Official Site of The State of New Jersey
This Week in NJ - November 1st, 2024
Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Launch New Jersey’s Commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
“Our nation’s rich and diverse history has unfolded over the last 250 years,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “In my role as Secretary of State, I oversee the New Jersey Historical Commission, and I am thrilled to celebrate our country’s layered history—much of which has roots here in New Jersey. This shared legacy reflects our resilience and strength as united Americans, standing together through generations.”
“The Battle of Monmouth was a vital turning point to winning our nation's independence nearly 250 years ago. So much of the story of our nation's founding took place right here in New Jersey,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “As a member of the Semiquincentennial Commission, I'm so excited to help New Jersey show the rest of the country why we're known as the ‘Crossroads of the American Revolution.’”
The launch event included musical accompaniments by the Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums; a posting and retirement of the colors by reenactors of the Continental Army; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ava Porta, a fifth grade student from Taylor Mills Elementary School in Manalapan; the National Anthem performed by Melissa Walker, an acclaimed jazz vocalist and recording artist from Montclair; and an essay read by Malay Gupta, an eighth grade student and first-place winner in America’s Field Trip scholastic contest at John Adams Middle School in Edison.
Governor Murphy Joins NJ TRANSIT to Showcase Brand New Multilevel Rail Cars
“Providing modern, reliable equipment is a critical component to improving New Jersey’s infrastructure, particularly with regard to public transit,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “These multilevel rail cars are equipped with innovative features that meet the everyday needs of our commuters. Upon their completion, these upgraded rail cars will expand access to reliable and comfortable transportation for NJ TRANSIT riders.”
"NJ TRANSIT is committed to improving every aspect of the customer journey, and the 174 new multilevel rail cars will help achieve that by significantly improving reliability, increasing capacity and enhancing the onboard experience,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “NJ TRANSIT is grateful to Governor Murphy, the New jersey legislators and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for delivering the necessary funding to ensure our system continues to meet the growing demands of our region, and the expectations of our customers.”
Governor Murphy Holds Roundtable Discussion on Expanding Access to Public Contracting Opportunities for Historically Marginalized Businesses
Governor Phil Murphy held a roundtable discussion where he met with legislators and stakeholders to gather input on potential legislative remedies and ongoing administrative initiatives to eliminate disparities in the public procurement process and create a more equitable business environment for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in New Jersey.
The discussion follows the release of a comprehensive statewide disparity study earlier this year – the first since 2005 – which reviewed statewide procurement data relating to goods and services, professional services, and construction between 2015 and 2020, and found statistically significant disparities in the awarding of public contracts to MWBEs. The study was necessary so that the State had a legal basis for addressing these gaps. This discussion also follows a series of meetings over the past months led by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Treasury with community partners, faith leaders, labor, and diverse business chambers across the state.
“One of New Jersey’s best attributes has always been its vast diversity. Our state is home to people of so many different backgrounds, who all deserve the opportunity to succeed in their chosen field; however, lingering inequities continue to create barriers to entry for our minority and women-owned businesses that want to contract with our state government. This is unacceptable and, with the help of our lawmakers and business community, we will take action,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s meeting underscores our steadfast commitment to building a stronger, fairer, more equitable, and more inclusive New Jersey. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working with our partners in the Legislature and our state’s business community to create a system where all businesses can thrive.”
Governor Murphy Announces Creation of Economic Council
Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order establishing a new Economic Council, which will be supported by a newly established Development Coordination Committee. Under the executive order, the Economic Council will provide a regular forum for the business community and state government to discuss, collaborate, and solve issues important to the public and private sectors, and stimulate economic growth and prosperity. The new Development Coordination Committee will support the Council’s work in advancing development projects that require multiple state, county and local government approvals.
“The Economic Council will ensure that we continue to have a healthy collaboration between the business community and the state government,” said Governor Murphy. “Deepening our Administration’s strong relationship with various sectors across our state will stimulate growth within our economy. I look forward to the forum for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving to advance our shared economic goals.”
Since the beginning of the Murphy Administration, state officials have worked with legislative partners and industry stakeholders on policies to improve the role and function of the government in facilitating economic development. Since 2018, New Jersey has seen small businesses increase by over 40,000 or 19%, despite the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Economic Council’s co-chairs will be Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Growth Eric Brophy and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Tim Sullivan. The co-chairs will designate representatives from industry to participate in working group discussions with the Council. Along with the co-chairs, the Council will also consist of the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Chief Counsel, Chief Policy Advisor, the State Treasurer; and the Executive Director of the Business Action Center, or their respective designees.
Governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, and Delaware Issue Joint Letter to Grid Operator PJM
The letter addresses issues that impact the path to renewable energy goals, including market structure and the efficacy of the generator interconnection process. In the recent PJM capacity auction for the 2025/2026 Delivery Year, clearing prices surged to almost 10 times higher than the previous year, leaving residents and businesses with much higher bills. Serious flaws with the rules this auction contributed significantly to these unnecessarily high prices.
“PJM must take action now to address record high prices,” said Governor Murphy. “In New Jersey, we’re doing our part by bringing new resources to the market and making electricity more affordable for families and businesses as we look to a clean and resilient energy future. However, our grid operator must work in lockstep with the states and recognize that the market isn’t responding quickly enough due to current conditions of slow interconnection. I’m looking forward to working together to stop customers from facing unnecessarily high utility bills, along with facilitating the development of increased capacity and reliability, which will stimulate economic growth and limit the effects of climate change.”