This Week in NJ: April 30th, 2021
Governor Murphy Announces Loosening of COVID-19 Restrictions
Governor Phil Murphy announced the easing of restrictions for a variety of activities and higher outdoor capacity limits, effective May 10. The changes, which include higher outdoor gathering limits, higher large venue outdoor capacities, higher maximum capacities for private catered events, and more, come as COVID-19 metrics are on the decline and as more New Jerseyans continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
“Our robust COVID-19 vaccination program is starting to show results through lower COVID-19 case metrics including a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Murphy. “This allows us to take steps so that New Jerseyans can have a much more normal summer including allowing for students to celebrate important milestones and events like graduations and proms in-person. We hope to announce further reopening steps in the coming weeks as more and more state residents get vaccinated.”
Governor Murphy Signs the Healthy Terminals Act
Governor Phil Murphy signed the Healthy Terminals Act (S989) which creates new minimum wage and benefits requirements for certain Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Newark Liberty International Train Station workers. The legislation will expand access to livable wages and affordable health care for workers at the airport and train station who often cannot afford employer-provided health care plans.
“For a long time, we have heard the concerns and often desperate pleas from airport workers for access to affordable health care and for wages that allow them to support themselves and their families,” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation provides workers at Newark Airport the dignity, respect, and treatment that they deserve. These men and women have selflessly been serving through the COVID-19 pandemic as critical infrastructure workers, and I am proud to sign this legislation that will finally provide them with the health care and compensation that they need and have fought for.”
Governor Murphy, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, NJDOT Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Congressman Tom Malinowski, and Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani Break Ground on Route 206 Road Widening Project in Hillsborough
Governor Phil Murphy, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Congressman Tom Malinowski, and Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani marked the groundbreaking of a project to widen Route 206 between Doctors Way and Valley Road in Hillsborough, Somerset County.
“Today we are here to mark the ground breaking of a project to widen Route 206 between Valley Doctor’s Way and Valley Road,” said Governor Murphy. “It is one of 220 transportation projects under way in the state, creating good jobs and helping to boost our economy. This project exemplifies our commitment to maintaining and revamping transportation infrastructure is critical that is critical to commuters, businesses, and other stakeholders in New Jersey.”
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Governor Murphy Breaks Ground on New NJ TRANSIT Lyndhurst Station
Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett, and state and local officials celebrated the groundbreaking for construction of a new, ADA-accessible train station in Lyndhurst. The new facility, thanks to $30.9 Million provided by the state’s partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), replaces a station more than a century old and will be located at the intersection of Delafield Avenue and Court avenues, a more convenient location closer to the commuter parking lot.
“When this station is completed, residents of Lyndhurst and the surrounding area will have a brand-new, ADA-accessible facility that will benefit them for generations to come,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Our public transit infrastructure is a priority and we will continue to invest in it and modernize mass transit across New Jersey.”
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Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Permitting Summer Youth Overnight and Day Camps for the 2021 Season
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 237, permitting summer youth overnight and day camps for the 2021 season. The Executive Order requires all overnight and day camps to follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols outlined in guidance issued today by the New Jersey Department of Health.
“As cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations continue to decline, coupled with millions of New Jerseyans rolling up their sleeves to be vaccinated, we are able to move forward with reopening programs across our state,” said Governor Murphy. “We are committed to a safe and fun summer for our kids, and today’s guidance from the Department of Health ensures that we will have the proper safeguards in place for a rewarding summer camp experience.”
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