This Week in NJ: July 2nd, 2021
Governor Murphy Signs Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Act into Law
Governor Phil Murphy signed the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2022) Appropriations Act into law, working in partnership with the Legislature to develop a responsible and bold budget that meets the State’s current and future obligations, makes New Jersey more affordable for working and middle-class families, provides record investments in education, supports an inclusive pandemic recovery, and invests in small businesses and long-term economic growth.
“This year’s budget represents the culmination of a four-year journey to fix many longstanding problems in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “This is a budget that invests in our middle-class and working families – supporting both those building their families and careers and those who are living out their richly-deserved retirements. It also puts a world-class education within reach for all while tackling our age-old property tax problem – ensuring a stronger, fairer, and healthier future for the generation born and reared in the shadow of an unprecedented pandemic.”
Governor Murphy Announces Andrew Bruck to Serve as Acting Attorney General
Governor Phil Murphy announced that Andrew Bruck will serve as Acting Attorney General for the remainder of the Governor’s four-year term, following the departure of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on July 16, 2021. Bruck currently serves as First Assistant Attorney General and has been part of the executive leadership team at the Attorney General’s Office since January 2018.
“I am pleased to announce that Andrew Bruck will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General and continue the office’s mission of fighting for equal justice for everyone who calls our state home,” said Governor Murphy. “Andrew’s wealth of experience will serve him well in this role and his historic appointment reflects our continuing commitment to ensuring that our state government reflects the rich diversity of our people.”
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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Appropriating $20 Million to the Special Needs Housing Trust Fund
Governor Murphy signed legislation (S1255/ A1925) which creates a $20 million transfer to the Special Needs Housing Trust Fund in the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA). The Special Needs Housing Trust Fund provides capital financing to create supportive housing and community residences for individuals living with special needs.
“The Special Needs Housing Trust Fund has been depleted, despite it’s critical role in supporting housing projects for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation will provide much needed funding, which will be used to provide affordable housing for those with special needs. With this bill now being law, the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency can immediately begin developing plans for this crucial housing need.”
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Allowing Hospitals to Construct Housing and Provide Wrap-Around Services for Individuals Who Are Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Insecurity
Governor Phil Murphy signed S1676/A3326, allowing hospitals to construct housing and provide wrap-around services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Last month, the bill was returned to the Legislature with recommendations to strengthen the affordable housing piece of the legislation.
"Stable, quality housing and access to wrap-around resources have a significant impact on health outcomes,” said Governor Murphy. “As New Jersey emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused severe economic and social disruption, we must think creatively about ways to reduce housing instability and improve access to services. I commend my partners in the Legislature for their efforts to eliminate housing insecurity and improve the health of New Jerseyans.”
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Governor Murphy Signs Legislative Package to Address New Jersey's Opioid Epidemic
Reaffirming his commitment to end New Jersey’s opioid epidemic, Governor Phil Murphy signed a comprehensive legislative package into law to address the state’s opioid crisis through overdose prevention and recovery resilience.
“Over the last three years, my Administration, alongside our partners in the Legislature and many passionate advocates, has worked to meaningfully combat the opioid crisis that has held our state in its grip for far too long,” said Governor Murphy. “We have worked tirelessly to erase the stigma associated with opioid use disorder and people who use drugs, close gaps in treatment, expand access and use of life-saving medicines like naloxone, and support the work of syringe exchange programs and harm reduction centers. The fight against the opioid epidemic has required a focus on harm reduction by providing safe and compassionate access points to care and by securing funding for vital programs and recovery services. By signing these bills today, we are strengthening the foundation of these critical resources and programs, keeping families together, and furthering our commitment to saving lives and ending the opioid epidemic in New Jersey.”