Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy made significant strides this week in New Jersey, signing legislation and announcing initiatives aimed at improving various aspects of the state.

In a move to boost the state's economy and support small businesses, Governor Murphy signed legislation that will increase the number of available liquor licenses in New Jersey. The Governor expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "For the first time in nearly a century, New Jersey has shown the fortitude to tackle an age-old problem that has stifled economic growth and hampered the dreams of countless small business owners."

Additionally, Governor Murphy expanded eligibility criteria under the Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act, emphasizing the importance of access to nutritious food for children. He stated, "Access to nutritious food is a basic necessity for our kids," highlighting the state's commitment to fighting food insecurity.

Mark Dinglasan, Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, praised Governor Murphy for his leadership in combatting food insecurity, stating, "I’m grateful to Governor Murphy for continuing to lead New Jersey’s efforts to combat food insecurity at its root causes and position our state as a national leader in food security work."

Governor Murphy also addressed concerns regarding congestion pricing, announcing the state's request to add constitutional claims against transportation authorities. He expressed his reservations, stating, "The tolling scheme currently being pursued by the MTA fails to address our greatest concerns," emphasizing the need to protect New Jersey residents.

Furthermore, Governor Murphy, along with State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio, celebrated the successful retirement of outstanding debt, saving taxpayers millions of dollars and reducing the state's total debt significantly. Treasurer Muoio commended the effort, stating, "This latest successful round of defeasance is a testament to the talented and hard-working staff in our Office of Public Finance."

First Lady Tammy Murphy also played a crucial role this week, celebrating the signing of a bill that ensures every mother's right to a doula in a hospital or birth center. She highlighted the importance of doulas in maternal health, stating, "Evidence shows that doulas help reduce birth complications, lower rates of C-sections, improve mental health, and provide overall essential support and advocacy during the birthing process."

Lastly, Governor Murphy signed legislation permitting public school students to have State-excused absences for civic events, aiming to enhance civic engagement among youth. He emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, "Providing students the option to attend civic events throughout their academic careers creates an opportunity for our future leaders to become more engaged in our democracy and society."

These developments underscore the state's commitment to addressing various challenges and advancing initiatives to improve the lives of New Jersey residents.