Acting Governor Way Delivers Remarks at the Inaugural New Jersey Film Expo

The Screen Alliance of New Jersey hosted the first NJ Film Expo on May 1 at Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford. The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, overseen by Acting Governor Way in her capacity as Secretary of State, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority sponsored the inaugural event, which featured top names and companies from the industry. 

"We made it clear that New Jersey is open for business and most importantly, our state is an iconic place to make movies, TV shows, commercials, and more," said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. "Like our friends in Travel and Tourism say: New Jersey is a little state with a lot of wow… and now, you can see it all on screens." 

"We’ve welcomed thousands of productions and generated more than a billion in revenue. We’ve seen the headlines about major players building studios here. Still, I also want to shout out the small independent business owners who are putting their faith and future in New Jersey… like the women of Phiphen Studios, who are doing great things in Englewood Cliffs. That’s before you get to all the growing businesses meeting new production needs, like retailers selling film-specific cameras or lighting. And where filming occurs, restaurants, hotels, and local shops all feel the positive impact of increased foot traffic and many are directly hired to support production needs," Acting Governor Tahesha Way continued. 

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Governor Murphy and Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Littles-Floyd Announce Launch of “REAL ID Tuesdays”

Building on the success of “REAL ID Thursdays,” Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd announced the introduction of “REAL ID Tuesdays” at Licensing Centers.

“As we quickly approach the federal deadline for REAL ID, I am proud to announce the addition of ‘REAL ID Tuesdays’—another tool we are using to expand access to REAL ID appointments,” said Governor Murphy. “We have offered eligible residents the opportunity to upgrade to a REAL ID for five years but, as we enter the home stretch before the federal deadline, we will continue doing everything we can to expand appointments.”

“With federal enforcement approaching, the Motor Vehicle Commission is dedicated to assisting as many New Jerseyans as possible who need or want to get a REAL ID,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “To this end, we will be increasing the number of REAL ID appointments available on alternating Tuesdays to better accommodate customer demand. Remember, if you already have another form of acceptable identification such as a valid passport, you may use that document to board domestic flights, or until you can secure a REAL ID driver license or ID at a convenient time.”

Beginning Tuesday, May 20, 2025, approximately 5,200 additional REAL ID appointments will be serviced at NJMVC Licensing Centers every other Tuesday going forward. These new appointments for “REAL ID Tuesdays” will be available for booking on the NJMVC’s appointment scheduler starting Monday morning, May 5, 2025.

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Statement from Governor Murphy on Trump Administration’s Cancellation of School-Based Mental Health Services Grant

Following the U.S. Department of Education's cancellation of $1 billion in nationwide school-based mental health funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Governor Murphy released the following statement: 

“It is extremely disappointing that the U.S. Department of Education has arbitrarily canceled nearly $1 billion in nationwide school-based mental health funding that was approved through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act following one of our nation’s most horrific school shootings in Uvalde, Texas. The New Jersey Department of Education was in year three of implementing a five-year, $15 million effort to expand access to mental health professionals in our schools. That project will now have to end two years early.

“Now is not the time to waver on mental health initiatives for our children. Our nation is facing a youth mental health crisis, and we should be working together to build a broader continuum of support for our young people and their families.

“As Chairperson of the National Governors Association, I published a playbook on strengthening youth mental health and worked with my fellow governors on both sides of the aisle to advance our understanding of this crisis and bolster our response. Although this move from the U.S. Department of Education represents a significant step backward, my Administration will continue to prioritize youth mental health and the safety of all our students.”

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NJDOL Celebrates National Apprenticeship Day with Launch of Groundbreaking Early Childhood Program as New Jersey Nears $100M in State Investments in Apprenticeship

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Day on April 30 with the launch of the state’s first-ever Registered Apprenticeship program in infant and toddler care during a special event at The Learning Center in Lawrenceville. This initiative marks yet another milestone in the Murphy Administration’s ongoing commitment to increasing apprenticeship opportunities, which has been bolstered by nearly $100 million in state funding. 

“As we approach nearly $100 million in state investments in apprenticeships, New Jersey continues to set a national standard for workforce development and innovation,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “By making apprenticeships available in non-traditional sectors like early childhood education, we are not only nurturing our youngest citizens but also ensuring a diverse and dynamic workforce. And by bolstering the child care sector we’re in turn providing vital support to parents and caregivers who depend on child care to work and support their families.” 

“I thank the Department of Labor for their partnership in expanding this apprenticeship program to help address workforce shortages in the child care industry. By launching the state’s first apprenticeship in infant and toddler care, New Jersey is taking another step toward ensuring that child care centers are equipped with well-trained staff, providing stability and high-quality care for working families. I look forward to our continued efforts to strengthen the early childhood workforce and ensure that high-quality child care is accessible to more working families,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. 

“This pioneering apprenticeship program is a significant step in transforming how we prepare our early childcare workers for a fulfilling future,” added Assistant Commissioner Yolanda Allen of NJDOL’s Division of Workforce Development. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all our partners and our grantees for their unwavering support and commitment to making this vision a reality.” 

“New Jersey’s working families depend on accessible, high-quality child care, and the industry depends on a dedicated and well-trained workforce,” said New Jersey Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “By launching this new apprenticeship program, we are mobilizing another facet of state support to strengthen and grow New Jersey’s child care sector. This is an example of an all-of-government approach in which state agencies are stepping up to the challenge, and developing cross-disciplinary strategies that will help New Jersey business leaders and families alike thrive.” 

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is making historic investments in child care, strengthening the state’s economic security and supporting working families,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through initiatives like the NJDOL’s Infant Toddler Registered Apprenticeship Program and the NJEDA’s Child Care Facilities Improvement Program, which is funding improvements at nearly 600 child care centers across the state, including the Learning Center in Lawrenceville and several other NJDOL apprenticeship sites, families will have expanded access to high-quality child care facilities and providers. These investments are helping bolster New Jersey’s standing as the best state in the nation to raise a family.”

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Office of Information Privacy Surpasses 10,000 Covered Persons Protected by Daniel’s Law

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) announced a major milestone in the state's ongoing commitment to protecting the personal information of at-risk public servants. Through the Office of Information Privacy (OIP), more than 10,000 individuals are now designated as “covered persons,” safeguarding their home addresses from public disclosure across government records and websites.

Established in 2022, the Office of Information Privacy was created to implement Daniel’s Law, which protects the residential addresses of active, formerly active, or retired judicial officers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and child protective investigators, whose roles may place them or their families at risk. The law, named in memory of Daniel Anderl, the late son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, ensures greater security and peace of mind for public servants who serve on the front lines of justice and public safety.

“Daniel’s Law is a powerful reminder that those who serve the public deserve protection—not only on the job, but in the comfort of their own homes,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “Now that we have surpassed 10,000 covered persons under Daniel’s Law, I want to express my deep gratitude to Commissioner Suárez, Director Feher, and all of the OIP staff who have worked tirelessly to make these protections possible for our public servants. I am especially thankful for Judge Salas and her husband Mark, who have shown extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable loss. This law not only honors Daniel’s life, but it ensures that his legacy lives on through meaningful change.”

“Reaching 10,000 covered persons is not just a number—it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to protecting those who protect us,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “The Office of Information Privacy has become a trusted resource for thousands of New Jerseyans who have dedicated their lives to public service. We are proud to provide them with the privacy protections they need and deserve.”

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