NJ Human Services and Office of Innovation Launch Disability Information Hub

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and State Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole launched a Disability Information Hub website during a virtual event commemorating Disability Pride Month and the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Day). The Hub, located at NJ.gov/Disabilities, will serve as a one-stop shop to connect New Jerseyans with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and advocates with state services and resources in an accessible format. The Hub and related referral services are among Fiscal Year 2025 investments to support inclusion and services for New Jersey’s diverse disability community.

“Across state government, our Administration has pursued equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, improved access to services, and strengthened supports for this community. For many individuals and families, New Jersey’s Disability Information Hub will be a game-changer. Having streamlined, easy access to the State’s comprehensive collection of services and supports will put needed tools and resources in reach for countless people,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Together, we are breaking down barriers and empowering all New Jerseyans to thrive in their communities. I commend the whole-of-government effort to uplift the State’s disability community.”

“The anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act marks significant progress in protecting civil rights and promoting the full inclusion and dignity of people with disabilities. Under the Murphy Administration, Human Services has made substantial investments to better serve and support individuals with disabilities and their families,” said DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “The Disability Information Hub is a gateway to a wealth of resources available to this community. We are proud to launch this comprehensive and accessible resource, especially during Disability Pride Month, and could not have done so without the dedicated work of the Office of Innovation and Office of Information Technology, as well as the many individuals with disabilities and fellow state agencies and offices who helped test and improve the website.”

“Human-centered government services build trust and lift up communities across New Jersey. The Disability Information Hub represents the insights of dozens of community-based service providers, families, caregivers, and New Jerseyans with disabilities.” said New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole. “Working with the dedicated team at DHS and partners across the state, we developed this new website as a living resource that was designed with — not just for — those in the broader disability community. I thank Commissioner Adelman and her team, our colleagues at the Office of Information Technology, and the dozens of other partners who contributed their expertise and commitment to delivering this vital resource. We look forward to continually improving it over time to meet the needs of all New Jerseyans.”

“The New Jersey Disability Information Hub represents an online one-stop for individuals with disabilities and their families to quickly and easily get information on the services, supports and resources they need to thrive," said NJ Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. "It breaks down bureaucratic barriers to access, employs the latest in accommodating technologies, and allows individuals and caregivers to filter out the information that directly applies to their situation. On behalf of DCF, we commend our partners at the Department of Human Services and the Office of Innovation for launching a service-forward solution that puts government assistance within reach for residents and families throughout the state of New Jersey.”

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Statement From Governor Murphy on the Return of Political Prisoner Evan Gershkovich From Russia

“I am thrilled to hear that, after over a year of detention, Evan Gershkovich has been freed from Russia. Evan is a New Jersey native and Princeton High School graduate who was wrongfully convicted of espionage by the brutal Putin regime — a pawn in a politically-motivated game. I am praying for his safety and health as he returns home to his family and reacclimates to life back in the U.S. I'd like to thank President Biden and our allies involved in this complex, multilateral negotiation for their work to bring Evan and other wrongfully detained Americans home."

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Murphy Administration Announces $150 Million in FY25 County Aid

The Murphy Administration announced the release of $150 million in Fiscal Year 2025 County Aid to help make infrastructure improvements on the local level. The program is funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).

“The New Jersey Department of Transportation is committed to finding solutions for localized transportation concerns by investing in county owned bridges and roadways, which reduces the tax burden on residents,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “The millions of dollars in County Aid is just one way the Department is advancing Governor Murphy’s vision of a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation system for all New Jerseyans.”

The State’s 21 counties will share a total of $150 million through the County Aid program that helps maintain roads and bridges under county jurisdiction in a state of good repair for the thousands of motorists that count on them each day. In addition, Fiscal Year 2025 marks the first year that pavement preservation is a type of improvement eligible for County Aid.

County Aid funds are apportioned based on population and road mileage in each county, and each county selects the projects that receive funding. Counties are required to submit eligible projects, identified in the County’s annual Transportation Program to NJDOT for approval prior to December 1, 2024. Projects may be improvements to public roads and bridges under county jurisdiction, or other transportation related work. Governor Murphy signed into law a new schedule for County Aid in which NJDOT must inform counties of their allotments for the current fiscal year by July 31 to help counties better plan future projects.

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Murphy Administration Reminds Residents and Businesses to Conserve Water as Hot and Dry Conditions Persist

The Murphy Administration reminded residents and businesses to conserve water as the state continues to experience hotter and drier than average conditions this summer statewide.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for monitoring and protecting the state’s water supply to ensure ample clean, safe water for drinking and other needs. DEP’s Division of Water Supply and Geoscience has been closely monitoring the drier than usual conditions this summer. 

“While these conditions have not significantly impacted drinking water supplies statewide, persistently hot and dry conditions can adversely affect water supplies in the longer term,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “It is important that residents and businesses take proactive steps to moderate their use of water now to help ensure ample supplies throughout the summer. Some steps people can take include being mindful of lawn and landscaping watering practices, choosing a commercial car wash that recycles water over handwashing, and covering your pool when not in use to prevent evaporation.”

Though current water demands are being met and New Jersey’s water systems are capable of handling periods of low precipitation, these periods of extreme heat, which are worsening as a result of climate change, coupled with mostly localized, not widespread, precipitation have put a strain on water systems. Hydrologic conditions can change rapidly, so stay informed over the coming months for any changes in status that may warrant additional water conservation steps.

The DEP will continue to monitor water supplies very closely and advise the public, local governments, and water systems as appropriate. The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at njdrought.org, where you can also find more information about water supply conditions. For a DEP microsite on water conservation measures visit https://dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/

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