Acting Governor Way Signs Legislation Broadening Protections for Immigrant Workers
Acting Governor Way signed legislation that imposes civil penalties on any employers who disclose or threaten to disclose an employee’s immigration status in order to cover up their own labor violations.
State employment laws provide broad protections for employees regardless of their immigration status. However, an employee may be reluctant to report employer violations due to fear of the employer revealing their immigration status. This bill mandates that any employer who threatens an employee with exposing their immigration status or discloses their immigration status to authorities in order to conceal wage violations or other violations will face civil penalties, in addition to any existing penalties for the underlying employment violations.
"New Jersey’s greatest strength lies in its diverse and dedicated workforce,” said Acting Governor Way. “No worker should face harassment or intimidation from their employers. This legislation reaffirms our administration’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment, ensuring all workers have the legal protections they need to feel secure in their day-to-day lives."
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Joint Statement From Governor Murphy and Acting Governor Way on the Passing of New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice James H. Coleman, Jr.
“We are saddened by the passing of Associate Justice James H. Coleman, Jr., a lifelong trailblazer who served for nearly a decade as the first Black Justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court.
“Born as the son of a sharecropper in racially segregated Virginia, Justice Coleman’s life embodies the history of inequality and the quest for progress that have always been intertwined in America’s story. Despite growing up in a society pervaded by white supremacy, Justice Coleman served his nation as a U.S. Army Reservist and received his undergraduate and law degrees from two historically Black universities, Virginia State University and Howard University School of Law. After law school, he moved to New Jersey and built a legal career in private practice and at the New Jersey Department of Labor. He became a workers’ compensation judge and then went on to serve in virtually every part of our State’s judiciary, often making history as the first African American to hold those judgeships.
“His career of excellence and unparalleled experience led to his nomination by Governor Christie Whitman to the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1994. When confirmed by the Senate, Justice Coleman became an inspiration to millions of New Jerseyans who finally saw that communities of color could be reflected on our State’s highest court. During his nine years on the Court, he changed the trajectory of our state’s history and left a permanent impact on our State’s jurisprudence.
“Our prayers are with his wife Sophia Coleman, children Kairon and James, and his beloved grandchildren, as well as everyone who knew and loved him. New Jersey will be forever grateful for Justice Coleman’s extraordinary life.”
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Murphy Administration Awards Grants for School Regionalization Studies
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has announced the awarding of School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) grants to five school districts. These grants are intended to offset the costs associated with conducting feasibility studies that explore the potential advantages of school district regionalization or consolidation. By merging school districts or implementing shared services agreements, there is potential for cost savings and other efficiencies that could benefit both students and taxpayers. The grant program was established by P.L.2021, c.402, which was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2022.
“This funding for these studies allows our nation leading public school districts to examine ways in which to reduce costs while maintaining the same level of academic excellence of our students,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “Our Administration will continue to prioritize New Jersey school systems to ensure students excel in the classroom and achieve their academic goals.”
"We are excited that school districts are utilizing this grant funding to explore potential regionalization opportunities," said Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, who also serves as Director of the Division of Local Government Services. "New Jersey public schools are ranked among the best in the nation due to their consistent and innovative delivery of high-quality academic resources and services to students. Regionalization can pave the way for new and expanded courses, extracurricular programs, and enhanced facilities, all while making efficient use of taxpayer dollars. It's a concept worth investigating, and we look forward to collaborating with the school districts as they undertake their studies."
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New Jersey Historical Commission Board Approves $5.2 Million in Statewide Fiscal Year 2025 General Operating Support
The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) has announced its Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) grant recipients encompassing an array of programs to support historical organizations, museums, historic sites, archives, individuals, and county re-grant agencies across the state.
The $5.2 million in will support the NJHC’s General Operating Support (GOS) program, which covers a range of operational expenses for qualified history organizations; Projects and Co-Sponsored Projects, which includes New Jersey-based historical research, exhibits, programs, and archival work; and the County History Partnership Program (CHPP), which provides all 21 counties with funding for local history groups statewide.
“History education and programming are essential to nurturing a lifetime of learning and civic engagement,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the NJHC in her role as Secretary of State. “This funding will ensure history groups have the resources to not only strengthen and advance existing research, planning, and programming, but also supports their preparations for the upcoming commemoration of America’s 250th.”
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Official Site of The State of New Jersey
