Gov. Phil Murphy delivered his seventh State of the State address Tuesday as he enters his final year in office.
In his address before a joint session of the Legislature in Trenton, Murphy not only highlighted his administration’s achievements but also outlined key priorities for his final year.
The second-term Democrat presented a comprehensive agenda, addressing a wide range of issues, including affordability, immigration, housing, education and public health.
On the state level, Murphy said he is focused on expanding affordable housing and paid parental leave for state workers. He also proposed a mandate for free, full-day kindergarten across the state. He called for banning cell phones in schools, to reduce online bullying and improve learning outcomes in classrooms.
Addressing a recent surge in road traffic deaths, Murphy said his plans include overhauling state intersections and updating driver education programs to ensure safer streets.
Murphy also vowed to stockpile the abortion drug mifepristone and enshrine protections for reproductive freedoms into law, in a move that he says is preparing for the incoming administration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to enter office next week.
Additional priorities outlined by Murphy include same-day voter registration, reforming penalties for technical parole violations, and offering second chances for eligible incarcerated individuals. He also committed his administration to working with the Trump administration when their priorities align, and fighting them when they don’t.
Addressing how his administration will work with the Trump administration, Murphy said, “Here is my promise to the people of New Jersey: I will never back away from partnering with the Trump administration where our priorities align. But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values — if and when they are tested.”
Legislative leaders and others at the State House spoke about Murphy’s agenda to members of the NJ Spotlight News team, who sum up the main elements of Murphy’s address.
