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Governor Phil Murphy

This Week in NJ - January 12th, 2024

01/12/2024

In 2024 Sate of the State Address, Governor Murphy Details Landmark Progress and Ambitious New Initiatives to Make New Jersey More Affordable for More Families

Governor Phil Murphy on Tuesday delivered his 2024 State of the State Address at the State House in Trenton, his sixth since taking office. In his speech, Governor Murphy vowed to make New Jersey more affordable for more families, continue to establish New Jersey as the best place to raise a family, and build upon the historic economic growth of the last six years by securing New Jersey’s future in leading emerging industries.

“Together, we are building a New Jersey that is better today and brighter tomorrow,” said Governor Murphy. “Over the past six years, we have committed to building a state that is stronger and fairer for all – and that lives up to the promise of opportunity and hope for every New Jerseyan. Today, we reaffirm that commitment by dedicating ourselves to making New Jersey the best place anywhere to raise a family.  We know these are hard times, so we are working even harder to strengthen and grow New Jersey’s middle class.”

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Governor Murphy Leads Storm Response

On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy declared that New Jersey enter a State of Emergency effective at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9 due severe storms causing hazardous weather conditions including heavy rain, high winds, and flash flooding. Executive Order No. 350 declared a State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.

On Wednesday evening, Governor Murphy and Colonel Pat Callahan assessed storm damage in Lodi, New Jersey, followed by an additional visit to Little Falls on Thursday morning. The Governor urged residents in the area to remain cautious throughout the weekend. 

"We are anticipating another storm this weekend, and although it will be less severe, it may exacerbate the effects of the inclement conditions we experienced on Tuesday," said Governor Murphy. "The State of Emergency will remain in effect as we prepare for additional rain this weekend. I urge New Jerseyans to take caution, and if you have to drive, slow down, use caution and plan extra travel time."

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Governor Murphy Signs Immigrants' Rights Legislation to Strengthen Workers' Rights and Recognize the Diversity of New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy signed a series of immigrants’ rights bills to strengthen rights of domestic workers, promote language access to government services and benefits, and accurately understand the diversity of New Jersey’s communities, building on the Murphy Administration’s commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive state for all.

“In New Jersey, our greatest strength lies in our diversity,” said Governor Murphy. “These bills recognize that our state’s immigrant families and diverse communities enrich our cultural, social, and economic identity. I am proud to sign legislation that supports New Jerseyans in achieving the American Dream, accessing government services, and being appropriately represented in data and analytics that may inform our work.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing Community Wealth Preservation Program

Governor Phil Murphy signed A5664/S4240, establishing a Community Wealth Preservation Program to promote equity and fairness in foreclosure sales by providing opportunities for foreclosed-upon residents and their next of kin, tenants, and other prospective owner-occupants – along with nonprofit community development corporations – to purchase and finance a foreclosed-upon home.

The current foreclosure market favors investment companies that can afford to purchase foreclosed-upon properties and sell them at a profit. The legislation helps to level the playing field, support affordable homeownership, and empower those with a vested interest in the community to purchase property.

“For too many, the dream of homeownership feels far out of reach,” said Governor Murphy. “With today’s bill signing, we are creating a new avenue to homeownership for individuals and families throughout New Jersey, giving many the opportunity to remain in the homes and communities they cherish while also protecting our neighborhoods from rapid investor-driven homebuying.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Joint Resolution Designating Lunar New Year in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy signed a joint resolution AJR201/SJR111, designating the first new moon of the first month of the lunar calendar as Lunar New Year in New Jersey. The date of Lunar New Year changes in concurrence with the cycles of the moon. The holiday has been recognized and celebrated internationally for thousands of years by Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders to welcome good fortune in the new year.

“I am proud to sign this resolution today to designate the annual recognition of Lunar New Year here in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey is home to the third-largest per capita population of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the nation, which is why it is important to honor and embrace the rich traditions of our diverse AAPI community. I especially look forward to joining this year’s festivities alongside all who celebrate, as New Jersey recognizes the Year of the Dragon with purpose, reflection, and renewal.”

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