Governor Murphy joins President Biden, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Governor Hochul, and Senators Booker and Menendez to highlight Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for the Hudson River Tunnel Project

Governor Murphy joined President Joseph R. Biden, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senators Booker and Mendendez, and federal, state, and local officials this week to highlight Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Hudson River Project. The project is finally moving forward after a collaborative effort by the Murphy Administration, the Biden Administration, New Jersey’s Congressional members and Senators, and other key partners, after many years of delays. The Hudson River Project, which is part of the larger Gateway Program, will greatly expand reliability and capacity for rail travel between New Jersey and New York City.

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering real results for the American people," said Governor Murphy. "Thank you, President Biden, for providing nearly $300 million for the Hudson Tunnel Project — creating over 70,000 good-paying jobs and easing commutes between New Jersey and New York."

Governor Murphy Establishes January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution

Governor Phil Murphy signed a joint resolution (AJR98) designating January 30 of each year as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in New Jersey.” The day of recognition honors the legacy of Fred Korematsu, an American civil rights activist of Japanese heritage who fought against the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Governor Murphy was joined on Monday by Dr. Karen Korematsu, daughter of Fred Korematsu and Founder and Executive Director of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute; Ambassador Mikio Mori, Consul General of Japan in New York; Vice-Consul Haruna Maki; legislators; and advocates to commemorate New Jersey’s first Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, which will be celebrated annually on Mr. Korematsu’s birthday. 

“In setting aside a day permanently recognizing the contributions of Fred Korematsu, we are recommitting ourselves to our nation’s ideal of protecting civil liberties,” said Governor Murphy. “While we can never rectify the injustices woven into the fabric of our nation’s history, we can ensure that the stories of those who fought against injustice are never forgotten. History must be our guide for creating a better tomorrow. I am honored to sign this resolution and to put New Jersey firmly, and forever, on the side of Fred Korematsu and all who keep his legacy alive.”

“Congratulations New Jersey! Thank you, Senator Lagana, Assemblymen Mukherji, Verrelli and Umba, who sponsored the bill and Governor Murphy for signing it into law. And of course, thank you to 'Tak' Furumoto, a camp survivor who shared his testimony— and advocated for this during COVID, Spring of 2020,” said Dr. Karen Korematsu, daughter of Fred Korematsu and Founder and Executive Director, Fred T. Korematsu Institute. “This demonstrates how one person’s brave stance can change the lives of many others. Let us always remember and honor the memory of my father so that honor and justice will shine forever.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Incentivize Decarbonization of Concrete Industry

Governor Phil Murphy signed bill S287, which provides corporation business tax (CBT) and gross income tax credits for costs of preparing environmental product declarations that assess the global warming potential of various concrete mixes and enable comparison of their environmental impacts. The bill further provides tax credits for the delivery of concrete for use in state construction and improvement projects that has lower carbon emissions associated with its production, including mining, refining, manufacturing, or shipping, or that utilizes carbon capture, utilization, or storage technology to remove or recycle carbon dioxide generated through the manufacturing process. The announcement signals the Murphy Administration’s continued pursuit of a clean energy future through nation-leading innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

“As our efforts to decarbonize our economy become more urgent, we must also ensure that they become increasingly more economically attractive,” said Governor Murphy. “It’s bills like these that prove that the steps we take to combat climate change can – and will – stimulate economic activity and growth in the industries that remain key to our climate solution. Together with the Clean Buildings Working Group I unveiled in October, this legislation will further support the construction of greener, cleaner buildings and roadways in New Jersey.”

First Lady Murphy & Human Services Commissioner Adelman Announce Enhanced NJ FamilyCare Maternal Health Care Reimbursement

First Lady Tammy Murphy and Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced that NJ FamilyCare has increased reimbursement rates for perinatal, midwifery and community doula care as part of ongoing efforts to improve birth outcomes and make New Jersey the safest, most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.

The increases are retroactively effective as of July 1, and made possible by $15 million appropriated in the most recent state budget – matched by $15 million in federal funding - and federal approvals secured by Human Services for NJ FamilyCare, which is the state’s Medicaid and CHIP program. NJ FamilyCare covers approximately 30,000 New Jersey births each year, or about 30 percent of births in the state.

"Raising the reimbursement rates for our maternal care providers is both a groundbreaking and commonsense step toward improving New Jersey’s maternal health outcomes,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I thank Commissioner Adelman and her team at the Department of Human Services for their essential advocacy that has placed New Jersey’s reimbursement rates among the highest in the nation. Ensuring every New Jersey mother and baby has access to quality maternal health care gets us one important step closer to becoming the gold standard of maternal and infant health.”

Commissioner Adelman noted the changes stem in part from feedback and advocacy from midwives and community doulas.

“Our shared goal is making transformational change in New Jersey to support mothers and babies – especially our mothers and babies of color,” said DHS Commissioner Adelman. “These improvements further promote access to care associated with improved birth outcomes, and make sure our rates are competitive so we can retain and recruit high quality perinatal providers and community doulas. These enhancements will lead to positive outcomes for mothers and babies – and a healthier New Jersey for everyone.”