Governor’s Office | This week in New Jersey

By Carlyn V. Webb Last updated May 28, 2022

GOVERNOR MURPHY URGES COMPREHENSIVE GUN SAFETY REFORM IN FOLLOWING SHOOTING AT UVALDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Governor Phil Murphy renewed his call for passage of the comprehensive gun safety legislative package he originally proposed in April 2021. The governor urged lawmakers to pass the same package in April 2022, four months after being joined by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin in support of the gun safety bills. If passed by the Senate and Assembly and signed into law, the bill would be the third high-profile gun safety package signed by the governor since taking office.

“From Uvalde to Buffalo, recent tragedies have reaffirmed that without fundamental reform, no community is immune to the epidemic of gun violence,” said Governor Murphy. “The senseless killings in Texas should strengthen our resolve to act today – to avert similar horrors not through empty words and promises, but through concrete action to make every classroom and every neighborhood safer. Our children, as well that teachers who dedicate their lives to their education and safety, deserve nothing less.”

GOVERNOR MURPHY AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LEADERS HIGHLIGHT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal, and Federal Student Aid Chief Operating Officer Rich Cordray visited the College of New Jersey (TCNJ) for a roundtable discussion with employees from public service to highlight the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). and steps taken by the Murphy administration to help more public sector employees get student loan forgiveness.

Last October, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced a Limited PSLF Waiver, which temporarily waives some program rules to better deliver on the PSLF promise to public service employees with student loans. federal. The Murphy administration is also partnering with the ministry to help streamline the application process for the program for public sector employees.

“Employees in the public and nonprofit sectors provide invaluable services to our state and our nation, from defending our country to teaching the next generation, and everything in between,” said Governor Murphy. “The Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program rewards these dedicated public servants with a pathway to student loan forgiveness, but many borrowers may not realize they qualify. By working with our federal partners to streamline the application process and highlight recent changes that expand PSLF eligibility, we will encourage more student borrowers to get involved in the public service and take advantage of this valuable program.

“Since taking office, the Biden-Harris administration has worked hard to tackle existing student loan debt. I am proud that we are transforming the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program from a broken promise to a promise kept for borrowers who dedicate a decade of their lives to public service,” said US Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal. “Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Rich Cordray, and I are thrilled to support Governor Murphy’s efforts to ensure that all eligible New Jersey residents get the student loan relief they have earned and that they deserve. I hope other states will follow suit by sharing with their residents how to take advantage of this opportunity.

FIRST LADY TAMMY MURPHY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CONNECTING NJ TO BETTER SUPPORT FAMILIES

First Lady Tammy Murphy introduced Connecting NJ, New Jersey’s premier network of partners and agencies dedicated to helping New Jersey families thrive. The website – www.NJ.gov/ConnectingNJ – centralizes information and referrals to state and local wellness services, including maternal and child health care, early education programs, support to domestic violence, drug treatment, financial and housing assistance, home visiting programs, behavioral health services, etc. As a single point of entry for community members in need, Connecting NJ simplifies the process of accessing care. Formerly known as Central Intake, the Connecting NJ brand launch includes a new website that provides community resources, programs and services that help families care for children from pregnancy to age. five years. The rebranding supports a Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan recommendation to improve and transform the referral system as the state continues to act as a national leader in addressing the maternal health crisis. and infant.

“As we work to make New Jersey the safest and fairest state in the nation to give birth and raise a baby, we must ensure families have access to the resources and supports they need.” , said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I’m proud of our ongoing work to improve Connecting NJ, which will serve as a welcoming platform where state and community support systems are easily accessible. Through Connecting NJ, we will ensure that no family, mother or child is left without the resources they need to thrive.

Additionally, Governor Murphy’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2023 includes $2.1 million in funding to expand case management capacity at each of the Connecting NJ hubs. The funding strengthens the Connecting NJ Network by increasing tracking, outreach, and case management capacity for families with young children who may need additional support to connect to resources.

GOVERNOR MURPHY ANNOUNCES FREE ENTRANCE TO STATE PARKS STARTING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Gov. Phil Murphy announced that starting Memorial Day weekend, admission to all New Jersey state parks, forests and recreation areas will be free this summer. Featured in the fiscal year 2023 budget proposal, the one-year state park fee holiday is one of many fee waivers and programs designed to advance affordability and opportunity in the New Jersey. Park entrance fees will be waived for all visitors, regardless of state of residence. Anyone who has already purchased a 2022 State Parks Annual Pass will automatically receive a full refund. Other individual park fees remain in place, including but not limited to camping, interpretive programs, and mobile sport fishing permits.

“Outlined in our FY2023 budget, the bold steps we’ve taken for a more affordable Garden State will ensure access to our state parks for everyone – residents and visitors alike,” said Governor Murphy. “While encouraging tourism and economic activity in our local communities, the tourist tax also promotes access to green and open spaces; thriving waterways; and the many natural wonders that make us proud to call New Jersey our home. We thank the Department of Environmental Protection for its dedicated environmental stewardship, which enables every New Jersey resident to experience the physical and mental health benefits of safe outdoor activities.

“From High Point State Park in Sussex County to Cape May Point State Park in Cape May County, the state park system offers countless recreational opportunities – from swimming, hiking and kayaking, picnicking, exploring nature and discovering our rich history”, said Commissioner LaTourette. “Whatever your passion or interest, there’s a New Jersey State Park for you. We hope for a good season. »

NJMVC WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR PARTNERSHIPS WITH OFFICE OF FIRST LADY TAMMY MURPHY

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has won an international award recognizing its partnership with the Office of First Lady Tammy Murphy to bring motor vehicle services directly to underserved communities at Family Festivals around New Jersey . The NJMVC is proud to announce that it is the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Government Partnership Award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). This annual award recognizes a successful coordinated project between a motor vehicle or law enforcement agency and a public or private sector partner that makes government services more convenient or efficient, serving as a model for other jurisdictions.

“I am honored to join MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton in accepting the Government Partnership Service Excellence Award,” said New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy. “Together, in partnership with the Federally Licensed Health Centers (FQHC), we have served thousands of expectant mothers at our family festivals. These festivals connect families to valuable state, county and local resources related to their health care needs. I look forward to continuing this mission with Chief Fulton and her MVC team as we seek to expand access to convenient, high-quality, and equitable healthcare resources for New Jersey families.

“We are very grateful that our partnership with the First Lady is recognized by this international AAMVA award,” said Sue Fulton, chief administrator of the NJMVC. “Providing motor vehicle services in innovative and more convenient ways, such as with our mobile units, is at the heart of what drives us at NJMVC. Working with First Lady Tammy Murphy has been so rewarding, and we thank her and her team for their tireless efforts to better serve and uplift families in our great state.