Statement by Governor Murphy on the Passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell

Following the news of U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell's passing, Governor Murphy released the statement below:

"Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Congressman Bill Pascrell, a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors.

“A son of the south side of Paterson, Bill developed a passion for public service at a young age. He grew up in a tight-knit Italian American family that instilled in him a tireless work ethic, a deep devotion to giving back to his community, and an unwavering instinct for drawing strength from our state’s diversity. He was a unifier in every sense of the word— and always sought to bring the people of New Jersey together around our shared principles.

“For Bill, public service came in many forms. He educated our nation’s students as a history teacher, as well as an adjunct professor. He served our nation in uniform. And he also served our neighbors in the Silk City as Mayor, as well as a member of the State Assembly.

“But for many New Jerseyans, Bill will be remembered most fondly for leading the fight for our families in Congress over the past 27 years. At every stage of his Congressional career, he stood up for our neighbors by defending access to reproductive health care, keeping our communities safe from gun violence, supporting our law enforcement officers and first responders, protecting our natural wonders — like Paterson’s Great Falls — and so much more.

“Throughout his life, Bill proved to all of us what it means to live up to our New Jersey values. Tammy and I will miss him dearly.

“We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his wife, Elsie, as well as their three children — Bill, David, and Glenn — and six grandchildren.”

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Governor Murphy Announces Elimination of $100 Million in Medical Debt for Almost 50,000 New Jerseyans

Governor Phil Murphy announced that thousands of eligible individuals and families across New Jersey are set to have some or all of their medical debt eliminated as part of a major initiative to make health care more affordable and accessible. By leveraging over $550 thousand in American Rescue Plan funds and partnering with Undue Medical Debt (Undue), the administration is delivering relief to 17,905 New Jersey residents who had owed $61.6 million to Prime Healthcare hospitals and an additional 31,748 residents owing more than $38.4 million to other providers through the secondary debt market, primarily collections agencies. Prime Healthcare partnered with Undue to sell qualifying, unpayable medical debts for relief.

“When someone is sick or injured, they should be able to focus on what matters most – getting better – rather than worrying about how they will pay for the life-saving care and services rendered to them. New Jerseyans should not have to scrimp and save to ensure their basic health care needs are met, or to pay down lofty medical debts resulting from tragic accidents or devastating diagnoses,” said Governor Murphy. “Medical debt accumulates very quickly and can follow a person for decades. With this strategic investment and our partnership with Undue, we are wiping the slate clean for thousands of New Jersey families, eliminating their debt, and making a real, tangible impact on their lives. Today’s announcement continues our momentum in creating a better, more affordable, and accessible health care system for all New Jersey residents.”

This announcement follows the signing of the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act, which safeguards New Jersey families from accumulating medical debt, protects against predatory medical debt collectors, and prohibits the reporting of medical debt to credit reporting agencies. New Jersey is a leading state in consumer protection policies and supports for residents, being one of only five states in the nation that both prohibits medical debt reporting to credit agencies and has allocated funding to provide residents with direct medical debt relief.

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Governor Murphy to Lead Economic Mission to Canada

Governor Phil Murphy will lead a delegation of industry leaders and state representatives on a four-day, three-city economic mission trip to Canada in September. Organized by Choose New Jersey, the delegation is set to visit Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. The trip will focus on strengthening New Jersey’s ties with Canada while cultivating partnerships and international investment opportunities in sectors such as film and technology.

“Our efforts to bolster New Jersey’s thriving film and fintech industries must extend beyond both state lines and national borders. It is only fitting that we deepen our economic ties with Canada while exploring new opportunities to solidify our status as a global leader in these fields,” said Governor Murphy. “I look forward to engaging with Canadian officials and industry leaders to showcase the opportunity that is ripe within our state.”

The economic mission will include meetings with government officials and networking opportunities with industry leaders across key sectors, including film and television and technology.

Governor Murphy will lead the delegation, which will include First Lady Tammy Murphy, Choose New Jersey President & CEO Wesley Mathews, and New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. The delegation will depart New Jersey on Saturday, September 7, 2024 and return on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

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First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and First Lady of New Jersey Lead Nationwide Focus on Fentanyl

On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin is proud to announce a powerful partnership with First Lady Tammy Murphy of New Jersey in a united effort to address the devastating fentanyl crisis gripping communities across the nation. With the opioid epidemic continuing to claim lives at an alarming rate, this initiative brings together the majority of the Nation's First Spouses to amplify awareness and education on the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

"On average, five Virginians die every day as a result of fentanyl overdose - an unspeakable tragedy that is entirely preventable," said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. "Tiny amounts of fentanyl can be lethal, and it only takes one encounter for a life to be lost. That's why we are committed to educating every American about the risks and the importance of having life-saving conversations."

The response to this initiative has been both inspiring and impactful. First Spouses across the country, alongside Virginia's influencers, athletes, colleges, and sports teams, have united in meaningful actions to honor lives lost and raise awareness. From flying flags at half-staff for lives lost and adorning executive mansions with purple ribbons (the color associated with recovery), to mobilizing public figures and lighting buildings in purple, these efforts demonstrate a strong, nationwide commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis.

This initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Youngkin and First Lady Murphy, represents a collective call to action. The majority of First Spouses have joined this campaign, lending their voices and leadership to a national effort that aims to save lives through awareness and education.

"The Fentanyl epidemic has tragically affected families across America,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I am proud to join with First Lady Youngkin and first spouses from every corner of our country to raise awareness and amplify tools to fight this crisis. We have had enough of watching mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents, friends and extended family members experience the loss of their loved ones to preventable drug overdoses."

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First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and First Lady of New Jersey Lead Nationwide Focus on Fentanyl

On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin is proud to announce a powerful partnership with First Lady Tammy Murphy of New Jersey in a united effort to address the devastating fentanyl crisis gripping communities across the nation. With the opioid epidemic continuing to claim lives at an alarming rate, this initiative brings together the majority of the Nation's First Spouses to amplify awareness and education on the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

"On average, five Virginians die every day as a result of fentanyl overdose - an unspeakable tragedy that is entirely preventable," said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. "Tiny amounts of fentanyl can be lethal, and it only takes one encounter for a life to be lost. That's why we are committed to educating every American about the risks and the importance of having life-saving conversations."

The response to this initiative has been both inspiring and impactful. First Spouses across the country, alongside Virginia's influencers, athletes, colleges, and sports teams, have united in meaningful actions to honor lives lost and raise awareness. From flying flags at half-staff for lives lost and adorning executive mansions with purple ribbons (the color associated with recovery), to mobilizing public figures and lighting buildings in purple, these efforts demonstrate a strong, nationwide commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis.

This initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Youngkin and First Lady Murphy, represents a collective call to action. The majority of First Spouses have joined this campaign, lending their voices and leadership to a national effort that aims to save lives through awareness and education.

"The Fentanyl epidemic has tragically affected families across America,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I am proud to join with First Lady Youngkin and first spouses from every corner of our country to raise awareness and amplify tools to fight this crisis. We have had enough of watching mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents, friends and extended family members experience the loss of their loved ones to preventable drug overdoses."

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Governor Phil Murphy Named Keynote Speaker at the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development

The 2024 Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development Host Committee announced that Governor Murphy will be the keynote speaker at this year's conference that is being held on September 17-18, 2024, at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. This annual conference brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore and discuss innovative solutions that address housing and economic development challenges in New Jersey.

“One of our Administration’s top priorities has been to establish New Jersey as a national leader in expanding affordable housing and strengthening economic development,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development brings public and private sectors together to discuss how each can work cooperatively to fill the housing needs of the hardworking residents of New Jersey.”

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