Office of the Governor | This Week In New Jersey: September 6, 2019

Governor Murphy Announces State Funding to Provide High Quality Pre-K in 28 Additional School Districts

Continuing the largest expansion in high-quality preschool that New Jersey has seen in decades, Governor Phil Murphy announced 28 additional school districts that will benefit from state aid to implement or expand quality early childhood education programs in their communities by October 1. The addition of 28 districts means that approximately 1,450 additional children across the State will attend a quality preschool this school year.

“New Jersey has long been considered a leader in early childhood education, and I am proud that we are now bringing about the greatest growth in preschool that this state has seen so far this century,” said Governor Murphy, who made today’s announcement in Union City, a community that has a deep history of providing quality preschool programs to 3 and 4-year-old children. “Educating our children at this critical age will give them a strong start in academics and a desire to learn.”

Governor Murphy Attends New Brunswick P-Tech High School Ribbon Cutting

Governor Murphy, along with Department of Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet attended the ribbon-cutting for New Brunswick's brand new P-Tech High School.

The school is one of three throughout New Jersey piloting the P-Tech model, a six year program that graduates students with both a high school diploma and an Associate degree, as well as providing them with on the job training for in-demand fields working with key corporate partner. Governor Murphy announced the innovative program, along with state funding for it last year.

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Treasury Announces Changes in Public Employee Health Benefit & Pension Costs that will Help Rein in Property Taxes for the Coming Year

State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio announced that local government and school employers can expect to see relief in the coming year when it comes to the cost of health benefits and pension contributions – two of the largest drivers of property taxes.

“Two of the largest drivers of property taxes are health care and pension costs and today those costs are being reined in,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The fiscally responsible path we’re putting New Jersey on – a dogged pursuit to lower the cost of health care, collaboration with our public union partners, and bolstering our pension system – is the right one.”
“This is certainly good news for property taxpayers who have become accustomed to shouldering cost increases year after year,” said State Treasurer Muoio. “It’s also welcome news for local governments, which struggle to meet their obligations while remaining within the two percent property tax cap. It shows that our concerted effort to find efficiencies and savings in the delivery of quality health benefits is paying off.”

Murphy Administration Announces $54 Million Investment in Child Care

First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson today announced that families throughout the state who receive support from New Jersey’s child care subsidy program will see $54 million ($30 million federal; $24 million state) in increased funding as part of the Murphy Administration’s continued effort to help working families in New Jersey.
“A mother should never have to choose between paying her rent and keeping her baby in quality child care” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Investing in child care is a critical component to reducing maternal and infant mortality as well as a commitment to New Jersey families, gender equality, and the general wellbeing of our children.”

“Quality, affordable child care is what working families want and need to succeed in New Jersey,” Commissioner Johnson said. “The Murphy Administration is making child care a priority because we know that it is hard to be successful at work or in school if you don’t have confidence that your children are getting the care they need. We owe it to our families who are striving every day to get on the best possible financial footing to give them the peace of mind that comes from quality child care. Plus, investing in child care simply makes good economic sense to help continue to build and support our state’s workforce, attract new businesses and grow our economy.”

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Allow State to Recieve Pro-Bono Legal Service

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 81, clarifying legal services retention rules to make it clear that law firms can provide legal services to the State pro bono, or free of charge. Law firms that provide such services pro bono will be disqualified from providing legal services to the State for compensation throughout the pro bono retention and for a period of six months thereafter. Firms providing pro bono services will have to abide by the normal rules governing conflicts of interest.

“I am pleased to be able to clarify the rules to ensure that law firms can provide legal services to the State free of charge, if they choose,” said Governor Murphy. “This arrangement will allow law firms to take on even more of the most challenging and groundbreaking cases facing in our State while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”