Governor Phil Murphy signed a $58.8 billion budget for New Jersey, facing internal criticism from his own administration and allies over spending priorities, including healthcare, nursing homes, and opioid settlement funds. Despite praise for funding public services and pension contributions, Murphy's final budget also introduces political risks with last-minute additions and internal disagreements, highlighting the challenges of governance in a politically divided environment.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has urged President Biden to allocate more resources to investigate mysterious drone sightings across several northeastern states, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Despite assurances from the White House and Pentagon that the drones are not linked to malicious activities or military operations, local officials are concerned about their unknown origins and potential safety risks. Murphy has also called for better regulation of unmanned aircraft systems, especially as New Jersey prepares to host the FIFA World Cup Final in 2026.
New Jersey reported 49 drone sightings in one night, but Governor Phil Murphy clarified that some were misidentified planes or repeated reports of the same objects. The FBI and other agencies are investigating the "mystery drones," which have been spotted over sensitive areas like military bases and reservoirs. While public safety is not currently at risk, the lack of clear answers has led to frustration and calls for legislative hearings. Residents are encouraged to report sightings to the FBI.
Andy Kim, a three-term congressmember, has been appointed to the U.S. Senate by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, following the resignation of interim Senator George Helmy. Kim, who won his recent election by a nearly 10-point margin, will fill the seat vacated by Bob Menendez after his federal conviction. Known for his focus on ethics and a campaign that challenged New Jersey's traditional political structures, Kim's appointment marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape.
In Atlantic City, New Jersey's gubernatorial race is heating up as candidates from both parties gather for the League of Municipalities' annual conference. With Democratic Governor Phil Murphy term-limited, a diverse field of candidates is vying for the position, including prominent figures like Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former state Senate leader Steve Sweeney. The event, known for its mix of political discussions and social gatherings, offers candidates a chance to connect with key constituencies. The race is notable for being the first without the county line ballot design, potentially changing campaign strategies.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a new law requiring employers with more than 10 employees to include compensation ranges and benefits in job listings, as well as disclose promotional opportunities to current employees. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and fairness in the hiring process, following similar laws in other states like New York. The law, which will take effect in mid-2025, includes fines for non-compliance and is part of a broader trend towards pay transparency across the U.S.
U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill has announced her candidacy for the New Jersey governor's race, joining as the sixth major Democratic contender to succeed Governor Phil Murphy. Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, is the only woman in the race and brings significant political experience to the crowded field.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a moderate Democrat from New Jersey's 5th Congressional District, has announced his candidacy for the 2025 New Jersey governor's race. With current Governor Phil Murphy term-limited, Gottheimer joins a crowded Democratic primary field that includes Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. Gottheimer, known for his bipartisan work in Congress, emphasizes lowering taxes and costs as a key campaign focus. His announcement comes as fellow Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill is also expected to enter the race.
Governor Phil Murphy downplayed reports of chaos at the Jersey Shore over Memorial Day weekend, despite police responding to serious incidents in Wildwood, Ocean City, and Seaside Heights. Murphy emphasized that the weekend was largely successful and praised law enforcement's handling of the situations. He also highlighted the need for community cooperation and adequate police staffing to ensure a safe summer season.
A power outage caused by fallen overhead wires in Kearny led to a complete halt of Amtrak and NJ Transit services between New York City and Philadelphia, stranding thousands of commuters for hours. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy criticized Amtrak's infrastructure failures and called for immediate investments and updated emergency plans. Residual delays continued the following day, and a proposed bill aims to create an independent advocate for NJ Transit riders.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill that will overhaul the process for determining where affordable housing should be built, renovated, or zoned over the next decade, replacing the previous drawn-out lawsuits. The bill codifies a formula to help towns determine the number of units needed to fulfill the constitutional mandate to provide their "fair share" of homes for low- and moderate-income families. The law also creates a dispute resolution program in the courts and new bonus credits for certain types of housing, while maintaining a ban on regional contribution agreements and abolishing the non-functioning Council on Affordable Housing. The bill aims to streamline the process, save costs for towns, and increase affordable housing production in New Jersey.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has proposed a $55.9 billion budget that includes a plan to raise business taxes in order to fund the state's struggling mass transit system, breaking his pledge not to raise taxes. The proposed budget also includes a $6.1 billion surplus, with the largest portion coming from the new Corporate Transit Fee. The budget faces opposition from the business community and lawmakers, but if approved, it would provide New Jersey Transit with its first dependable state funding source. The budget also includes funding for property tax relief programs and fully funds the school aid formula, but faces criticism from Republicans for education funding cuts and tax increases.
Tammy Murphy, wife of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, has publicly opposed a proposed gas-fired power plant in Newark, citing concerns about childhood asthma rates and the city's existing pollution sources. Her stance has raised questions about her role in her husband's administration and her own political ambitions, as she is running for Senate. The governor's office declined to comment on her opposition, and critics of the plant have praised her stance, suggesting that it could potentially derail the project.
Rep. Andy Kim gained momentum in the New Jersey Senate race by defeating first lady Tammy Murphy in her home county, a blow to Murphy's high-profile campaign. Despite Murphy's fundraising and early support, Kim's win in Monmouth County suggests a competitive race. Gov. Murphy's approval ratings have remained steady, but his wife's Senate race has impacted his disapproval ratings among independents and Republicans. Both Kim and Murphy entered the race in November to replace Sen. Bob Menendez.
Tammy Murphy, the wife of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, leveraging her husband's political power. Despite lacking elected office experience and facing criticism for nepotism, she has garnered widespread support from the state's Democratic Establishment. Her campaign is marked by strong fundraising efforts and potential advantages from county bosses. While facing concerns about nepotism and her GOP past, Murphy's bid for the Senate is expected to be heavily influenced by cash, optics, and the state's party machinery.
