Official Site of The State of New Jersey
This Week in NJ - September 12th, 2025
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing the Department of Veterans Affairs
Governor Murphy signed legislation that would establish a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, reorganizing the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” said Governor Murphy. “By establishing a department solely dedicated to the needs of Veterans, we will continue to ensure they have a seat at the table and direct access to the support and resources they deserve. Our Veterans and their families deserve nothing less.”
Currently, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages both military operations and veterans’ services. Under this bill, the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs will exclusively focus on veteran-related matters, such as delivering housing, health care, mental health services, and benefits for veterans and their families. Military functions will continue at the current department, which will be renamed the Department of Military Affairs.
“This realignment is a deliberate step toward strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring focused leadership in support of our Veterans and military communities,” said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to provide each community with the dedicated resources, advocacy, and attention they deserve.”
Governor Murphy Announces Pardons for 40 Individuals in Third Round of Clemency Actions
“As ‘The State for Second Chances,’ we pride ourselves on recognizing the power of redemption,” said Governor Murphy. “Extending this opportunity for a new beginning is one of the greatest responsibilities I hold as Governor – and one that I do not take lightly. I am deeply grateful to Bishop Rodriguez, the Clemency Advisory Board, and Governor Phil Murphy today exercised his executive authority and announced a third round of clemency actions by pardoning 40 individuals. Today’s announcement brings the total number of grants of clemency during the Murphy Administration to 169 individuals.
“As ‘The State for Second Chances,’ we pride ourselves on recognizing the power of redemption,” said Governor Murphy. “Extending this opportunity for a new beginning is one of the greatest responsibilities I hold as Governor – and one that I do not take lightly. I am deeply grateful to Bishop Rodriguez, the Clemency Advisory Board, and my team for their careful and thoughtful review and guidance on each application for clemency that we receive. Together, we are ensuring that justice in New Jersey is both rooted in public safety and a belief in second chances.”
New Jersey’s Constitution gives the Governor broad discretion and the sole authority to issue pardons and commutations to individuals for State criminal convictions. team for their careful and thoughtful review and guidance on each application for clemency that we receive. Together, we are ensuring that justice in New Jersey is both rooted in public safety and a belief in second chances.”
State Health Department Issues Executive Directive, Standing Order to Ensure Access to COVID-19 Vaccines in New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) issued Executive Directive No. 25-003, allowing anyone six months of age and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season. The Department also issued a Standing Order authorizing pharmacists in New Jersey to administer COVID-19 immunizations without a prescription. Together, these actions remove barriers to ensure that all individuals who wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are able to do so in the State.
“At a time when COVID-19 cases are increasing across the country and as part of my Administration’s dedication to evidence-based public health action, I am committed to ensuring everyone in New Jersey who wants to receive a COVID-19 vaccination can receive a dose this fall from trusted health professionals,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
“New Jersey is committed to defending the principles that safeguard our families and protect the health of our communities. This is about equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine, which has been proven to prevent serious illness and hospitalization,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “Especially as we enter cold and flu season and as students head back-to-school, New Jerseyans are reminded to stay up to date on all recommended vaccinations.”
Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development Announces 2025 Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards
The Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development (GCHED) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Governor's Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards. The presentation of these awards will happen during a special ceremony on September 17, 2025, at the Governor's Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards Brunch. This brunch will recognize the outstanding contributions to housing and economic development across the State of New Jersey.
The Governor's Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, and projects that align with the core missions of the Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development Coordinating Agencies: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Financing Agency (NJHMFA).
“Each of this year’s honorees reflects the power of vision paired with persistence. Their work shows us what is possible when public, private, and nonprofit partners commit to building stronger communities together,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Kia King. “These awards are not just acknowledgments of past achievements; they’re reminders that innovation and equity must guide the next chapter of housing and economic development in New Jersey.”
NJ Department of Banking and Insurance Issues Guidance on Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccines
The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance issued guidance to insurance carriers on health insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccination.
The Department advised that it expects health insurance carriers to continue to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccination without cost sharing. The Department strongly encourages carriers to provide this coverage for everyone ages six months and older without additional barriers, such as a requirement of a prescription, regardless of federal actions relating to the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season.
The Murphy Administration has taken steps to ensure access for those in New Jersey who wish to receive the vaccine. The New Jersey Department of Health issued Executive Directive No. 25-003, allowing individuals six months of age and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season and a Standing Order authorizing pharmacists in New Jersey to administer COVID-19 immunizations without a prescription. Its actions come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently rescinded its Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccines and limited who can receive them.
“We are calling upon partners across the health sector — from doctors and pharmacists to insurance carriers — to do their part to make the COVID-19 vaccine accessible and affordable this fall,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact in every corner of the Garden State, and we know vaccines are the best and safest line of defense against severe adverse outcomes.”