Official Site of The State of New Jersey
This Week in NJ - May 23rd, 2025
Governor Murphy, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri Announce Tentative Agreement with Locomotive Engineers Union
Governor Phil Murphy and NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri announced a tentative agreement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET), ending the three-day rail stoppage. Regular weekday train service resumed on the start of the service day on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
“I am pleased to announce that we have reached a fair and fiscally responsible contract settlement that provides a generous wage increase for BLET members while saving taxpayers and customers the burden of fare increases,” said Governor Murphy. “This agreement reflects the commitment of both the BLET and NJ TRANSIT to remain at the table engaging in productive conversations, and I commend them both. Most importantly, it ensures the resumption of rail service for the 100,000 people who depend on our rail system on a daily basis.”
“I am pleased to join Governor Murphy to announce that we have reached a mutually acceptable agreement that is both fair for our locomotive engineers and affordable for our riders and New Jersey taxpayers. I want to thank our customers for their understanding and apologize for any inconvenience during this time, however, it was important to me to reach a deal that didn’t require a significant fare increase,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “I appreciate the BLET leadership’s collaboration at the bargaining table and continuing to negotiate in good faith to get to an agreement. I also want to recognize the thousands of NJ TRANSIT employees who stepped up during this time to support our customers and minimize the impacts to the greatest extent possible.”
Statement by Governor Murphy on House Passage of Disastrous GOP Budget Bill
“This bill is a disaster for the American people and the people of New Jersey. By passing this legislation overnight, House Republicans are clearly aware that their extreme, far-right agenda does not reflect the values or priorities of our fellow citizens.
“In one fell swoop, this bill would rip away health care coverage from struggling families, cut food assistance for our most vulnerable neighbors and children, and raise costs on hardworking Americans.”
“Congressmen Kean, Smith, and Van Drew shamefully voted to approve these devastating cuts and caved on fully repealing the SALT deduction in order to shower billionaires and gun manufacturers with budget-busting tax breaks that will explode our deficit. They have betrayed the people they represent, who will suffer the consequences of their actions.”
I-80 Eastbound Two Lanes to Reopen in Wharton, Morris County
Two lanes on I-80 eastbound reopened on Wednesday, May 21 in Wharton, Morris County.
“Reopening two lanes on I-80 eastbound is a major milestone and the first step in restoring full mobility on this critical interstate highway,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By the end of next week, two lanes on I-80 westbound are scheduled to be reopened, and all lanes should be reopened by the end of June. I want to commend NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor and the NJDOT crews who have worked tirelessly to make permanent repairs to reopen this highway safely. I also want to thank the New Jersey State Police and the local officials for their partnership in helping manage the traffic diverted to local roadways. And most importantly, we are thanful for the patience of the thousands of New Jerseyans who have been impacted by these sinkholes.”
“We have all been looking forward to this day– the reopening of I-80 eastbound,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “I want to thank Governor Murphy, the local elected officials, and the New Jersey State Police for their support and assistance throughout this emergency project, and especially the residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience. None of this would have been possible without the incredible effort of the NJDOT staff and our contractors for working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for several months to get this highway reopened. The amount of work that has gone into this project is simply astounding. 2 “It is important for motorists to understand a lot of work remains to be done to reopen two lanes on I-80 westbound next week, and all lanes by June 25. I-80 is still an active work zone. For the safety of our workers and motorists, please slow down and obey the reduced speed limits.”
NJEDA Releases Second-Annual Global Economic Index
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) presented the 2025 New Jersey Global Economic Index, a report that highlights, ranks, and analyzes the sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) into New Jersey. The annual report, which was first released last year, aims to guide and further develop international business relationships with the state, while bolstering Governor Phil Murphy’s global economic development goals. The report lists 42 countries on the Global Economic Index List, which added five new countries from last year, including Malaysia, Thailand, Romania, Iceland, and Argentina.
“Throughout my administration, New Jersey has built robust connections with important global partners – from Ireland to the Middle East, and beyond,” said Governor Murphy. “The New Jersey Global Index provides critical insights that sharpen our economic development strategy, enabling New Jersey businesses, agencies, and organizations to seize new global opportunities. This, in turn, will generate jobs, boost the economy, and unlock new opportunities for residents and communities across the state.”
The Global Economic Index indicates that New Jersey, regionally, has the strongest economic relationships with Europe, the Asia Pacific region, and North America. While Europe had the highest number of countries listed as top performers, research found that India ranked first as a global partner with New Jersey, followed by Canada, the United Kingdom, and China. The report notes that the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Israel also hold a high rank as global partners. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is also an area of opportunity for New Jersey, including Japan and South Korea, which ranked ninth and tenth as global partners, respectively.
“This year’s Global Economic Index underscores how far we’ve come in making New Jersey a top-tier destination for international investment,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has deepened its global partnerships and sharpened its focus on high-impact, inclusive growth. This international engagement is essential to attracting new investment, supporting business expansion, and securing the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.”