Governor Murphy Announces Release of Independent and Comprehensive Review of the State's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Governor's Office this week released the independent review of the State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 910-page report was authored by the law firm Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, under the leadership of former federal and state prosecutor Paul Zoubek, with assistance from the Boston Consulting Group.
"I want to thank the teams at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads and Boston Consulting Group, who, under the leadership of Paul Zoubek, issued a 910-page comprehensive and unflinching review of the State's response to COVID-19," said Governor Murphy. "This pandemic, which took the lives of over 33,000 New Jersey residents and well over one million Americans, was the greatest crisis our State has ever faced. During this trying time, my responsibilities as Governor required that every effort be made to protect the health and safety of all 9.3 million New Jersey residents. As we emerged from the pandemic, my responsibilities similarly demanded that we as a State fully examine what worked and what didn't work so that future administrations can be better prepared for a crisis of this magnitude. I am proud that New Jersey is the only state in the nation to have completed this type of independent and comprehensive review. The report both highlights numerous examples of New Jersey's strong leadership during the crisis, and identifies gaps in preparedness and structural deficiencies that must be addressed. I know New Jersey will be better off because of this review, and my administration looks forward to working with the Legislature on its recommendations."
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Governor Murphy, Acting Commissioner Dehmer Announce $11 Million in Funding to Bring High-Quality Preschool to 16 School Districts
Governor Phil Murphy was joined by Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer at Millridge School in Secaucus to highlight the impact access to preschool is having on New Jersey families as part of his administration’s record investment to expand access to preschool statewide. The visit coincides with the announcement of another round of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) Preschool Education Aid (PEA) that will allow an additional 16 school districts across the State to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
“Access to early childhood education helps set the tone for the rest of a child’s educational career by providing innumerable benefits that will follow young learners throughout their lives,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “From advanced literacy skills to enhanced social and emotional development, access to high-quality preschool programs has a tangible impact on our children. That is why I am proud to announce continued investments to expand access to preschool for families across the State. Today's announcement builds upon our work to make universal preschool a reality in New Jersey so that more children have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.”
The funding is projected to provide 827 additional seats for children to access high-quality preschool education. This second round of funding for FY2024 builds on the $25 million investment in preschool funding announced last October that provided for an additional 1,715 preschool seats in 26 school districts. High-quality preschools are full-day programs that have a certificated teacher and aide, limited class size, curriculum aligned to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, and are inclusive of special needs children.
“We know that high-quality preschool sets the foundation for a child’s success and is linked to improved student outcomes for years to come,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “That’s why bringing high-quality preschool to more communities can be so transformative, and one that is well worth our investment.”
This announcement builds on the Murphy Administration’s campaign to put New Jersey on the path to universal preschool, providing every three- and four-year-old child in New Jersey with access to free, full-day preschool. Additionally, the Governor’s FY2025 budget proposes an additional $124 million for preschool education, including $20 million to expand high-quality, full-day preschool programs into new school districts. Since taking office, Governor Murphy has increased preschool funding by over $427 million and added more than 14,600 preschool seats in New Jersey school districts.
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New Jersey Receives Approval for $180 Million in Federal Funds to Support Critical Capital Projects
Governor Phil Murphy announced that the State of New Jersey has been approved for a total of nearly $180 million through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Project Fund (CPF) to support a wide range of infrastructure projects that promote public health and safety, digital connectivity, and equitable access to critical services.
“Building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient New Jersey in a manner that’s equitable is a collaborative effort between many partners, all of whom have a stake in the success of our communities. I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for these transformative investments, and to Senator Booker and our congressional delegation for their tireless support of the people of the Garden State,” said Governor Murphy. “This funding will help strengthen infrastructure and improve access to essential services, and in many instances it will be a game-changer that has a lasting impact on communities across our state.”
The CPF, a component of the American Rescue Plan, is designed to provide crucial funding for enhancing the quality of life, economic vitality, and resilience of communities across the United States.
