During Visit to Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, Governor Murphy Highlights Support for Phone-Free Schools

Governor Phil Murphy visited Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County to promote his support for phone-free schools and a legislative proposal highlighted during his 2025 State of the State Address that would require all school districts in New Jersey to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones in K-12 classrooms. Woodbury Junior-Senior High School implemented its own phone-free school policy at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year that keeps students’ cell phones locked away until the final school bell.

During his visit, the Governor observed a phone-free classroom, spoke with educators about the impact of the school’s new cell phone policy, and participated in a roundtable discussion with students who shared their opinions on the transition to a phone-free school setting. At the roundtable discussion, the Governor announced that his Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal will include a $3 million line item to support phone-free schools grants, which will enable school districts across the state to invest in tools to limit classroom distractions and create healthier learning environments.

“The presence of cell phones in our schools presents a significant barrier to student learning. Constant notifications and the temptation to check social media impede the learning process and diminish students’ ability to thrive in the classroom. That is why I am proud to support a new initiative requiring all school districts in New Jersey to take stock of the harmful impact of unrestricted cell phone use during the school day and enact policies conducive to student success,” said Governor Murphy. “Today in Woodbury, we saw how quickly a phone-free environment can transform a school community. As part of our upcoming budget proposal, we are going to provide several millions of dollars in grants to school districts that are interested in making the switch to phone-free schools, so that they too can enjoy the benefits of distraction-free classrooms. I look forward to working with our legislative partners, educators, parents, and – most importantly – students to empower our children to succeed in school.”

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In Honor of Black History Month, Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Way Host Panel Discussion at Montclair Brewery: “Freedom, Slavery, and the American Revolution: A Conversation with Professors Jonathan Holloway and Michael Blaakman"

In honor of Black History Month and New Jersey’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way moderated a panel discussion at Montclair Brewery with Rutgers University President and Distinguished Professor Jonathan Holloway, a leading scholar of African American history, and Princeton University Associate Professor of History Michael Blaakman, a historian of the American Revolution. The discussion, entitled “Freedom, Slavery, and the American Revolution: A Conversation with Professors Jonathan Holloway and Michael Blaakman”, focused on the stories, questions, and tensions from this seminal time in American history – from the ambiguous consequences for African Americans in the new nation, to the role of Black soldiers in the Continental Army, to the reality of slavery in northern states.

“As we commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s important that we honor the often overlooked stories of African Americans, who played an integral role in the founding of our nation,” said Governor Murphy. “President Holloway and Dr. Blaakman’s expertise and scholarship provide an insightful and unique perspective on this complex period of our nation’s history. Lieutenant Governor Way and I are proud to spotlight the stories of Black Americans as part of our 250th anniversary programming.”

“Black history is American history. And what better way to celebrate Black History Month than by recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans in the early days of our country?” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “I look forward to hosting more events to ensure the untold stories of Black Americans are rightfully shared as part of our commemorative activities.”

"The painful reality is that in making their own case for liberty, the colonists used the language of the day to complain that the British crown was treating them as slaves—somehow ignoring the people they literally owned, blind to their existence and to the irony of their own complaints,” said Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway.

“The American Revolution was both a political struggle for independence and a violent civil war. At its heart lay the profound contradiction of slavery’s persistence in a land proclaiming radical new ideas about liberty and equality, a tension inscribed in the Declaration itself,” said Princeton University Associate Professor of History Michael Blaakman. “The 250th offers all of us an opportunity to learn more about the men and women who participated in the Revolution — including the thousands of African Americans who fought for or against the patriot cause and who seized the moment to forge their own pathways to freedom. Their stories are essential for understanding what was truly revolutionary about the American Revolution.”

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Governor Murphy and Commissioner Zimmerman Announce Historic 2025 Get Covered New Jersey Sign-Ups

Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin Zimmerman announced that Get Covered New Jersey – the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace – hit an all-time record enrollment with more than a half a million New Jerseyans signed up for 2025 health coverage. Enrollment on the marketplace has more than doubled since the Murphy Administration took over operations from the federal government and launched Get Covered New Jersey in 2020.

A total of 513,217 New Jersey residents signed up for health insurance under Get Covered New Jersey during the Open Enrollment Period from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. This includes 197,876 new or existing consumers who actively selected a plan and 315,341 who were automatically renewed. This year’s record-breaking sign-ups represent nearly a 30% increase compared to last year’s Open Enrollment Period when 397,942 residents signed up for 2024 health coverage. Overall, there has been a 108% increase in enrollment since the State launched Get Covered New Jersey.

