said Governor Murphy. “Together with our partners in the Legislature, we can transform communities around NJ TRANSIT rail stations, help spur economic activity across the state, and generate new revenue to support the operation of NJ TRANSIT, which has been forced to contend with a shift in ridership trends in the wake of the pandemic.”
Under the proposed legislation, which has already garnered legislative support, NJEDA, in partnership with NJ TRANSIT, would identify a portfolio of properties to be purchased by NJEDA who would then market the properties as a portfolio to be bid on for purchase or lease by developers, either as a whole or individually. To facilitate the purchase, the State would allocate a portion of the proposed Corporate Transit Fee’s first-year proceeds to fund the NJEDA’s purchase of the properties.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, communities across New Jersey are being transformed by major transit-oriented development projects,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The legislation proposed today would empower the NJEDA to expand our efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and drive mixed-use property development. Transit-oriented real estate projects along NJ TRANSIT rail stops will advance the renaissance of neighborhoods and improve quality of life by creating new job opportunities and modern housing options for families and commuters.”
“Governor Murphy's plan to accelerate transit-oriented communities around NJ TRANSIT properties through immediate funding reinforces a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. "This funding will drive economic growth, increase walkability, and provide ongoing financial support for NJ TRANSIT.”
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Governor Murphy Establishes Task Force to Support Responsible Gaming
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 360 establishing a Responsible Gaming Task Force responsible for providing advice and recommendations to the Governor’s Office and to the Attorney General regarding reforms to support responsible gaming and to address problem gambling in New Jersey.
A rise in problem gambling has been observed over the past few years, according to a 2023 report from the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies. The Rutgers study estimated that 6% of New Jersey residents are at high risk for problem gambling, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1-2%, with the highest rates affecting Black/African American or Hispanic residents.
“New Jersey is known to be a gaming destination with historic locations like Atlantic City, amusement gaming at the Jersey Shore, notable horse racing venues, and more,” said Governor Murphy. “This Task Force will see to it that we maintain our global leadership in gaming by ensuring that we have the tools needed to address problem gaming for our residents.”
“I applaud Governor Murphy for his leadership in elevating responsible gaming initiatives through the establishment of a statewide task force. New Jersey has been a national leader in casino and sports wagering for many years, and we owe it to our residents to review and expand our existing efforts on problem gambling,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This task force demonstrates that ‘responsible gaming’ is not merely a buzzword in New Jersey, but a critical issue that demands the attention of government entities, industry, and stakeholders. As Chair of the task force, I’m eager to get underway in examining ways to help bring attention to and support the prevention and treatment of gambling disorder.”
The responsibilities of the Responsible Gaming Task Force will be to review several areas of the problem gambling landscape, including the effects on underage and vulnerable communities; develop strategies to achieve responsible gaming; and make recommendations for policy changes to address the issue of problem gambling.
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Statement by Governor Murphy on the U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in FDA V. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine & Danco Laboratories V. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine
Following the Supreme Court's decision to preserve nationwide access to mifepristone, Governor Murphy released the statement below:
“The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a decision that, while technical in nature, preserves nationwide access to mifepristone, a safe and effective drug used for medication abortions and miscarriage management. I was proud to file an amicus brief in support of this result and am always proud to stand up for reproductive health care. However, the lawsuit never should have gotten to this point. While we won this case, it is yet another sad reminder that there are too many judges around the country who are all too willing to accept baseless attacks on reproductive rights, and we must continue to remain vigilant in the face of these constant attacks on women’s autonomy.”
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Official Site of The State of New Jersey