“These are essential investments in New Jersey’s future, expanding access to high-speed internet, rebuilding schools, making it safer for mothers giving birth, and more,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “I’m proud to have voted for the bill that allocated this funding and to fight to bring home resources that enable our families and children to thrive and lower costs for New Jersey taxpayers. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, we have made historic investments in New Jersey’s infrastructure to remove lead-service lines, strengthen supply chains, accelerate our transition to a clean-energy economy, and advance construction of the Hudson River tunnel—the most important infrastructure project in North America.”
“Lowering costs for affordable internet is critical to meeting the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of expanding economic opportunity in communities across the country,” said Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “This funding is key to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and will help increase access to high-speed internet for thousands of New Jerseyans so they can compete in the 21st century economy.”
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New Jersey Receives $25M in Federal Funding to Support Construction of Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center
First Lady Tammy Murphy announced the State of New Jersey was awarded $25 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury to support the construction of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC) in Trenton. The Center, which is being developed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), is a critical component of First Lady Murphy’s Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan which aims to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.
The MIHIC will not only provide services to pregnant New Jerseyans, new parents, and babies, but also advance the growth and development of the perinatal workforce, and deliver maternal and infant health policy, research, and innovation focused on eliminating racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. The NJEDA will use the funding to secure the services of a construction manager and architect engineer, who will work closely with the NJEDA's real estate and program teams to oversee the design and development phases of the MIHIC.
“While we still have more work to do, I am incredibly proud of the momentum behind Nurture NJ’s mission to solve New Jersey’s maternal and infant health crisis,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Now, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and our dedicated congressional delegation’s commitment to provide essential resources for our Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center – a one-of-a-kind hub for developing groundbreaking maternal health care innovations – Nurture NJ will not only be able to lead the maternal care transformation here in New Jersey, but also nationwide, ensuring equitable and compassionate care for every mother and baby.”
“Under Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Murphy's leadership, New Jersey is ensuring that every expectant parent and child will receive the high-quality health care they deserve, especially in communities that have often been overlooked," said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. "The funding made possible by the Biden Administration is imperative to the development of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center, which will provide critical health care services, training, and education that will improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The MIHIC will also spur innovation and job creation in the Trenton community and will create a stronger economy for its residents."
“While we must continue to work to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and address the unacceptably high maternal mortality rates for women in the United States and New Jersey, I am proud to champion federal investments such as this one to give New Jersey resources to make crucial investments into our state’s maternal healthcare system,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “I am grateful that Governor Murphy and the First Lady have made maternal health a priority and are focused on improving maternal health outcomes for New Jersey families.”
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Attorney General Platkin, Office of Justice Data Launch Permit-to-Carry Dashboard
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Justice Data announced the public release of a comprehensive dashboard that summarizes information related to applications submitted to law enforcement agencies statewide seeking a permit to carry a handgun in New Jersey.
Attorney General Platkin also announced that “Gun Free Zone” decals are available to New Jersey businesses that want to provide clear notice of their intention to prohibit firearms on their property. The Attorney General’s Office is providing these decals free of charge for property owners’ and businesses’ voluntary use.
“As we continue to adjust to the reality we face after the Bruen decision and fight against the consistent attacks from the gun lobby to undermine commonsense gun safety legislation, our mission is to make New Jersey a safer place to live, work, go to school, and raise a family,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The two initiatives announced today are another step forward in our efforts, and I applaud the Office of the Attorney General for its continued partnership with our office and law enforcement entities across our state to implement innovative strategies that expand on New Jersey’s rank as a national leader in gun safety.”
“Transparency is a key component to enhancing public safety. The data available in this dashboard allows its users to gain an understanding of where in New Jersey the applications for permits to carry firearms is increasing,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The decals can help ensure the increase in people carrying guns doesn’t lead to a higher rate of shootings and gun deaths like those experienced in states with less-protective gun laws than New Jersey.”
The dashboard allows users to search based on location, demographics, and other factors. Statewide data was previously not available because applications for permits to carry had been submitted on paper to individual police departments and not centralized, until Attorney General Directive 2023-02 issued in June 2023 required anonymized data to be submitted monthly to the Office of Justice Data.
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Official Site of The State of New Jersey