“From the outset of my Administration, we have led with the principle that health care is a right, not a privilege, and the steps that we have taken underscore that commitment. Recognizing that affordability is central to access, New Jersey established Get Covered New Jersey with State subsidies on top of the federal financial help offered to lower monthly premiums. Hundreds of thousands more New Jerseyans now have health insurance, and they are paying less for it,” Governor Murphy said. “This year’s historic enrollment numbers clearly demonstrate that our efforts are having a direct, positive impact on our residents, ensuring that they can access critical health care services. We remain committed to increasing access and affordability by connecting New Jerseyans to quality insurance options that keep New Jersey families healthy and thriving.”

Nine in 10 people enrolling in a health plan through Get Covered New Jersey qualify for financial help and, of those receiving financial help in New Jersey during the 2025 Open Enrollment Period, 224,416 enrollees (48% of those receiving financial help) pay $10 or less per month for coverage. Of that population, 201,289 people (or 43% of those receiving financial help) are benefiting from premiums of $1 or less per month for 2025 coverage as of January 31, 2025.

“The launch of Get Covered New Jersey in 2020 was an important moment for the State – and done at a time when our residents needed health coverage the most. Under the Murphy Administration, New Jersey created a marketplace tailored to the needs of our residents to increase access to health insurance. Get Covered New Jersey has continued to break enrollment records each year—demonstrating the value of the program and the need for quality, affordable health insurance. In addition to State financial assistance, the expansion of federal premium tax credits has opened the door to quality coverage for more people at a lower cost. Many residents pay $10 or less for their monthly premium,” said Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “While Open Enrollment is over, residents may still qualify to enroll in a health plan if they have recently experienced a major life event or have a certain income level. Those who qualify still have access to more savings than ever before.”

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Statement by Governor Murphy on the Federal Highway Administration’s Decision to Rescind Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP) Agreement Authorizing New York’s Congestion Pricing Program

Following the Federal Highway Administration’s Decision to Rescind Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP) Agreement Authorizing New York’s Congestion Pricing Program, Governor Murphy released the following statement: 

“I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their efforts to halt the current congestion pricing program in Manhattan’s Central Business District.

“While I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing that meaningfully protects the environment and does not unfairly burden hardworking New Jersey commuters, the current program lines the MTA’s pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans.

“Although we have had a difference of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing, we have always had a productive relationship with our neighbors across the Hudson. I look forward to continuing that spirit of partnership for the benefit of the entire Tri-State Area.”

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Human Services, Office of the Attorney General, & Motor Vehicle Commission Announce Efforts to Assist Law Enforcement when Interacting with Residents with Autism & Communication Disorders

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and Acting Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd announced new efforts underway to assist law enforcement officers to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings during encounters with individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a communication disorder.

The officials held a press conference at the Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse where they announced the release of new guidance to help law enforcement identify individuals with ASD or a communication disorder so they can adjust their communication approach as needed; and unveiled the new designation available to individuals with ASD or a communication disorder who want to indicate their diagnosis on their driver’s license or non-driver ID. They were joined by Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson, Hunterdon County Chief of Detectives Timothy Drew, Hunterdon County Sheriff Frederick W. Brown, local Hunterdon County Chiefs of Police, and representatives from Hunterdon Medical Center and The ARC of Hunterdon.

In 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation allowing New Jersey residents with ASD or a communication disorder to request through the Motor Vehicle Commission an official indication of their diagnosis on their state driver’s license or non-driver identification. The law also tasked Human Services and the AG’s Office to create related guidance for law enforcement. The guidance can be found here.

“Law enforcement often interact with individuals in stressful circumstances, making clear communication essential. Individuals with autism and other communication disorders often have different communication needs they may not be able to express and which may go unrecognized today. This guidance provides law enforcement with information and education that can help prevent potential misunderstandings or conflict, as well as build trust and understanding. Recognizing when individuals may need accommodations to help them communicate effectively and having the knowledge and tools to modify communication helps prevent escalation and leads to better outcomes,” said Human Services Commissioner Adelman.

“Law enforcement encounters can be stressful for everyone involved,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “The new designation for driver licenses and state IDs offers an additional way for New Jerseyans with communication challenges to express their needs. And, by helping our law enforcement officers better understand the needs of a civilian, we hope to create a more productive and safer environment for both law enforcement officers and the people with whom they interact.”

“The Motor Vehicle Commission is delighted to join with our partners in the Department of Human Services and the Attorney General’s Office in announcing this new option for New Jersey driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Littles-Floyd. “We all share a common goal in making our state’s roads and communities safer for each and every resident, including those diagnosed with ASD or a communication disorder. We are happy to offer this voluntary notation on licenses and IDs, which can be added at a walk-in visit to any NJMVC Licensing Center. Before you visit, please check our website for more detailed instructions and to make sure you bring all the required documents.”

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