Governor Murphy Names Secretary of State Tahesha Way as Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy announced Secretary of State Tahesha L. Way as the next Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. In a ceremony in the New Jersey Executive State House, Lieutenant Governor Way was sworn into her new role, which she assumes after the unexpected passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver on August 1, 2023.

“Sheila Oliver was the greatest partner in government I could have ever hoped for, and she leaves incredibly big shoes to fill,” said Governor Murphy. “While no one can truly replace her, I am deeply proud to appoint Secretary of State Tahesha Way to succeed her as Lieutenant Governor. Tahesha has been with our administration from the very beginning, and her work over the past five and a half years leading the Department of State has grown New Jersey’s tourism economy, uplifted small businesses, and strengthened our election system. Tahesha is the perfect candidate to join me in finishing the job that Sheila and I started.”

“I considered Lieutenant Governor Oliver a close friend and mentor – someone I looked to for guidance to better serve the people of New Jersey,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. "To have been selected as her successor as New Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor is one of the greatest honors of my career. I come to this position as the child of two public servants who molded me into the person I am today. Having experience at different levels of government has showed me the important role that those of us in public office can play in improving the lives of families across our state. I look forward to finishing the work of this Administration with Governor Murphy and continuing to build on the legacy Lieutenant Governor Oliver fostered.”

“We are very pleased with Governor Murphy’s selection of Tahesha Way as Sheila’s successor to be the next Lieutenant Governor,” said the Oliver Family. “Our beloved Sheila dedicated her heart and soul to serving the people of New Jersey –displaying an unwavering commitment to public service that we know Tahesha shares. We know Sheila would have been proud that Tahesha has been selected to carry out her legacy.”

Four Credit Rating Upgrades

For the fourth time in less than month span, a major ratings agency upgraded New Jersey’s credit rating, as Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) in May boosted the state to ‘A+’ from ‘A’.

The move by KBRA follows similar upgrades from Moody’s Investor Service, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings, each of which upped the rating on the State’s general obligation bonds in April.

“This upgrade from KBRA makes it a grand slam for New Jersey’s bond rating and is proof positive that our efforts to budget responsibly have paid off,” said Governor Phil Murphy.  “A lot of hard work has gone into this series of upgrades, and we are well-prepared to weather any storms.”

This is KBRA’s first upgrade of the State’s rating since beginning coverage in 2015. In its report on the upgrade, KBRA cited the proposed record surplus and three full pension payments in as many years. On April 6, Moody’s boosted its rating to ‘A1’ from ‘A2’. Fitch followed suit on April 10, raising its rating to ‘A+’ from ‘A.’ On April 12, S&P improved its rate to ‘A’ from ‘A-‘. The three April upgrades follow upgrades from each of these agencies issued in 2022.

Governor Murphy, Speaker Coughlin, Senate President Scutari Announce Agreement to Deliver Historic Property Tax Relief for Seniors

Governor Phil Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and Senate President Nicholas Scutari announced an agreement to deliver historic property tax relief for New Jersey seniors while making a third consecutive full pension payment, providing record aid for K-12 education, and maintaining a robust surplus to protect against an economic downturn.

“No one should have to choose between retiring in the place they’ve long called home and their ability to afford to age here,” said Governor Murphy. “When coupled with the 18 tax cuts we have already instituted or proposed for lower and middle-income taxpayers, this compromise agreement prioritizes equity and affordability to decisively level the playing field for New Jersey seniors.”

“StayNJ is about our future and our families' future. StayNJ will finally give New Jerseyans the freedom to choose whether or not to stay in New Jersey in their communities and with their families when they reach retirement age,” said Assembly Speaker Coughlin. “Once you become 65, your property taxes will be cut in half or your rental aid will increase significantly and, combined with reduced health care costs, we believe we have taken a monumental step to make New Jersey more affordable for seniors. New Jersey is already a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Now it will be a place where you can retire with dignity and the freedom to choose to stay. I thank Governor Phil Murphy and Senate President Nick Scutari for working with me to reach a compromise agreement on StayNJ.” 

