Governor Murphy, Speaker Coughlin, Senate President Scutari Announce Appointments to New Task Force Charged With Aiding Implementation of Stay NJ Property Tax Relief Program
Governor Phil Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, and Senate President Nicholas Scutari announced the appointment of six highly regarded public servants to a newly created task force charged with putting forth recommendations to implement the new Stay NJ property tax relief program, which is designed to cut property tax bills in half for New Jersey’s seniors.
“Dennis Zeveloff has worked to advance my policy agenda since day one of this Administration. Aaron Binder has helped manage a $50 billion budget after years overseeing public policy for the Legislature. Dr. Chris Wheeler is an esteemed research economist for the department tasked with overseeing local property taxes,” said Governor Murphy. “Cumulatively, the members of this task force bring a wealth of public policy experience to the table, particularly when it comes to the impact property taxes have on our local communities. I have no doubt they will serve the State and our residents well as we work together to make New Jersey a more affordable place to not only raise a family, but to age in place surrounded by our loved ones.”
“StayNJ will be transformative for all families planning for the future, with historic property tax relief for seniors,” Speaker Coughlin said. “We need to ensure this program launches smoothly with a seamless application process and system for benefit distribution. That’s why I am pleased to appoint Mayor McCormac to the StayNJ Task Force. His depth of experience will be invaluable. His service as State Treasurer and his 17 years as Mayor— particularly his innovative initiatives for Woodbridge seniors—make him uniquely qualified for this role. Mayor Mapp, the joint legislative appointment, brings even more expertise to the table with his decades of experience in local government, public finance, and his training as a Certified Public Accountant.”
“I am pleased to appoint Jessica Cohen and to join with Speaker Coughlin in appointing Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp to the Stay NJ Task Force. Jess has spent most of her career working inside state and local government helping to shape responsible policy for the citizens of New Jersey. She has my full confidence in taking on this important responsibility. Mayor Mapp’s extensive government experience and expertise in public finance will be an invaluable asset. He possesses the skills and good judgement needed to help guide the work of the Task Force in coordinating property tax relief efforts for our residents,” said Senate President Scutari. “The work of the Task Force will help ensure the effective implementation of the Stay NJ program that will reduce property taxes for most senior citizens by 50 percent and the integration of the other tax relief programs will help make the lives of homeowners and renters more affordable.”
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Governor Murphy and AG Platkin Announce Recipients of $15 Million in Grant Funding for Violence Intervention and Prevention Work
Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that $15 million in grant funding will be distributed to 29 organizations to support New Jersey’s Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) Program and expand it into new communities. The funding was made available through the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Act and includes $5 million from the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund.
“The New Jersey Community-Based Violence Intervention program has proven to be successful in its mission to disrupt the cycles of violence and support vulnerable survivors of this epidemic in communities across our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “An additional investment into the program allows us to expand these services to more communities through 29 dedicated organizations seeking to build on innovative and evidence-based approaches to reduce violence. I am grateful to Attorney General Platkin and his team for their continued efforts to address violence in our state and make New Jersey the safest state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”
“The $15 million in grant awards we are announcing today deepen our support for community-led solutions to reduce violence as part of our extensive public safety strategy alongside traditional law enforcement services,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the state’s historic investment in innovative violence intervention programming has helped make New Jersey a leader in combating gun violence and empowered communities to reduce violence in places that have experienced far too much of it.”
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Office of Secretary of Higher Education Expands Statewide 'Some College, No Degree' Initiative
The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) announced the expansion of the statewide ‘Some College, No Degree’ initiative, which is helping New Jersey residents with some college credit, but no degree, return and complete their postsecondary education.
In New Jersey, over 790,000 residents are a part of this population, having stepped away for an array of reasons from financial and material hardship to shifting career goals and aspirations. The initiative received $8 million from the State’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget for its second year to continue providing resources and support to this student population and to implement additional best practice strategies geared toward retention and completion at institutions of higher education.
"Obtaining a degree can be a life-changer for someone aspiring to do more in their chosen field or deciding to pursue an entirely new career,” said Governor Murphy. “This innovative initiative reflects the realities on the ground and our commitment to serving the diverse needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce. By supporting our students in completing their postsecondary education, we are not only investing in their future but also building a stronger and more resilient economy as a whole.”
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NJDOL, Community Partners Reach Nearly 47K Workers in First Year of Grant Program to Improve Access to State Benefits, Protections
Nearly 47,000 workers received targeted information on New Jersey’s paid leave laws and other work rights during the first year of a grant program created by New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) to advance awareness and use of these programs.
The CARE Grant (Cultivating Access Rights and Equity) launched in March 2022 to promote outreach, education, and support aimed at expanding access to New Jersey’s many generous benefits and protections for eligible workers. The first round of CARE grants awarded $1.1 million to 13 grantees, including four collaboratives, totaling 28 organizations. Grantees included community organizations, worker centers, domestic violence agencies, service providers, and faith-based groups across the state that have demonstrated trusted relationships with their communities, as well as multi-lingual and culturally specific methods, and the capacity to link underserved residents with government benefits and protections.
“The partnerships fostered through the CARE grant have been integral in connecting vital state services to New Jersey workers and raising awareness of these programs,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Workers’ rights have been significantly enhanced under the Murphy Administration, and we are continuing to work with trusted community partners to ensure all residents know every benefit and protection to which they’re entitled.”
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New Jersey Department of Health Marks National Influenza Vaccination Week With Reminder to Stay Up to Date Against Respiratory Viruses
With respiratory virus season underway and in recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4-8, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is reminding residents to stay up to date by getting their annual flu vaccine as well as the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine and RSV shot if eligible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone ages six months and older.
“Flu shots are safe, effective, and the best way to avoid becoming sick, especially if you are pregnant, an older adult, or have underlying health conditions,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. “Getting your yearly flu shot, along with the latest COVID-19 vaccine, will help keep you healthy during the holidays and throughout the winter season."
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