Governor Murphy Orders the Lowering of U.S. And New Jersey Flags to Honor Lives Lost in Israel and the Middle East
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 345, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff from Tuesday, October 10, 2023 through Friday, October 13, 2023 in recognition and in mourning of the lives lost in Israel and in the Mideast Region. Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel and undertook a coordinated series of horrific attacks coinciding with Shabbat and the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. The terrorist attacks killed at least 800 innocent Israeli citizens, at least nine United States citizens, and injured thousands more, and caused the escalation of a conflict resulting in the loss of life of hundreds of Palestinians. The number of casualties may grow as more information is reported.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Israel in this dark hour,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey is home to one of the largest Jewish and Israeli American communities in the world and we are proud of our historic and unbreakable relationship with the State of Israel. We mourn for the victims and their families, unequivocally condemn all acts of terrorism against innocent civilians, and pray for peace and security for all of the people of the region.”
For a copy of Executive Order No. 345, click here.
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Governor Murphy Highlights New Jersey's Progress in Protecting and Expanding Access to Reproductive Health Care
Governor Phil Murphy joined legislative and community partners in highlighting progress the State has made over the past year in protecting reproductive rights and expanding access to reproductive health care. From funding for reproductive health care providers to the advancement of rules that will facilitate easier access to contraception and abortion services, New Jersey continues to prioritize reproductive freedoms that are under attack around the country.
“New Jersey is a state that continues to stand for the fundamental right to make one’s own reproductive choices,” said Governor Murphy. “Understanding that rights without access mean nothing, my Administration is also working with our partners to remove barriers to the family planning tools individuals need to make these crucial and deeply personal decisions. No matter what steps other states may take to restrict access to reproductive health care, New Jersey will never stop fighting to defend these freedoms.”
“While other states are taking away rights, making it harder to access reproductive health care, we are doing everything in our power to make reproductive care more accessible, and more affordable, for every family,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “I look forward to 2024, when every woman will be able to walk into a New Jersey pharmacy and purchase contraceptives without a prescription.”
“As many states across the nation seek to limit access to reproductive health care – including contraceptives – I am proud that New Jersey continues to protect our fundamental rights to reproductive freedom and autonomy,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Today marks an important step forward in our efforts to promote health equity and ease of access to contraceptives. In New Jersey, we will continue to advocate for reproductive rights and allow individuals the freedom to decide when to start a family.”
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Governor Murphy and Treasurer Muoio Announce First Anchor Property Tax Relief Payments Will Be Deposited on Thursday, October 12
Governor Phil Murphy and Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio announced that the first round of ANCHOR Property Tax Relief payments for tax year 2020 will be deposited on Thursday, October 12, for more than 700,000 New Jerseyans who elected to receive their payment via direct deposit.
For those who elected to receive a paper check, benefits will begin to be mailed out starting next week. Nearly every ANCHOR applicant who has applied to date should receive their benefit by November 1st and payments will continue to be made on a rolling basis as eligible residents apply.
“For years, property taxes have been one of the most pressing concerns for homeowners across New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “Together, with our partners in the Legislature, we are making New Jersey significantly more affordable for millions of households. I’m particularly pleased that the latest round of ANCHOR relief payments will be delivered to the vast majority of applicants in a much more timely fashion thanks to the efficiencies employed by the Division of Taxation.”
“A major goal from the very beginning of this administration has been to make New Jersey a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family,” said Treasurer Muoio. “The ANCHOR program is getting money into the pockets of those who need it most at a time when everyone is feeling the effects of higher costs.”
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Governor Murphy Establishes State Artificial Intelligence Task Force
Building upon New Jersey’s legacy of leading the next frontiers of discovery and innovation, Governor Phil Murphy established an Artificial Intelligence Task Force charged with studying emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The Task Force will be responsible for analyzing the potential impacts of AI on society as well as preparing recommendations to identify government actions encouraging the ethical use of AI technologies.
As AI advances at an unprecedented pace, New Jersey’s reputation as a hub for innovation has led many New Jersey companies and startups to serve as leaders at the forefront of this emerging field. With the potential for AI to be transformative across public and private sectors, the Task Force will work to ensure that the State’s use of AI is fair, accessible, and beneficial to all New Jerseyans.
“As a hub for commercial activity, business, and research and development, New Jersey has long served as a national leader for innovation and the development of new technologies,” said Governor Murphy. “With the rapid development of AI, New Jersey aspires to harness these new technologies and realize their benefits to better serve our state, encourage innovation and economic growth, and promote social and economic equity. I am proud to establish a Task Force that will not only work to understand the benefits of AI but also analyze its growth and potential risks. It is critical that New Jersey continue to foster an environment for innovation while protecting individual and civil rights, and I am confident that the AI Task Force will further this important mission.”
Governor Murphy also announced a nation-leading initiative to educate New Jersey’s State workforce about the development, use, and risks of AI. The New Jersey Office of Innovation, in collaboration with InnovateUS, will launch a free AI training targeted to state workers in the coming months.
“Generative AI is poised to be a transformative tool for government service delivery. With today's announcement, New Jersey is leading the way by preparing our government's professionals to enhance the equitable delivery of government services to New Jersey's residents, businesses, and institutions," said Beth Simone Noveck, the State of New Jersey's Chief Innovation Officer. "As co-chair of the State's AI Task Force, I'm pleased to partner with my colleagues from across the Administration by investing in the State’s public workforce and making it possible for New Jersey’s public professionals to learn how to use AI for public benefit.”
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Statement From Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Regarding Continued Precautions Being Taken in New Jersey Due to the Terrorist Attacks in Israel
Since the terrorist attacks in Israel on Saturday, my office has been in regular communication with the FBI and our federal partners, the 21 County Prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders across this state, as well as community and religious leaders. It is our highest priority to keep the residents of the State of New Jersey safe during this time of increased tension, social media activity, and peaceful gatherings.
While we are aware of the call to violence against the Jewish community for tomorrow that has circulated online, there are no specific threats to safety in New Jersey. Nevertheless, law enforcement will continue to patrol sensitive areas – particularly houses of worship for both the Jewish and Islamic faiths, large gathering places, and our schools and other educational institutions – to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities. Law enforcement will be taking other steps – some that will be noticeable and others that may be taken out of view – and all out of an abundance of caution. We continue to call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local authorities without delay. No information is too insignificant to report, and we take every piece of information seriously.
Please know that we will continue to work together and in the event that New Jersey’s threat level increases or that additional precautions need to be put in place, we will communicate those clearly through the appropriate channels.
We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that our state is not home to hate, intolerance, or violence. We stand in solidarity with our Israeli and Jewish family, friends and neighbors, as we grieve the loss of so many innocent lives lost in the atrocious terrorist attacks on Israel. And we pray for all innocent civilians who face the horrors of war.
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Official Site of The State of New Jersey
