Governorship of Phil Murphy

Murphy in 2015

Phil Murphy became the 56th Governor of New Jersey in 2018.

Election, transition, and inauguration

Murphy, a Democrat, was elected on November 7, 2017, in the New Jersey gubernatorial election. His election made New Jersey seventh state in the US where control of the legislative and executive branches fell to Democrats.[1] His transition team comprised over 500 persons who produced 14 reports with recommendations.[2] He was sworn in at the Trenton War Memorial on January 16, 2018, for a term of four years.[3][4] An inaugural ball was held at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.[5]

Cabinet

As of 2018, there were 24 cabinet positions within the executive branch of the Government of New Jersey.[6][7] Most cabinet nominees need to be confirmed by the New Jersey Senate before assuming their respective positions.[8][9] Murphy had announced most nominations prior to his inauguration;[10] some nominees have held their positions in prior administrations.[8]

The Murphy Cabinet
OfficeNameTerm
GovernorPhil Murphy2018–present
Lieutenant GovernorSheila Oliver2018–present
Adjutant GeneralJemal J. Beale[11]2018–present
Secretary of AgricultureDouglas H. Fisher[8]2009–present
Attorney GeneralGurbir Grewal2018–present
Commissioner of Banking and InsuranceMarlene Caride[12]2018–present
Commissioner of Children and FamiliesChristine Norbut Beyer[13]2018–present
Commissioner of Community AffairsSheila Oliver[14]2018–present
Commissioner of CorrectionsGary Lanigan[8][15]2010–present
Commissioner of EducationLamont Repollet[16]2018–present
Secretary of Higher EducationZakiya Smith Ellis[17]2018–present
Commissioner of Environmental ProtectionCatherine McCabe[18]2018–present
Commissioner of Health and Senior ServicesShereef Elnahal[19]2018–present
Commissioner of Human ServicesCarole Johnson[13]2018–present
Commissioner of Labor and Workforce
Development		Robert Asaro-Angelo[20]2018–present
Secretary of StateTahesha Way[21]2018–present
Commissioner of TransportationDiane Gutierrez-Scaccetti[22][23]2018–present
State TreasurerElizabeth Maher Muoio[24]2018–present
Chair/Chief Executive Officer of the
Civil Service Commission		Deirdre Webster Cobb[17]2018–present
Chief of the Economic Development AuthorityTim Sullivan[25]2018–present
Director of the Office of Homeland
Security and Preparedness		Jared Maples[26]2016–present
Chair/Chief Administrator of the
Motor Vehicle Commission		Matt Doherty[27]
B. Sue Fulton[17]		2018–present
President of the Board of Public UtilitiesJoe Fiordaliso[28]2018–present
State ComptrollerPhilip Degnan[29]2015–present
Superintendent of the State PoliceCol. Patrick Callahan[30][31]2017–present
* Acting officeholder only.

Environment and energy

RGGI and Paris Accord

On November 29, 2011, New Jersey withdrew from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, effective January 1, 2012.[32] Murphy has said he would sign legislation to re-join. [33] On January 29, 2018, Murphy signed an executive order reinstating New Jersey back into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.[34]

In February 2018 he signed legislation committing New Jersey to the Paris Agreement. [35]

Fracking

Murphy is planning to make permanent a temporary ban on fracking in the state that has been in place since 2010.[36]

Wind power

In January 2018, Murphy signed an executive order to revive subsidies for wind power in the state.[37]

Offshore drilling

The Trump administration has proposed opening almost all federal waters to offshore drilling, including off the coast of the Jersey Shore, and dividing them into sections and auctioning leases to oil companies.[38] The Murphy administration has joined 11 other East Coast states in expressing concern that the plan disregards "vital state interests, economies, and resources".[39]

Clean Water Rule

In February 2018, NJ joined nine other states in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for suspending the Clean Water Rule[40]

