Governor Murphy Highlights Fiscal Year 2024 Boardwalk Preservation Fund Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Kicking off Memorial Day Weekend, Governor Phil Murphy visited the Asbury Park Boardwalk to highlight the Boardwalk Preservation Fund program from the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Last year, the Governor signed bipartisan legislation S3989/A5675 to establish the Boardwalk Preservation Fund, appropriating $100 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding for Jersey Shore communities to strengthen boardwalk infrastructure.

Designed to enhance the local economies of New Jersey’s shore communities, these funds will help repair facilities and make improvements to centers of community life in nearly 20 towns and cities. In Asbury Park, Boardwalk Preservation Fund dollars will be utilized to provide new restroom facilities and accessibility upgrades for boardwalk users, and to restore and renovate Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre.

“Boardwalks are the lifeblood of communities up and down the Shore as they connect shoppers to small businesses and bring families and friends together,” said Governor Murphy. “Last year, we proudly launched the $100 million Boardwalk Preservation Fund to ensure that these historic attractions can receive the maintenance they need to remain resilient for generations to come. With this critical funding, New Jersey’s iconic wooden main streets will continue serving as the backdrop for summers down the Shore.” 

In August 2023, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Office of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to shore municipalities. To ensure that the Boardwalk Preservation Fund addresses the most critical and necessary capital needs along the Shore, the DCA prioritized funding to shore municipalities facing financial distress and to projects that rehabilitate or improve the resilience of existing structures. Using environmentally friendly and state-of-the-art materials for these projects is a critical component to secure safer, longer lasting, and more resilient boardwalk infrastructure. Projects that add new boardwalks or allied amenities, such as recreation areas, services, or retail facilities, were also eligible for funding.

“The Boardwalk Preservation Fund is helping our shore communities maintain, repair, and strengthen our boardwalks so they can remain places of joy and inspiration for future generations,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “DCA is proud to have awarded the boardwalk grants to municipalities earlier this year, and we look forward to the resiliency, safety, and access improvements that will result from the funding.”

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Murphy Administration Takes Action to Allow Pharmacists to Provide Hormonal Contraceptives to Patients Without a Prescription

Advancing New Jersey’s commitment to protecting reproductive rights and expanding access to reproductive health care, Governor Murphy announced several actions by the State which together have the effect of authorizing qualified pharmacists to furnish self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without a prescription.

These actions implement legislation that Governor Murphy signed last year to remove the prescription requirement for self-administered hormonal contraceptives. That legislation was enacted on the first anniversary of the historic Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, which codified the constitutional right to freedom of reproductive choice in New Jersey.

“In New Jersey, we will continue to protect a woman’s right to plan her future on her own terms,” said Governor Murphy. “Today marks an important step forward in our efforts to expand access to reproductive health care as we make birth control more accessible across the state. As we witness an attack on reproductive freedom across the country, New Jersey will continue to be a safe haven for women to access the care they need.”

Until now, individuals in New Jersey have typically been unable to access self-administered hormonal contraceptives—including injectable contraceptives, pills, patches, and rings—without first obtaining a prescription from a licensed health care provider. New rules adopted by the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy authorize qualified pharmacists to furnish these products without a prescription, in accordance with standardized procedures and protocols jointly developed by the Boards and pursuant to a statewide standing order issued by the New Jersey Department of Health (“DOH”).

“At a time of unprecedented attacks on reproductive freedom in America, New Jersey, under the leadership of Governor Murphy, remains a staunch defender of the fundamental right to reproductive autonomy,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Today we take another important step to reduce barriers to reproductive care so that all New Jersey residents, and those who visit our state, have access to hormonal contraceptives—essential components of reproductive health care.” 

“For decades, hormonal contraceptives have empowered women with the ability to make decisions about their own reproductive health. In New Jersey, this expansion of vital reproductive health services and the availability of hormonal birth control without a prescription provides broader, more equitable access while putting in place the necessary safeguards that protect patient health, safety, and privacy,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. “I am proud to sign my name to the standing order that allows licensed pharmacists to furnish self-administered birth control to patients without a prescription and builds on the progress made under Governor Murphy’s leadership in reducing barriers to care and advancing health equity.”

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Governor Murphy and Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Su Highlight New, Easy-to-Use Online Unemployment Insurance Application

Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Acting Secretary Julie A. Su, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo, and New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole highlighted the successful launch of a new online Unemployment Insurance (UI) initial application, completely remodeled with the goal of improving user accessibility.

In 2021, USDOL selected New Jersey as one of two states, along with Arkansas, to participate in the Claimant Experience Pilot, leading a national effort to modernize the federal unemployment insurance system to improve the claimant experience and streamline the delivery of unemployment benefits. This announcement marks the culmination of years of rigorous review and extensive user testing at every stage.

