Governor Murphy Announces Full Re-Opening of I-80

Governor Phil Murphy announced the full re-opening of I-80 following its temporary closures for construction after sinkholes impacted the roadway this year. All three lanes on I-80 eastbound are expected to reopen Saturday, June 21, four days ahead of schedule in Wharton, Morris County. All lanes on I-80 westbound reopened last Saturday, June 14, 11 days earlier than anticipated.

In order to reopen the left lane and restore all lanes on I-80 eastbound, there will be a full closure of I-80 eastbound Friday night for final paving and striping.

“I am thrilled to see all lanes of I-80 open safely this weekend so we can ensure that New Jerseyans can get to where they need to go efficiently and safely,” Governor Phil Murphy said. "Importantly, I want to thank the thousands of New Jerseyans who have been impacted by these sinkholes for their patience as we worked to secure this roadway. I also want to thank NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor, the NJDOT crews, and the New Jersey State Police who have worked around the clock to open this highway safely."

“With the reopening of all lanes on I-80 eastbound this Saturday, full mobility will be restored on I-80 in both directions ahead of schedule,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “We could not have completed this massive project without the support and assistance of Governor Murphy, the local elected officials, and the New Jersey State Police. I want to thank the NJDOT staff and our contractors for working non-stop for months to get I-80 reopened, and in particular, I want to thank the residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience during construction. The repairs are permanent, and I am confident that the highway is now stronger and safer than it was before the first sinkhole developed. The engineering and magnitude of work that went into stabilizing and strengthening this road for decades to come is truly remarkable.”

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New Jersey Department of Health Designates the Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing as State's Public Health Institute

The New Jersey Department of Health designated the Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing as the State's official Public Health Institute (PHI), marking a significant milestone in bolstering New Jersey's public health infrastructure.

This designation positions New Jersey to join over 40 other states with similar institutes working to enhance public health systems and puts health equity at the center of collaboration and innovation to improve public health. Established through Executive Directive No. 25-002, the move fulfills the vision of legislation (P.L. 2025, c.46 ) enacted by Governor Phil Murphy in April. Public health institutes help states transform and diversify the infrastructure, personnel, and resources necessary to advance remedies for a variety of public health threats, including chronic diseases, substance use epidemics, and communicable disease outbreaks.

“Today’s announcement builds on our efforts to bolster public health and support positive health outcomes for our residents. Public health institutes have demonstrated great potential to bring collective action to address disparities and support equitable access to health services,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I look forward to seeing the results of New Jersey’s partnership with the Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing in ensuring our public health system is strong enough to handle the demands of New Jersey residents now and for generations to come.”

“After years of advocacy, the vision of a State-designated Public Health Institute to advance public health, tackle disparities, and deepen linkages in our health systems is finally a reality,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “I’m excited to work with the Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing to ensure New Jersey is prepared for future health threats and remains at the cutting edge of public health.”

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New Jersey Unemployment Insurance Contributions Exceed Projections, Leading to Significant Employer Savings

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced that state unemployment insurance (UI) contributions have surpassed initial projections, allowing for the UI tax rate paid by businesses to be reduced as of the new fiscal year starting July 1, 2025.

The UI contribution rate for employers will transition to “Column C,” with a range of 0.5 percent to 5.8 percent, from the current “Column D” rate, ranging from 0.6 percent to 6.4 percent. This shift is expected to generate substantial savings for employers, totaling an estimated $300 million in the coming fiscal year.

“The unemployment insurance tax reduction demonstrates a major milestone in New Jersey’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We are now able to ease employers’ burdens while continuing to strengthen our workforce. This progress reflects our ongoing commitment to create a robust economy that supports our employees.”

“This is significant news for both the state and its employers and highlights the strength and resilience of New Jersey’s economy,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “The reduction in employer contribution rates underscores our state’s forward momentum and commitment to fostering job creation and economic growth.”

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Murphy Administration Launches Green Transportation Planning Grant Program As Part of Commitment to Reducing Air Pollution in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of nearly $1 million in transportation planning grants as part of a newly launched effort to identify and develop local transportation solutions that will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles that impact communities.

The eMobility planning grant program builds upon the Murphy Administration’s commitment to reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Totaling $983,950, the grants will help four Transportation Management Associations work with partner communities to develop solutions to help alleviate traffic congestion and connect residents to jobs, educational opportunities, medical services, and other resources. If the solutions include electric shared-use transportation such as car shares, ride shares, or fixed route shuttle services, the Associations will then be encouraged to apply for additional funding from DEP’s eMobility program to implement those solutions.

“Providing clean public transportation options such as zero-emission vehicles or ride-sharing services that are reliable and affordable is key to the well-being of our communities, especially those long overburdened by environmental and health stressors,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “These grants will help communities provide accessible and clean transportation options that reduce air pollution, protect public health and strengthen the economy.”

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