Trenton
New Jersey
This Week in New Jersey - June 20, 2024
Government and Politics
June 20, 2024
From: New Jersey Governor Phil MurphyGovernor Murphy Launches Historic Clemency Initiative
Governor Phil Murphy outlined his plans to issue pardons and commutations using best practices that include expedited consideration for certain clemency applications. The Governor was joined by Saint James A.M.E. Church Pastor Ronald Slaughter, Lieutenant Governor Way, REFORM Alliance Co-Chair Robert "Meek Mill" Williams, REFORM Alliance Chief Marketing Officer Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples, ACLU of New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha, and Incoming Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board Justin Dews.
Executive Order No. 362, which Governor Murphy signed, sets out certain categories of pending or future clemency applications that will receive expedited review during the Murphy Administration. For example, individuals may receive expedited consideration for pardons for certain non-violent convictions if they have remained free from justice system involvement for sufficient time. Other examples of those receiving expedited consideration include individuals who are serving sentences that reflect an excessive trial penalty, and victims of domestic or sexual violence or sex trafficking who are incarcerated for committing a crime against the perpetrator. The fundamental goal underlying this initiative is to provide relief from inequities that have existed and been perpetuated in the criminal legal system.
The Executive Order also establishes a Clemency Advisory Board, which will be responsible for reviewing each clemency application and making recommendations to the Governor. The board will be the first of its kind in state history and will ensure that the Governor’s decisions regarding pardons and commutations are informed by the advice of individuals with diverse experiences and expertise relating to criminal justice and clemency.
“As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our nation’s ongoing journey toward racial justice for Black and Brown Americans, I am proud to sign this Executive Order to help address inequities and unfairness in our system of justice in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “This new clemency initiative is a cornerstone of our Administration’s efforts to make New Jersey the State of Second Chances. Today, we pledge to take a responsible and equity-driven approach to pardons and commutations that will prioritize the most compelling cases.”
In addition to the Executive Order signing, the state launched a website to serve as a home base for those seeking more information on the Governor’s executive clemency initiative. The website, nj.gov/clemency, also provides attorneys and those representing themselves access to application materials for executive clemency.
Governor Murphy Establishes Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools
At the Pride Month celebration held at Drumthwacket, Governor Phil Murphy announced the signing of Executive Order No. 361 establishing the Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools. The Commission will build on the Administration’s nation-leading efforts to support LGBTQIA+ youth and ensure New Jersey schools provide a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment for all students.
The Commission is meant to help the Department of Education address the many challenges that LGBTQIA+ youth face in schools – including harassment and bullying – and their greater risk for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
“Providing for the well-being of New Jersey’s young people is not a responsibility I take lightly. In order to deliver a top-notch education to our students, we must ensure our schools serve as a welcoming environment for all learners,” said Governor Murphy. “Now more than ever – while we are observing a nationwide uptick in hatred and bigotry – it is critical to convene experts to inform our approach to uplifting our LGBTQIA+ youth. All children in New Jersey deserve to feel safe and respected in the classroom.”
The Commission will support the New Jersey Department of Education’s efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ equity in schools by reviewing educational policies, recommending best practices for creating inclusive environments, and advising on strategies to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students. The Commission will also advise on curriculum inclusivity and professional development for educators.
The Commission will consist of 20 to 25 members. Five of the members will be Cabinet members or their designees, including the Commissioners of Education, Children and Families, Health, Human Services, and the Attorney General.
Murphy Administration Announces New Student Loan Redemption Program to Support Home and Community-Based Workers
As part of a continued effort to improve and expand the home and community-based services workforce, the Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Families, and the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority announced a new student loan redemption program to benefit health care, behavioral health, and social services professionals serving those with medical needs, behavioral and/or mental health conditions, and disabilities.
Under the new Home and Community-Based Services Provider Loan Redemption Program, eligible workers can receive up to $50,000 in loan relief in exchange for one year of service at an approved home- and community-based services provider agency or as a self-directed employee.
“Uplifting our healthcare workers is mission-critical to delivering on the needs of New Jersey residents. This student loan redemption program further bolsters our home and community-based services workforce, and it is key in supporting qualified service providers to bring their skills and expertise to communities across the state,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “In addition to alleviating the financial burdens of this workforce, this program also builds the capacity to deliver care in the community for more New Jerseyans. I applaud DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman, DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer, and HESAA Executive Director Margo Chaly for their work to make this program a reality.”
Professionals eligible to apply include psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, board certified behavior analysts, board certified behavior analysts-doctoral, licensed clinical or certified alcohol and drug counselors, licensed professional and associate counselors, licensed or associate marriage and family therapists, DCF care managers, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses. Self-directed employees are also eligible to apply.
This initiative builds upon efforts by the Murphy Administration to bolster this critical workforce, including funding wage increases for home health aides, certified nurse assistants, direct support professionals, child care workers, behavioral health providers, and more as the state’s minimum wage increased to $15 per hour over recent years, as well as launching a Jobs that Care New Jersey website and paid advertising campaign to promote direct care training and job opportunities.
Murphy Administration Launches New Interactive Website to Track Billions in Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments
The Murphy Administration announced the launch of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Formula Funding Tracker, an interactive website that will provide insight into how federal BIL funds, and state matching dollars, are being used statewide and measure the progress and impact of BIL-funded projects.
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enabling states to make the type of transformational investments not seen since the New Deal,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “New Jersey has an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine and transform its aging infrastructure, protect its natural resources, and address longstanding inequities experienced by underserved communities throughout the state. This new website will enable taxpayers to monitor their dollars in action and track the progress we are making on all of these fronts.
”The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is providing vast resources across a broad spectrum that are enabling New Jersey to make once-in-a-generation investments to improve and transform infrastructure throughout the state.
The BIL Formula Funding Tracker provides users with project locations and descriptions, phases of work, funding allocations, and the amount expended. The site’s dashboards feature searchable data, location mapping, and customized reports and analysis. The tracker integrates funding and expenditure data received from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. This data will be updated quarterly.
Statement From Governor Murphy on President Biden's Executive Order Granting Work Permits for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens
“I am glad to see President Biden take executive action to grant work permits to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens.
“This Executive Order sends a simple, powerful message: when all of our neighbors are given the opportunity to contribute to our shared future and a fair chance to pursue the American Dream, all of us are better off.
“That is exactly what we have proven over the past several years in New Jersey by expanding access to professional and occupational licenses to more workers and by ensuring access to driver’s licenses to help undocumented residents commute to their jobs, among other reforms. By helping eligible individuals more easily acquire work permits and find employment, we are building a stronger economic future for all.”
“We must continue expanding opportunities for those who seek a better life by establishing a clear path to citizenship for our undocumented neighbors through comprehensive immigration reform.”