“Unemployment insurance—like a house with a leaky roof—should be fixed during good times, when there’s sunshine, because you can’t replace a damaged roof in the middle of a storm,” said U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su. “For unemployment insurance systems throughout the country, the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented storm. Subsequently, the American Rescue Plan delivered $1 billion for the Department of Labor to help states like New Jersey modernize their unemployment insurance program. Thanks to strong and bold leadership, New Jersey is now building one of the most innovative and modern unemployment insurance systems in the country. By spearheading a more modern and reliable Unemployment Insurance program, Governor Murphy and Labor Commissioner Asaro-Angelo are setting a national example for how to make sure unemployment benefits are easily accessible for workers who have hit hard times and are looking for re-employment.”

“I am proud that the USDOL trusted New Jersey to be at the forefront of efforts to modernize our unemployment insurance application, creating meaningful reform that can be replicated across the country to the benefit of countless individuals and families. New Jersey has established itself not only as a staunch supporter of our workers, but also as a budding innovation hub. It is fitting that this endeavor utilized innovative and cutting-edge strategies to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of unemployment insurance benefits to claimants,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Nothing should stand in the way of New Jersey residents accessing critical unemployment benefits to make difficult times more manageable. I thank Acting Secretary Su and our federal partners for their support, and I commend the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Offices of Innovation and Information Technology for their work in modernizing this process.”

NJDOL worked alongside the New Jersey Office of Innovation and the New Jersey Office of Information Technology to engage with claimants and create a new unemployment application system that meets the needs of residents and can be adapted to quickly address future challenges. The new unemployment application was rolled out incrementally over the past several months to ensure an improved experience for all applicants, and the application was fully phased in on April 11, 2024.

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Governor Murphy and Civil Service Chair Allison Chris Myers Announce Second Year of Governor's Fellows Program

Governor Murphy and Civil Service Chair Allison Chris Myers announced a second year of the Governor’s Fellows Program, a State employment program designed to offer a pathway to recent graduates and emerging professionals interested in pursuing a career in public service. Following a successful revival this past year, the program allows State offices to build upon last year's progress in expanding opportunities and reducing barriers to public employment.

“We are proud to kick off another incredible year of our Governor’s Fellows Program,” said Governor Murphy. “The program has allowed us to identify and connect with qualified and passionate individuals looking to make a positive impact on state government. We are able to match prospective state employees with roles that pertain to their individual interests and skillsets. This initiative strengthens our workforce while simultaneously building and supporting the next generation of leaders.”

The re-launch of the Governor’s Fellows Program last year had 14 State agencies each hosting a fellow beginning in September 2023. This year, there are 15 agencies each seeking a Fellow in critical public policy areas, such as food security, homelessness prevention, and AI equity.  

“The New Jersey Governor’s Fellows Program is an exceptional avenue for people to enter state positions whether they are individuals with education and experience, young professionals, or recent college graduates,” said Allison Chris Myers, New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chair & Chief Executive Officer. “This Fellows Program is an awesome opportunity for people to learn the workings of New Jersey state government and become acquainted with all that a career in public service has to offer. I encourage all who are eligible and interested in this program to apply, as they will gain immeasurable experience and knowledge in the area of business in which they are interested, as well as direct access to mentorship and networking opportunities from the Governor’s Office. CSC is committed to attracting and retaining diverse talent in our civil service workforce, which this program supports.”

Governor’s Fellows have a commitment of one-year of employment within their specific State agency, and may be considered for long-term employment by the host department at the close of their tenure. The Governor’s Office provides mentorship and networking opportunities to Fellows, who will begin their state government career with the support of the Governor’s Office and the New Jersey Civil Service Commission.

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During Preeclampsia Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Month, NJ DCF Takes Action to Expand Family Connects NJ

Coinciding with the recognition of National Preeclampsia Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and as part of the Phase II rollout of the Family Connects NJ initiative – the state’s Universal Nurse Home Visitation program – the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) has issued a Request for Proposal to expand the program to an additional six counties – Somerset, Sussex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, and Ocean – beginning January 2025.

The Family Connects NJ program, which launched earlier this year, offers a free nurse home visit to all families within two weeks of the arrival of a newborn, whether through birth, adoption, resource or kinship placement, and for families that have experienced the tragedy of stillbirth or neonatal loss.

Nurse home visits through Family Connects NJ have been available in Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, and Essex Counties since January 2024, and after expanding into the six new counties in January 2025, Family Connects NJ will continue to expand incrementally on an annual basis, until fully implemented in every part of the state.

“When we officially launched the Family Connects NJ program earlier this year, we did so with the understanding that the standard postpartum evaluation, which happens six weeks after delivery, was unacceptable and potentially dangerous. There can be no question that mothers need a wide range of support within this extremely sensitive timeframe to ensure their own personal health is assessed and that their families are thriving,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Family Connects NJ ensures New Jersey families receive the critical support needed to prevent complications within the first two weeks of delivery and, by visiting families in their homes, barriers to getting support and relief are eliminated.

“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish in the five counties launched earlier this year, and I look forward to expanding this incredibly common sense – but groundbreaking – program into more counties beginning in 2025. The fact that nurses are both identifying physical challenges early and ensuring critical follow-ups when merited as well as providing support and resources beyond a health check means we are actually building a stronger and more equitable system and state. To this end, we will continue to build a maternal health framework for our state that puts mothers, babies, and families first, making New Jersey the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby,” continued the First Lady.

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