“This is a game changer for New Jersey’s seniors who are getting squeezed by escalating expenses,” said Senate President Scutari. “It will provide significant tax relief that will make the state a more affordable place in which to live, work and retire. Reducing the burden of property taxes will give senior citizens the financial security they need to remain in New Jersey, where they built their lives. We want to offer seniors and their families the ability to plan their future here in New Jersey.”

Honoring New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 341, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 and Thursday, September 14, 2023 in honor of New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. Fiordaliso passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy of public service and environmentalism. The flag lowering will coincided with Fiordaliso’s funeral services in Trenton and Livingston.

“For more than three decades, Joe exemplified the finest characteristics of a public servant in New Jersey: selflessly dedicated to the welfare of his local community, fiercely committed to his ideals, and endlessly hopeful for the future of our state,” said Governor Murphy. “These qualities were on display no more conspicuously than in his leadership of my Administration’s clean energy agenda, which Joe viewed as critical to fostering a more sustainable and healthier state that his children and grandchildren would one day inherit. While Tammy and I mourn this considerable loss alongside Papa Joe’s family – in Trenton and in Joe’s beloved Livingston – all U.S. and state flags will be lowered in honor of his remarkable legacy.”

Statement From Governor Murphy on Senate Confirmation of New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael Noriega

“I am extremely pleased that the State Senate has confirmed Michael Noriega with unanimous and bipartisan support to serve as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. An exceptional legal talent, Michael will bring a unique combination of experience and expertise to the bench, making history as the first former public defender to serve on our state’s highest court and restoring representation from the Hispanic community at the highest level of our judiciary.

“Michael’s integrity, compassion, and intellect have earned the admiration of all who are fortunate enough to know him, and I have no doubt that he will bring these qualities to our state’s highest court. 

“I thank Senators from both parties who put partisanship aside and considered this nomination with seriousness and diligence, once again demonstrating why New Jersey’s judicial appointment process remains a model for the nation. I am especially grateful to Michael’s home county Senators, Senate President Scutari, Senator Cryan, and Senator Bramnick, as well as Senate Judiciary Chair Stack, for their leadership throughout the confirmation process. I am looking forward to seeing Michael serve on our Supreme Court with honor and distinction for many years to come.”

Governor Phil Murphy Unveils Playbook for Governors to Address Nation's Youth Mental Health Crisis & First Lady Tammy Murphy Unveils "Tackling the Maternal and Infant Health Crisis: a Governor's Playbook"

During the opening session of the National Governors Association (NGA) Annual Meeting, NGA Chair New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy unveiled “Strengthening Youth Mental Health: A Governor’s Playbook.” As Chair of the NGA, Governor Murphy sought to harness the bipartisan efforts and national focus on youth mental health and made “Strengthening Youth Mental Health” the focus of his year-long NGA Chair’s Initiative. To create the Playbook, Governor Murphy brought together 500 stakeholders -- including youth, Governors, and other experts -- at four convenings across the country to discuss the current state of youth mental health systems, best practices, and implementable, impactful solutions for all states.

“America’s youth mental health crisis is a complex issue that transcends both party and geographic lines. Over the past year, we have traveled across the country and spent countless hours meeting with those on the front lines – young people, parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders – to discuss innovative approaches, thoughtful programs, and effective models for addressing youth mental health,” said Governor Murphy. “Together, these form the basis of our Playbook that states, policymakers, and stakeholders can use to strengthen youth mental health across the country. The pages of this Playbook contain examples of successful policies and initiatives that use this all-hands approach to address youth mental health needs, and it is our hope that more states will implement similar policies to help our youth thrive.”

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy led a related initiative building on her extensive work to improve maternal and infant health. She also unveiled a policy playbook titled, “Tackling the Maternal and Infant Health Crisis: A Governor’s Playbook'  – a complementary policy roadmap to “Strengthening Youth Mental Health: A Governor’s Playbook,” which NGA Chair New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy unveiled as part of his yearlong NGA Chair’s Initiative. The complementary initiatives brought together close to 500 people in four convenings across the country to advance best practices and implementable, impactful solutions for states.

