Governor Phil Murphy

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This Week in New Jersey: July 5, 2019

07/5/2019

Governor Murphy Takes Action on Fiscal Year 2020 State Budget

Governor Phil Murphy signed the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Act into law, growing core investments in education, NJ TRANSIT, and many other middle-class priorities, while taking decisive action to promote the fiscal responsibility that was lacking in the Legislature’s spending plan and set up New Jersey to better weather a possible future economic downturn.
 
 “The budget enacted today is a victory for working families in New Jersey in many different ways—it supports middle-class priorities, invests in education, makes a record investment in NJ TRANSIT, provides property tax relief, and so much more,” said Governor Murphy. “However, we must be honest about its shortfalls: this is a budget that does not include tax fairness, does not ask opioid manufacturers to help fund addiction services, and does not raise gun fees that have been untouched since 1966. These commonsense revenues would have allowed us to save for a rainy day and sustainably fund necessary investments for New Jersey’s nine million residents. Make no mistake, I will continue fighting for tax fairness and fiscal responsibility well beyond today’s budget actions.”
 
“As Governor, I have a responsibility to protect New Jersey from economic downturn,” Governor Murphy continued. “With this budget, I am protecting our fiscal house and making the first deposit into the Rainy Day Fund in over a decade. We cannot and will not continue to spend without ensuring we have the necessary funds to do so.”

The Governor also signed Executive Order No. 73 directing the Treasury’s Office of Management and Budget to place up to $235 million in discretionary spending into reserve, which will be monitored by Treasury and released if, during the course of the fiscal year, sufficient revenues and assumed savings materialize.

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Governor Murphy Marks Statewide Minimum Wage Increase Taking Effect

Governor Phil Murphy lauded New Jersey’s historic increase in the minimum wage from $8.85 per hour to $10 per hour taking effect on Monday, July 1st, 2019, putting our state on a path to a $15 minimum wage.

“Today marks a monumental step on our path to a stronger and fairer New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “Our economy grows when everyone can participate in it – every hardworking New Jerseyan deserves a fair wage that allow them to put food on the table and gas in their car. Together, we are making New Jersey more affordable and giving over a million New Jerseyans a pathway to the middle class.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Dramatically Reform New Jersey's Medical Marijuana Program, Expand Patient Access

Governor Phil Murphy signed the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act to dramatically reform New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) and expand patient access to medical marijuana.

“Today’s legislation creates a medical marijuana program that is modernized, compassionate, progressive, and meets the needs of patients,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud to stand with my legislative partners as we break down barriers to ensure this life-changing medical treatment is affordable and accessible for those who need it most.”

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On Independence Day, Governor Murphy Announces New Measures To Advance Immigrant and Refugee Integration

Governor Phil Murphy announced two new measures to continue the Administration’s unwavering commitment to build an inclusive state for every New Jersey resident.
“While the federal government takes action that prevents immigrants from seeking the American Dream, New Jersey will fight for our brothers and sisters and stand against the hatred and bigotry coming from Washington,” said Governor Murphy. “Immigrants are an integral part of our state, and enrich our communities socially, culturally, and economically. Through these new measures, we will continue to sustain our progress to build a fair and inclusive state for all.”

Shortly after delivering the keynote address at a naturalization ceremony aboard the Battleship New Jersey, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 74, which directs the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to advance immigrant and refugee integration initiatives, including the design of an Office of New Americans.

The Governor also announced that the Administration has submitted its intent to the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to regain the state’s role in the oversight of the state’s refugee resettlement program.

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Governor Murphy Sign's Linda's Law, Banning Utility Service Cut Offs For Those With Medical Issues

Governor Phil Murphy signed A4430 and A4555, together known as “Linda’s Law,” which will require electric public utility companies to verify with all residential customers whether anyone at the residence uses life-sustaining equipment powered by electricity. The legislation is in response to the death of Linda Daniels, a resident of Newark who lost her life when her oxygen tank lost power after her electricity was shut off.

“No one should fear losing their life because their electricity bill is a few days overdue,” said Governor Murphy. “Linda’s Law will protect residents who rely upon electricity to support their medical equipment.”

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