Transportation

New Jersey Transit

Murphy began to follow through on campaign promises to improve both infrastructure and the safety record of New Jersey Transit, the state-run public transportation agency,[41] by requesting, in January 2018, resignation letters from approximately 20 senior staff members,[42] signed an executive order calling for a complete audit.[43] Kevin S. Corbett was appointed director of the agency in January 2018.[44]

Gateway Project

Murphy supports the Gateway Project, which would expand and renovate the Northeast Corridor (NEC) rail line between Newark and New York Penn Station.[45]

Port Authority Bus Terminal

Murphy supports the development of solutions of problems created by the aging, overcrowded Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Health and public safety

Opioid crisis

In February, the New Jersey Attorney General announced the newly formed Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Response and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES) within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, statewide initiative to combat the opioid crisis.[46]

Reproductive services funding

In February 2018, Murphy signed his first piece of legislation, the restoration of $7.5 million annual funding for Planned Parenthood, which had been cut early in the Christie administration.[47]

Firearm regulation

Murphy has said he would support strengthening regulation of firearms in New Jersey.[48][49] The mandate established in the Childproof Handgun Law may be re-visited.[50] A memorandum of agreement with other Northeast states allows New Jersey to share info on weapons in a database.[51] As of February 2018, new laws regarding firearms were negotiated in the New Jersey Legislature.[52][53]Several passed the Assembly, but have not advanced in the Senate.[54][55]

In April 2018, Murphy signed an executive order for the state to issue online reports online about gun crimes including location, number of killed or injured, type of weapon, and state in which involved guns originated.[56]

In June 2018, Murphy signed six new laws regulating gun ownership.[57] In October federal courts upheld a rule limiting amunnition to 10-round cartridges.[58]

Medical marijuana

Cannabis in New Jersey is illegal and criminalized for recreational use, but permitted for medical use. [59] Study ordered by executive and produced by the administration suggests a expansion of the state's medical marijauna program.[60] [61] The plan calls to increase the number of dispensaries to nearly 100.[62]

Social rights

Marijuana

Cannabis in New Jersey is illegal and criminalized for recreational use, but permitted for medical use. Murphy has promised to legalize recreational marijuana within the first 100 days of his administration. [63] Despite a Democratic super majority in the New Jersey Assembly and State Senate, there has been opposition within his own party as well as some Republicans, thus casting doubt on the passage of such legislation.[64] Some legislators have proposed broader de-criminalization instead of legalization.[65] A bill allowing for both recreational marijuana and an expansion of medical marijuana was presented to the NJ Senate in June, 2018.[66][67]

Gender pay gap and minimum wage

Murphy has said he would support legislation to close the gender pay gap and increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour.[49] His first official action as governor was an executive order to support equal pay for women in the state government.[68] In April 2018 he signed legislation making it illegal to pay a woman less than a man for the same job unless there is viable reason.[69]

Immigrants

Murphy has said that he would make the state more welcoming for its undocumented immigrant population.[70][71] He has said he is committed to creating an Office of Immigrant Protection, to assist those facing deportation with legal assistance.[72] The administration is seeking funds for law enforcement being withheld by the Trump administration for what it claims are sanctuary cities.[73]

In April 2017, Murphy signed bill to let unauthorized immigrants get college financial aid.[74][75]

On June 22, 2018 Murphy signed a law raising the legal age for marriage in New Jersey to eighteen.[76]

Automatic voter registration

In March 2018, Murphy signed legislation which automatically registers all those who apply for a drivers license or state ID to vote.[77]

Taxation

Murphy faces severe fiscal challenges in light the pension payment shortages and allowable deductions for federal taxes.[78] His proposed 2018 budget included various new sources of revenue, a return to sales tax rate of 7% (3.5% on UEZ areas), including ride sharing services and home sharing services, and closing corporate tax loop-holes.[79][80]

