Governor Phil Murphy

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This Week In New Jersey: March 6, 2020

03/6/2020

Governor Murphy, Acting Governor Oliver, and Commissioner Persichilli Announce First Presumptive Positive Case of Novel Coronavirus in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy, Acting Governor Sheila Oliver, and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced the first presumptive positive cases of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in New Jersey. 

“My Administration is working aggressively to keep residents safe and contain the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “We take this situation very seriously and have been preparing for this for weeks. I urge residents to remain calm and use resources from the New Jersey Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to prepare and prevent the spread of infection. Safeguarding the public’s health is one of my highest priorities and my Administration is prepared to respond swiftly to any additional positive cases of COVID-19 here in New Jersey.”

“Our Administration has been coordinating across all levels of government, and with our federal partners, to ensure that we are active and engaged with preparedness and response plan,” said Acting Governor Oliver. “We urge all New Jersey residents to follow guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to help contain the spread of COVID-19.”

“Any case of novel coronavirus in our state is concerning, however most New Jersey residents are at very low risk of contracting COVID-19,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The Department is working closely with the CDC and local health officials to respond to these cases and is monitoring the evolving situation across the nation.”

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Governor Murphy and Hudson County Officials Celebrate Early Construction on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Expansion

Governor Phil Murphy, joined by NJ TRANSIT CEO Kevin Corbett, Hudson County officials, labor representatives, and community leaders, highlighted early phases of construction on an extension project to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail’s (HBLR) West Side Avenue Branch. The project will add a new station supporting the transportation needs of the community, as well as encourage growth along Hackensack River Waterfront.

“I am thrilled to announce the West Side Avenue extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail today, as this project represents the type of smart, 21st century infrastructure needed for New Jersey’s commuters and economic future,” said Governor Murphy. “Continued expansion of mass transit is fundamental to creating a more innovative, interconnected state. I look forward to working with NJ TRANSIT and our regional partners to deliver a fully accessible Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system.”

“This extension will benefit so many people, in so many ways,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “It will create an entirely new neighborhood west of Route 440, with new residential and commercial development and parks. It will provide a convenient connection between Jersey City’s western waterfront and existing transit services, with seamless connections to the PATH train and Lower Manhattan. And it will spur sustainable economic growth and improve mobility throughout Jersey City, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas through reduced road traffic. Governor Murphy deserves tremendous credit for pushing this project forward and getting us to this day.”

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Acting Governor Oliver Participates in United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Opportunity Zone Workshop

Acting Governor Oliver, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) CEO Tim Sullivan, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Executive Director Charles Richman, and other state officials participated in a HUD Opportunity Zone workshop to highlight investment and rehabilitation opportunities available in New Jersey.

The Opportunity Zones program can have a tremendous impact on New Jersey communities and today’s convening is a great way for municipal and community leaders to learn how they can maximize and leverage their designation,” said Acting Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “I’d like to thank HUD for organizing this event and commend our public and private partners for working together to create new economic opportunities and build stronger communities.”

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Acting Governor Oliver Announces Completion of Major Renovations at Garden and Spruce Spires in the City of Newark

Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver and Mayor Ras J. Baraka joined federal, state and city officials, community leaders, and property owner Omni America, LLC to announce the completion of a $172 million rehabilitation of the Garden and Spruce Spires affordable housing communities in Newark. The rehabilitation, which was funded in large part by the State, addressed all past building and fire code violations and has dramatically improved the quality of life for the more than 650 households who live in the housing complexes. 

“Today’s ribbon cutting of the fully renovated Garden and Spruce Spires shows what collaboration among government agencies and the private sector can accomplish when everyone is working toward a common purpose. Looking at these revitalized buildings today, I am reminded of a time during my childhood when people of all occupations were clamoring to get into apartments here,” said Acting Governor Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “These improvements do more than abate safety violations and property decay; they show that every person is deserving of human dignity, which includes living in clean and decent housing they can be proud to call home.”  

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Governor's Budget Plan Would Increase Support For Individuals With Development Disabilities by $62 Million

Governor Murphy’s proposed state budget for the Department of Human Services would increase support for individuals with developmental disabilities by $62 million, including $42 million in new funding for the developmental disabilities’ frontline workforce and $20 million in new resources for day program services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“A strong and caring workforce and robust daily programming are essential for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive in our communities,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said.  “Our budget prioritizes these critical services by increasing wages for the professionals who support individuals in the community and by increasing investment in the day programs that provide individuals’ community engagement opportunities.  We look forward to working with the Legislature to advance these proposals and to the benefits that these initiatives will bring to individuals and families throughout New Jersey.”

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