Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy has announced that a record-breaking number of New Jersey residents signed up for health coverage through Get Covered New Jersey during the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period. Murphy stated, “This year’s record-breaking Open Enrollment Period means that more New Jerseyans than ever before have access to quality, affordable health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey.”

In addition to health coverage, Governor Murphy also addressed the preservation of boardwalks in New Jersey. He expressed the importance of maintaining these iconic structures, saying, “So many of us have created memories with family and friends at the boardwalks of the Jersey shore. Our boardwalks have long been a prized destination and we want to keep them that way by helping shore communities repair and maintain these wooden main streets.”

DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the Boardwalk Preservation Fund in supporting local governments to improve and maintain boardwalks. Suárez stated, “To support this significant state asset, the Murphy Administration created the Boardwalk Preservation Fund to ease the financial burden on local governments when improving their boardwalks.”

EPA Chief of Staff Olivia Glenn emphasized the impact of funding on environmental initiatives, particularly in promoting cleaner air for children. Glenn remarked, “Today’s funding means cleaner air and less pollution…which equals healthier kids!”

Governor Murphy expressed gratitude towards President Biden, congressional delegation, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their support in protecting school children from harmful pollutants. He said, “I want to thank President Biden, our congressional delegation, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their steadfast support of our efforts here at home to protect school children from harmful pollutants and give them the best chance to succeed.”

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way commended the creativity of New Jersey's artist community, stating, “The continued creativity of our state’s artist community never ceases to amaze me.” Council Chair Elizabeth Mattson emphasized the importance of funding for artists, mentioning that these awards provide artists with more freedom and flexibility to focus on creating and sharing their work.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin addressed the issue of gun violence, stating, “Gun violence is a public health crisis that threatens the health and safety of all New Jerseyans, including our kids.” Platkin led a coalition of attorneys general in filing an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals to revisit an opinion on concealed weapons laws.

It has been a week of significant announcements and initiatives in New Jersey, from healthcare enrollment milestones to environmental investments and support for the arts.