NJOHSP Adds Monkeypox (hMPXV) Update to Disinformation Page

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness updated its disinformation portal web page last week to incorporate monkeypox (hMPXV) disinformation trends circulating on the internet.

According to a recent intelligence review conducted by NJOHSP’s Analysis Bureau, false information on monkeypox (hMPXV) is spreading online and sparking new confusion about the virus among the public. Misleading videos, falsely attributed information and the recycling of COVID-19 conspiracies are some of the methods causing dissent.

“As we see an attempt to sow discord in New Jersey and throughout our country through the spread of disinformation, it is critical that we communicate accurate information to the public, especially as it relates to the monkeypox virus,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “My administration remains committed to a comprehensive response that prioritizes the health and safety of our communities. I urge New Jersey residents to utilize State resources for information about symptoms, risks and availability of both testing and vaccines.”

“During the height of the pandemic, COVID-19 disinformation was running rampant, prompting NJOHSP to develop a resource web page, whereby the public could access factual information that underwent thorough examination by our Analysis Bureau,” said NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran. “With the latest monkeypox outbreak, we want to avoid a repeat of events, where incorrect information spreads quickly across communities.”

Acting AG Platkin Issues Guidelines to Ensure the Accommodation of Pregnant Police Officers

Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced guidelines designed to help make policing a more compelling career path for women by safeguarding the workplace rights of pregnant and breastfeeding officers at law enforcement agencies statewide.  Providing guidance to agencies regarding the reasonable accommodation of pregnant officers under state and federal law is intended to promote uniformity in the treatment of pregnant officers, remove certain obstacles to the professional success of women officers, and ultimately help improve the diversity of New Jersey’s officer ranks.

The guidance comes after Governor Phil Murphy in 2020 signed a law (the “Act”) designed to ensure that every law enforcement agency in New Jersey is “comprised of law enforcement officers who reflect the diversity of the population of the community the agency is charged with protecting.”  Under that law, agencies submitted demographics of current officers to the Attorney General in 2021, which are publicly available through the Office of Justice Data.  That data collection showed an underrepresentation of women law enforcement officers.  In 2021, women officers comprised ten percent of officers statewide.  By rough comparison, over half of all New Jersey’s residents are women.

“Those who are pregnant, no matter their occupation, deserve to have reasonable accommodations in the workplace during pregnancy and after having recently given birth,” said Governor Murphy. “These guidelines will help our law enforcement departments attract and retain female officers who may not have considered it possible to safely and comfortably climb the ranks of law enforcement while experiencing the joys of becoming or being a new parent. I thank the Attorney General for advancing this critical initiative and making our law enforcement agencies more welcoming workplaces for all.”

“I, along with law enforcement executives around the state, am committed to removing barriers to pursuing a career in law enforcement,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin.  “Pregnancy can create unique professional challenges for workers across industries, and those challenges are only exacerbated by the demands of wearing the badge.  Although significant work and time will be needed to increase the representation of women in law enforcement, these Guidelines on providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant officers are a significant initial step in that effort.”

Acting AG Platkin, DEP Commissioner LaTourette Announce Seven New Environmental Enforcement Actions, Six in Environmental Justice Communities

Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Commissioner of Environmental Protection (DEP) Shawn M. LaTourette announced the filing of seven new environmental enforcement actions across the state.

Six of the environmental justice lawsuits filed center on a broad array of chemical pollutants that have tainted separate, unrelated sites in Newark, Linden, Ewing, Rahway, Elmwood Park Borough, and Middlesex Borough. Those six communities are considered overburdened under New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law because they have significant low-income, minority, and/or limited English proficiency populations.

The seventh lawsuit filed centers on a blueberry farm and blueberry processing operation in Hammonton that employs migrant farm workers who live on site. The farm owner allegedly has not complied with DEP orders to stop using four substandard, unsafe drinking water wells on the property, and also is alleged to be using two unpermitted septic systems. Together with the lawsuit, the State also filed an application for an order requiring the farm owner to take immediate action – either shut down or stop using the wells for potable purposes, such as for drinking water or culinary purposes.

“Everyone, no matter where they are from or how they look, is entitled under our laws to live in an environment free from pollution,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “Pollution harms us all, but not equally. In New Jersey and across the nation, there is a shameful legacy of environmental injustice, but the Murphy Administration is committed to changing that here in New Jersey. Today’s enforcement actions are the latest example of that continuing commitment.”

“In New Jersey, we are confronting the historic injustices that have burdened low-income and minority communities with a disproportionate amount of pollution,” said Commissioner of Environmental Protection LaTourette. “Our commitment to furthering the promise of environmental justice sometimes demands that we take legal action to correct the legacy of pollution that underserved communities have endured. Lawsuits like those we are announcing today are an important message to polluters: treat every New Jersey community as though it were your own by leaving your neighbors and their environment better than you found them.”

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Business Development in South Amboy, New Jersey

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.9 million grant to City of South Amboy, Inc., South Amboy, New Jersey, for road and sewer infrastructure improvements to spur economic development. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to build a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will promote business expansion and job creation in South Amboy, building a stronger, more robust regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to partner with South Amboy as it works to provide the infrastructure businesses need to grow and thrive.”

“Federal funding through the American Rescue Plan will enable us to continue building local communities that are more economically prosperous and competitive than ever,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Investing in infrastructure catalyzes growth in our local economies and communities, a critical part of New Jersey’s COVID-19 pandemic recovery. In order to sustain the growth of our economy, we must generate good-paying new jobs and make proactive infrastructure upgrades that not only boost efficiency, but cultivate the safe, healthy working conditions our residents deserve.”