Municipal charitable funds

Murphy supports the creation of municipal charitable funds in lieu of taxation.[81] The state has adopted regulations allowing New Jersey's municipalities, counties, and school districts to accept some real estate tax as charitable donations to help residents get around a $10,000 limit on state and local tax deductions under the 2018 federal tax overhaul.[82]

2018 budget tax changes

Murphy has said he would consider increasing the so-called "millionaires' tax", increasing the rate of taxation for high income households in order to increase state revenue.[83] Murphy proposes returning the sales tax 7%, which was reduced to 6.25% in 2014.[84] In June 2018, Murphy signed a law extending reduced sales tax in many of New Jersey's cities.[85] In June 2018, Murphy and the New Jersey Assembly agreed to a last minute deal in which income over $5m and corporate tax would be raised, while the sales tax would remain the same.[86][87]

Education

Murphy has ordered a comprehensive review of the way charter schools in the state are working.[88]

In 2018, several members of Murphy's transition team and others filed a lawsuit to desegregate the public schools (Latino Action Network v. New Jersey).

Sports betting

Murphy supports the legalization of sports betting—the placing of bets on professional and college sports matches. Following United States Supreme Court ruling which eliminated restrictions,[89] New Jersey created legislation to permit it,[90] and Murphy signed it into law on June 11, 2018.[91]