“As the wealthiest country in the world, every mother and baby across our nation should begin their life together in health, wellness, and joy. But tragically that is not the case,” said First Lady Murphy. “In fact, the United States has the worst rates of maternal mortality among developed countries, and the gap between rates in the U.S. and other high-income countries is only widening. The Maternal and Infant Health Initiative Playbook is designed to make transformational change in a system that has historically failed our mothers and babies – especially our Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaskan Native mothers and babies. Ultimately, working together with our voices, resources and commitment is the only way we will make the United States the safest nation to deliver and raise a baby.”

Governor Murphy Announces Comprehensive Set of Initiatives to Combat Climate Change and Power the "Next New Jersey"

In an address in February at Rutgers University, Governor Phil Murphy announced a series of new and accelerated targets and commitments to build upon the Administration’s nation-leading climate action record. The Administration will bolster its robust climate adaptation and mitigation efforts through an accelerated target of 100% clean energy by 2035, ambitious goal-setting for electrification of the state’s building sector, and collaborative planning for the future of the State’s natural gas utilities, through three Executive Orders signed by the Governor this morning. Additionally, the State will offer new grant funding for heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs), initiate the process to adopt Advanced Clean Cars II in New Jersey and ensure 100 percent of new cars sold in 2035 are zero-emission vehicles, and enact rules to enhance flood protection in riverine and coastal areas. 

“These bold targets and carefully crafted initiatives signal our unequivocal commitment to swift and concrete climate action today,” said Governor Murphy. “We’ve turned our vision for a greener tomorrow into a responsible and actionable roadmap to guide us, and it’s through that pragmatic, evidence-based approach that we will ultimately arrive at our destination. Combined with our federal partnerships reinforced through the Inflation Reduction Act, these comprehensive initiatives will better protect and prepare every New Jersey community, including those on the front lines of climate change who have previously been left out and left behind.” 

“The climate change impacts we are already experiencing in our state demand that we take innovative, decisive action today to give future generations of New Jersey residents a chance at a good quality of life,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. “Our deep affection for New Jersey and the people who call it home propel us to adopt policies and launch programs that help us address and adapt to the realities of climate change. It is with pride that the Murphy Administration takes a leadership role on this urgent issue and we are hopeful that New Jerseyans of every walk of life will support these efforts to promote climate resilience.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislative Package to Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable for New Jerseyans

As part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to advance health care affordability on behalf of the residents of our state, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills he announced in partnership with legislative sponsors last year to help make prescription drugs more affordable for New Jerseyans. The three bills, which were signed alongside legislators and advocates, will work together to cap certain out-of-pocket costs, establish greater oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, and promote transparency across the pharmaceutical supply chain.

“This is a huge step forward in our ongoing efforts to deliver much-needed relief to countless families throughout our state who are struggling to afford critical medications,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud to sign nation-leading legislation that will make a real difference in the lives of New Jerseyans as we continue to work towards making prescription drugs and other health care services more affordable and accessible to everyone.”

This year's bill package advances one of the most comprehensive prescription drug price transparency programs in the country to date. The legislation also makes New Jersey only the second state in the nation to cap out of pocket costs for asthma inhalers and EpiPens in addition to capping consumer costs for insulin.

Governor Murphy Highlights New Jersey's Progress in Protecting and Expanding Access to Reproductive Health Care

Governor Phil Murphy joined legislative and community partners in highlighting progress the State has made over the past year in protecting reproductive rights and expanding access to reproductive health care. From funding for reproductive health care providers to the advancement of rules that will facilitate easier access to contraception and abortion services, New Jersey continues to prioritize reproductive freedoms that are under attack around the country.

