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Governor Phil Murphy

This Week in NJ - May 13th, 2022

05/13/2022

GOVERNOR MURPHY AND LEGISLATORS RENEW EFFORT TO SECURE REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND BOLSTER ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE IN NEW JERSEY

With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade – a decision that would have significant consequences for reproductive rights throughout the country – Governor Phil Murphy announced renewed efforts to secure abortion rights and bolster access to reproductive health care in New Jersey. Alongside partners in the Legislature, the Governor announced legislation to protect and expand coverage for reproductive health care, and protect medical providers and patients who provide or receive abortion care in New Jersey from legal retaliation by states who have outlawed or restricted abortion.

“Revoking the fundamental right to abortion is dangerous and reprehensible, yet the U.S. Supreme Court is nevertheless prepared to proceed with this plan,” said Governor Murphy. “Alongside our partners in the Legislature, my Administration has prepared for this eventuality by enshrining the right to reproductive choice into New Jersey law. We refuse to go backwards on this critical issue and, today, our state moves forward in working to secure reproductive rights and ensure access to the reproductive health care every woman deserves.”

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GOVERNOR MURPHY VISITS SOMERVILLE TO HIGHLIGHT ANCHOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

Governor Phil Murphy visited Somerville to further highlight the ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) Property Tax Relief Program. As a part of his FY2023 Budget Proposal, Governor Murphy touted the new initiative that will distribute $900 million in property tax relief to nearly 1.8 million homeowners and renters across the state during Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023). Under the Murphy Administration, New Jersey has seen the lowest cumulative average property tax increase on record for a governor at this point in his or her term.

“I am proud of the forward progress this administration is making on the affordability challenge we inherited several years ago,” said Governor Murphy. “Through the ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program, more New Jersey taxpayers will receive the support they need to offset the costs of property taxes, making our state stronger, fairer, and more affordable for all.”

“Working-class families of New Jersey deserve our support when it comes to keeping homes affordable,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “We are taking the proper steps forward to provide property tax relief for the families who need it most.”

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EPA TO AWARD $6.5 MILLION TO ADDRESS CONTAMINATED SITES IN NEW JERSEY

The Biden Administration through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is awarding $254.5 million in Brownfields Grants to 265 communities, including four grants totaling $6.5 million across New Jersey. The grants are supported by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides a total of $1.5 billion to advance environmental justice, spur economic revitalization, and create jobs by cleaning up contaminated, polluted, or hazardous brownfield properties. 

Brownfield projects can range from cleaning up buildings with asbestos or lead contamination, to assessing and cleaning up abandoned properties that once managed dangerous chemicals. Once cleaned up, former brownfield properties can be redeveloped into productive uses such as grocery stores, affordable housing, health centers, museums, parks, and solar farms.

“With today’s announcement, we’re turning blight into might for communities across America,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA’s Brownfields Program breathes new life into communities by helping to turn contaminated and potentially dangerous sites into productive economic contributors. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are significantly ramping up our investments in communities, with the bulk of our funding going to places that have been overburdened and underserved for far too long.” 

“Our path toward continued, equitable economic growth is paved by the steps we take today to clean up and cultivate a healthy, safe environment,” said Governor Murphy. “This funding will allow New Jersey to transform brownfields into vibrant, productive assets, especially in under-resourced communities. Investments in the remediation of these sites are investments in future opportunities for all New Jersey residents and businesses.”

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GOVERNOR MURPHY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSIONER ADELMAN ANNOUNCE $10 MILLION IN NEW GRANTS TO SUPPORT SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS

As part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster services for families with children, Governor Phil Murphy and Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced that $10 million in grants will be available for summer youth camps to help cover operational expenses and provide financial assistance to eligible families.

“This funding represents my administration’s continued commitment to supporting New Jersey families by strengthening the services they rely upon,” said Governor Murphy. “Summer youth camps serve as an essential child care option for working parents by providing a safe and enriching environment for children while school is out of session. Supporting these providers and making these services more affordable will benefit many families in the coming months.”

“Summer camp is not just a tradition but a necessity for many working families,” said Commissioner Adelman. “We are glad we can make these grants available again for the second Summer season to help these providers with operational expenses, and assist more families in affording this care over the summer months.”

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ACTING GOVERNOR OLIVER ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF YOUTH JUSTICE TASK FORCE

Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver announced the release of the Youth Justice Task Force Report, which was issued by the Task Force for the Continued Transformation of Youth Justice in New Jersey (“Task Force”). The Task Force, which was created in 2018 when Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 42, consists of over a dozen stakeholders involved in all facets of juvenile justice and is charged with providing recommendations to the legislative and executive branches on strategies for continuing the reform of the state’s youth justice system.

“New Jersey is the only state to be designated a national leader by the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. The Youth Justice Task Force’s recommendations to create a safer, fairer, more equitable juvenile justice system will work to further meet the goals of the JDAI,” said Governor Murphy. “I look forward to seeing these recommendations integrated into our juvenile justice system in the near future.”

“I am pleased to announce the release of the Youth Justice Task Force Report,” said Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. “This report is a continuation of an equitable approach to transform the youth justice system in New Jersey. Although we have seen a reduction in the number of incarcerated children since the enactment of the JDAI, there is still much more work to be done to create a safer and more equitable system.”

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