Role of First Lady

First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, is not elected and draws no state salary but is very involved in the administration.[92] In April 2018, Murphy was criticized for reportedly spending $13,000 of taxpayer money to create an office for his wife.[93][94] Governor Murphy's spokesperson has defended the expenditures, arguing that Murphy's wife has taken a prominent enough role to warrant the office. Democratic state Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald suggested that Tammy Murphy should be given an official title to reduce confusion.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Corasaniti, Nick (November 7, 2018). "Phil Murphy Is Elected Governor of New Jersey, in a Lift for Democrats". Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  2. ↑ "Fewer deer. More trees. A utopian vision of Murphy's New Jersey emerges". NorthJersey.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Phil Murphy sworn in, replaces Chris Christie as N.J. governor". Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  4. ↑ "Phil Murphy will hold inaugural ball at MetLife Stadium". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  5. ↑ "Phil Murphy celebrates at MetLife Stadium, jabs Giants and Jets". Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  6. ↑ "Governor's Office". nj.gov. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  7. ↑ "Cabinet". State of New Jersey. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Johnson, Brent (January 6, 2017). "Murphy keeps 2 more Christie officials in Cabinet". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
  9. ↑ "GOLDEN: For Murphy, filling posts means saying 'no' more than 'yes'". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  10. ↑ "Meet the people who will lead N.J. under Phil Murphy (it's a very diverse cabinet)". Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  11. ↑ "Gov.-elect Murphy names Beale as adjutant general of New Jersey - NJBIZ". Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Murphy to pick another N.J. lawmaker for cabinet post". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  13. 1 2 "Murphy recruits Obama official to lead state's largest department". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  14. ↑ "Murphy taps Oliver to lead Department of Community Affairs". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  15. ↑ "Phil Murphy's pick for state corrections commissioner abruptly put on hold". NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Murphy taps Asbury Park official as education commissioner". January 12, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  17. 1 2 3 "Governor Murphy Appoints Cabinet Members to Lead the Department of Higher Education, Motor Vehicle Commission, and Civil Service Commission" (Press release). Governor's Office. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  18. ↑ "Murphy nominates ex-acting EPA chief as state DEP commissioner". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  19. ↑ Johnson, Brent (January 11, 2018). "Another Phil Murphy cabinet pick could make history". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  20. ↑ "Phil Murphy taps yet another Obama official for cabinet with labor department pick". NJ.com. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Murphy to name former Passaic freeholder N.J. secretary of state". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  22. ↑ "Murphy to Nominate Gutierrez-Scaccetti as Head of NJ Department of Transportation". 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  23. ↑ "Phil Murphy to appoint former N.J. Turnpike boss to cabinet". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  24. ↑ "Murphy says he'll nominate Muoio to be the state's next treasurer". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  25. ↑ "Phil Murphy makes pick for leader of N.J.'s Economic Development Authority". NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Murphy retains Christie appointee as homeland security chief". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  27. ↑ "Doherty to Lead NJ Motor Vehicle Commission - Insider NJ". InsiderNJ.com. January 23, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Murphy appoints Fiordaliso as president of the Board of Public Utilities - NJBIZ". Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Christie names new pick for state comptroller". Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Phil Murphy to keep Christie choice Callahan as head of State Police". Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Murphy sticks with Christie pick for head of State Police". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Program Design Archive". RGGI, Inc.
  33. ↑ "With Christie Out, New Jersey Poised To Rejoin New England In Climate Pact".
  34. ↑ Editorial Board (January 29, 2018). "On Climate, Gov. Murphy Brings a New Voice to New Jersey". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  35. ↑ "Breaking with Trump, N.J. buys into Paris Climate Accord". Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Phil Murphy sets the stage for a fracking ban in the region". NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Phil Murphy jump-starts a windmill energy program Christie shelved". NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Trump has proposed offshore drilling in the Atlantic. Here's what it means for N.J." NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  39. ↑ "N.J. to Trump: Stay away from our 'treasured coastal communities'". NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  40. ↑ "N.J. enlists in fight against Trump to protect clean water". NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  41. ↑ "NJ Transit is a 'national disgrace' that must be torn down and rebuilt: Murphy". Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  42. ↑ "Purge of senior staffers underway at NJ Transit". Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  43. ↑ "Murphy orders audit of 'national disgrace' NJ Transit". Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  44. ↑ Corasaniti, Nick (31 January 2018). "A New Leader for a Troubled New Jersey Transit". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  45. ↑ "Phil Murphy calls Gateway rail tunnel a 'top' priority after meeting with Booker, Menendez". Lohud.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  46. ↑ "N.J. creates new statewide office to fight opioid crisis". Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  47. ↑ "Phil Murphy cheered as he signs his first bill into law". Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  48. ↑ "Here are some of the gun control measures Murphy would enact if he succeeds Christie". Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  49. 1 2 Marcus, Samantha (January 21, 2018). "11 bills Christie vetoed (on guns, pensions & more) now getting new life under Phil Murphy". NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  50. ↑ "NJ senator looking to restart 'smart gun' efforts in New Jersey". New Jersey 101.5. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  51. ↑ "Murphy Joins Fellow Democratic Governors to Help Stem Gun Violence - NJ Spotlight". www.njspotlight.com. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  52. ↑ Sullivan, S.P. (February 28, 2018). "Big hearing today on N.J. lawmaker push for 7 new gun laws in wake of mass shootings". NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  53. ↑ "These proposed N.J. gun control laws just moved forward after hours of heated debate". Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  54. ↑ "Opinion: Sweeney On Murphy's Gun Legislation — What's the Hurry? - NJ Spotlight". www.njspotlight.com. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  55. ↑ "New Jersey's Gun Laws, Already Tough, Could Soon Get Tougher". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  56. ↑ Johnson, Brent (April 6, 2018). "Murphy issues order to let you know where N.J.'s guns come from (and 'shame' other states)". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  57. ↑ "Murphy, sending a 'strong and clear message,' signs 6 gun control bills into law". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  58. ↑ https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/10/court_sides_with_nj_on_gun_control_measure_15-roun.htmlhttps://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/10/court_sides_with_nj_on_gun_control_measure_15-roun.html
  59. ↑ "How the price of weed in N.J. could plunge if it's legalized".
  60. ↑ "Get ready for massive expansion of N.J.'s medical marijuana program. Here's the scoop". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  61. ↑ http://nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/documents/EO6Report_Final.pdf
  62. ↑ "Nearly 100 more medical marijuana dispensaries could be coming to N.J." Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  63. ↑ "How the price of weed in N.J. could plunge if it's legalized".
  64. ↑ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (January 18, 2018). "Murphy's call for legalizing weed meets opposition -- from fellow Dems in Senate Legal weed in New Jersey not a slam dunk for Gov. Murphy and Democrats". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  65. ↑ "Legal marijuana foes offer a compromise: Decriminalize it". Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  66. ↑ "The N.J. legal weed bill we've all been waiting on is finally here -- but can it pass?". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  67. ↑ "Where could you light up in N.J.? Here's what new marijuana bill says". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  68. ↑ "Phil Murphy signs executive order on equal pay for women". Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  69. ↑ "N.J. now has the strongest equal pay law in America". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  70. ↑ Weigel, David (January 15, 2018). "Incoming N.J. governor plans a swing to the left — and a model for the country". Retrieved January 30, 2018 – via www.WashingtonPost.com.
  71. ↑ "Phil Murphy mailbag: Is the governor serious about sanctuary states?". NJ.com. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  72. ↑ Sherman, Ted (January 29, 2018). "Groups push N.J. to provide legal assistance to those facing deportation". NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  73. ↑ "N.J. looks to recover $4M in 'sanctuary city' fight with Trump". NJ.com. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  74. ↑ Arco, Matt (May 9, 2018). "Murphy signs bill to let unauthorized immigrants get college financial aid". NJ.com. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  75. ↑ "Yes, you have to pay taxes -- and 5 other surprises in N.J.'s new college aid plan for unauthorized immigrants". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  76. ↑ "New Jersey bans child marriages. New law raises minimum age to 18". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  77. ↑ https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/04/a_lot_more_people_in_nj_will_be_registered_to_vote.html
  78. ↑ Malanga, Steve (January 5, 2017). "New Jersey's Liberal New Governor Faces a Fiscal Nightmare". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  79. ↑ Marcus, Samantha (March 12, 2018). "10 things you absolutely need to know about Murphy budget's tax increases and spending". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  80. ↑ "Phil Murphy wants to raise taxes $1.5B. How much would that actually cost you?". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  81. ↑ "How N.J.'s big plan to save your property tax break would work". Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  82. ↑ https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/09/murphy_moves_forward_with_effort_to_save_your_prop.html#incart_river_index
  83. ↑ Johnson, Brent; Salant, Jonathan D. (March 2, 2018). "Murphy will still push millionaires tax, setting up possible showdown with top Democrat". NJ Advance Media for NJ.com.
  84. ↑ "Why Phil Murphy really wants to raise the sales tax, and why he froze state spending". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  85. ↑ "Phil Murphy agrees to reduced sales tax in these 5 N.J. cities". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  86. ↑ https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/nj_budget_5_things_you_need_to_know_about_the_new.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured
  87. ↑ https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/07/nj_budget_so_how_much_will_you_actually_pay_in_new.html
  88. ↑ "Is Murphy for or against charter schools? The gov's murky policy just got clearer". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  89. ↑ "Supreme Court strikes down ban on sports betting in victory for New Jersey". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  90. ↑ "No sports betting in N.J. until governor says so, Murphy administration declares". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  91. ↑ "Phil Murphy signs N.J. sports betting law. You can start betting on Thursday". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  92. ↑ "Is Tammy Murphy the most powerful first spouse in N.J. history?". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  93. ↑ Darrah, Nicole (5 April 2018). "NJ Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly spent $13G on office for his wife". Fox News. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  94. ↑ Brodesser-Akner, Claude. "Murphy just spent $13K to install a door for his wife's office. What's going on behind it?". NJ.com. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  • Corasaniti, Nick (May 16, 2018). "New Jersey Emerges as a Liberal Bulwark Under Murphy". The New York Times.
  • Dean, Howard (June 25, 2018). "I was a progressive governor of Vermont, Murphy's path is the right one". NJ.com.
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