“New Jersey is a state that continues to stand for the fundamental right to make one’s own reproductive choices,” said Governor Murphy. “Understanding that rights without access mean nothing, my Administration is also working with our partners to remove barriers to the family planning tools individuals need to make these crucial and deeply personal decisions. No matter what steps other states may take to restrict access to reproductive health care, New Jersey will never stop fighting to defend these freedoms.”

A joint rule proposal from the BME and BOP, which advanced after a vote by the BME, will enable pharmacists to safely provide self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without a prescription. These rules’ procedures aim to ensure pharmacists are equipped with training and protocols to provide appropriate counseling and screening for patients seeking contraceptive pills, patches, and rings without a prescription.  The boards’ rule proposal implements legislation that Governor Murphy signed in January, on the first anniversary of the historic Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act. These new services will be available in 2024.

To represent New Jersey’s commitment to defending reproductive rights, Governor Murphy also joined a historic, multi-state Reproductive Freedom Alliance earlier this year to work with other like-minded governors to protect and expand reproductive freedoms in the participating states.

Each of these efforts build upon a number of other steps Governor Murphy and has taken alongside legislative and community partners since the Governor first signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act in January 2022. Other action has included:

1. Enacting protections for reproductive health care providers and out-of-state residents seeking reproductive services in New Jersey;

2. Creating a ‘Reproductive Rights Strike Force’ to initiate civil and criminal enforcement actions and develop strategic initiatives to protect access to reproductive health care on behalf of residents from New Jersey and other states, including through guidance to State licensing boards, to health care providers and other licensees, and to consumers on patient and provider rights; and

3. Making funding available to Rutgers University to create and implement the “New Jersey Reproductive Training and Education Initiative.”

Governor Murphy Signs First-in-the-Nation Legislation to Hold Gun Traffickers Criminally Liable for Resulting Deaths and Injuries

Expanding on New Jersey’s nation-leading gun safety laws, Governor Phil Murphy signed S3150, which establishes strict liability criminal penalties for gun traffickers when an illegally trafficked firearm provided by them is used in a crime that results in serious or significant bodily injury or death.

Under the first-in-the-nation legislation, also known as the “Real Accountability for Consequences of Unlawful Trafficking of Firearms Act,” a trafficked firearm used for a crime resulting in a death may be charged with a first-degree crime. Similarly, a person who commits a firearm trafficking violation resulting in serious or significant bodily injury may be charged with a second-degree crime. The bill will also allow New Jersey prosecutors to charge out-of-state traffickers, who have supplied around 80% of guns used for crimes in our state, for the harms their illegal out-of-state conduct causes in New Jersey.

The legislation is modeled on similar, longstanding laws that impose strict criminal liability on drug dealers for overdose deaths caused by their illicit products.

"Far too many New Jerseyans live with the daily fear that people in their communities who cannot legally possess guns can illegally obtain firearms and cause great harm,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill allows us to hold those who illegally traffic those guns accountable for the harm that those weapons are used to cause. With today’s new law, New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to go after illegal gun traffickers in this way.  This is yet another historic step to protect our children and families from gun violence, and we will continue to support long-term solutions that will break the cycle of violence once and for all."

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Prioritize Work Experience and Skills Training Over Four-Year Degrees for Certain State Employment Opportunities

Building on his vision for the Next New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy, joined by New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC) Acting Chair and CEO Allison Chris Myers, signed Executive Order No. 327 expanding job opportunities for New Jerseyans by prioritizing skills and work experience over college degree requirements for certain State employment opportunities. The Order directs CSC to identify the job classifications that require college degrees and determine which are appropriate to revise in the State’s classification plan, prioritizing the practical skills and experiences needed to effectively serve the public over strict educational requirements.

“Every American should have the ability to attain a good job with growth opportunities and secure their place in the middle class, regardless of whether or not they have a college degree,” said Governor Murphy. “Employment qualifications for good-paying jobs in our state workforce should not exclude individuals with qualifying experience, unique skillsets, and diverse backgrounds. Today, we open the door to that opportunity for applicants across our state, and urge other states, as well as private sector employers, to remove barriers to opportunity.”