Governor Murphy Signs Freedom to Read Act

Governor Phil Murphy signed into law A3446/S2421, known as the Freedom to Read Act, which prevents arbitrary book banning and protects the rights of students, parents, and communities to have free access to age-appropriate books and learning materials at schools and public libraries. The Governor signed the bill at the Princeton Public Library, joined by advocates for intellectual freedom and the bill’s legislative sponsors.

“The Freedom to Read Act cements New Jersey’s role on the forefront of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of our educators and students. Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others. I’m proud to amplify the voices of our past and present, as there is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely,” said Governor Murphy.

This legislation requires local school boards and governing bodies of public libraries to establish policies for curation and removal of library materials, including a system of review to address concerns over library materials. The Department of Education, the State Librarian, the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, and the New Jersey School Boards Association will support establishing these policies.

The Freedom to Read Act also provides protections for library staff members against civil and criminal lawsuits related to complying with this law.

Under the law, boards of education and governing boards of public libraries are barred from excluding books because of the origin, background, or views of the material or of its authors. Further, boards of education and governing boards of public libraries are prevented from censoring library material based on a disagreement with a viewpoint, idea, or concept, or solely because an individual finds certain content offensive, unless they are restricting access to developmentally inappropriate material for certain age groups.

READ MORE

First Lady Tammy Murphy Hosts 7th Annual Nurture NJ Leadership Summit, Focusing on Building a Healthier & More Equitable Future for Maternal and Infant Health

First Lady Tammy Murphy held her 7th annual Nurture NJ Leadership Summit in East Brunswick, bringing together more than 700 influential leaders, subject matter experts, community leaders, advocates across industries, and most importantly mothers to continue New Jersey’s progress toward becoming the safest, most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby. The summit focused on the urgent need to strengthen and diversify the perinatal workforce, a critical element in improving maternal and infant health outcomes for all families across the state – regardless of race. Since its inception, the Nurture NJ Leadership Summit has grown significantly, from just 100 diverse New Jersey participants at the first event in 2018 to 700 in person this year, with more than 200 joining remotely and many sharing best practices from their own work around the world.

“Seven years ago, at the outset of our administration, New Jersey was grappling with a dire maternal and infant health crisis. A Black mother in our state was almost seven times more likely than a white mother to die of maternity-related complications and a Black baby was over three times more likely than a white baby not to make it to his or her first birthday. We knew we had to take action to better understand what was driving this health crisis and to advance effective policy solutions to ensure all families in New Jersey benefit from the healthiest start possible,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “From the beginning, we have relied on our partners – including hospital CEOs, mothers, pastors, doulas and more – to inform our approach to effectuating lasting change. The progress we have made in lowering our maternal mortality rate and improving other crucial metrics is a testament to our collaborative efforts. While there is still much more work to be done, each convening brings us one step closer to making New Jersey the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby. I am so grateful to everyone who participated in today’s Nurture NJ Leadership Summit, and I look forward to continuing this fight on behalf of New Jersey families.”

READ MORE

New Jersey Hits Electric Vehicle Milepost, Exceeding 200,000 Registrations

New Jersey has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 200,000 electric vehicle registrations, demonstrating increasing consumer confidence in these vehicles and the availability of charging infrastructure, as well as the success of policies implemented by Governor Phil Murphy. Nearly 208,000 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or EVs, are now registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, more than double the number of EVs registered in the state just two years ago.

Transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and move the state to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future is a core priority for the Murphy Administration, which has implemented some of the nation’s most progressive programs to incentivize purchases of EVs and ensure the availability of charging infrastructure to help consumers overcome “range anxiety.”

“New Jersey is leading the charge in transitioning toward a zero-emission future. Reaching this 200,000 EV milepost clearly demonstrates growing consumer confidence in the performance of electric vehicles and our growing regional network of charging infrastructure,” said Governor Murphy. “During my Administration, registrations of electric vehicles have grown exponentially, due in large part to our policies that are giving consumers and businesses the confidence to make the EV switch. The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices.”

READ MORE

Governor Murphy Announces Kris Kolluri as President and CEO of NJ TRANSIT

Governor Phil Murphy announced that Kris Kolluri will serve as the next President and CEO of NJ TRANSIT following the resignation of Kevin Corbett, who will continue to serve in the position until January 15th, 2025. The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors unanimously voted to confirm the Governor’s nomination during Wednesday’s Board meeting.

“Kris Kolluri has played a vital role in strengthening our region’s transit infrastructure, and I am confident in his ability to lead NJ TRANSIT as we work to deliver the reliable, efficient, and modernized mass transit system that New Jerseyans deserve,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As CEO of the Gateway Development Commission, Kris was an exceptional leader and a relentless champion for the Hudson Tunnel Project, who helped secure the largest federal investment in a mass transit project in our nation’s history and oversaw the start of construction on both sides of the Hudson River – all in less than three years. I am grateful for his continued dedication to our state’s future, and look forward to working with him.”

"I am honored that Governor Murphy has recommended me to be the President and Chief Executive Officer to the NJ TRANSIT Board," said Kris Kolluri. "Through his leadership and targeted investments, Governor Murphy has made improving NJ TRANSIT a cornerstone of his administration. Over the next year, I look forward to working with the Governor and the Board to continue putting NJ TRANSIT on a pathway to carry out the improvements that customers expect and deserve."

READ MORE

NJDOT Awards NEVI Contract to Build Network of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Fran O’Connor announced Joseph M. Sanzari, Inc. has been awarded a $20.96 million contract to build EV charging stations at 19 locations along NJDOT-maintained Interstate Highways. 

“This historic contract is the first time NJDOT is funding construction of publicly-accessible charging stations throughout New Jersey,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “As more drivers choose electric vehicles, building transportation infrastructure for the future is a significant step in achieving Governor Murphy’s vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and make the state cleaner and more sustainable.”

READ MORE