Gov. Phil Murphy (D) discussed a myriad of topics including President-elect Donald Trump, the economy, banning cell phones in schools, and much more at his penultimate State of the State Address.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“In a few days, a new president will take power in Washington. Now, I know there is some uncertainty — and even concern — about what this new Administration will bring,” Murphy said in his roughly hour-long speech.
“So 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.”
The governor also discussed the economy, including the cost of living and minimum wage.
“While the stock market is soaring, including today, the cost of living from groceries to housing has skyrocketed,” he noted.
Murphy commended state Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22) and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19) for working on the issue of property taxes with him.
The governor asserted that the minimum wage was near a “starvation wage” before he took office in 2018.
“At $15.49 an hour, we are ensuring our working neighbors can afford basic necessities,” Murphy argued.
He noted they have created a program called Safe Stay NJ to work on retirement issues.
“Saving for retirement should be a fundamental right for every New Jersey worker,” Murphy exclaimed, also mentioned that he believes in paid parental leave that he plans on introducing soon.
Additionally, Murphy touted funding the public schools, hoping to eventually see universal pre-K and full-day kindergarten classes in New Jersey.
On the topic of education, he also endorsed cell phone bans in classrooms: something the Jersey City Public Schools are already pursuing.
“Today, our children are inundated with screens. Mobile devices are a distraction in the classroom. They’re fueling a rise in cyberbullying, and they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids to not only learn but to retain the substance of what they learned,” Murphy exclaimed.
He argued the rise of smartphone usage has led to a mental health crisis among the Garden State’s youth.
“I am officially announcing my support for a new proposal that will direct school districts across New Jersey to ban cell phones for our K through 12 classrooms,” Murphy said to applause. “We will help establish phone-free schools.”
“Every parent knows the damage these devices can cause. Enough is enough. It’s time for action.”
Furthermore, Murphy expressed excitement about New Jersey emerging as one of the top 10 fastest growing states in the nation, indicating he wanted the legislature to pass a bill to connect family-owned businesses with state contracting opportunities.
He also said he wanted to expand on their progress on affordable housing.
“I am calling on the legislature, with humility, to reform our state’s zoning and permitting laws with a number of proposals led by Senator Troy Singleton (D-7) and his colleagues, so we can make it easier to build new housing in the communities where it’s needed the most,” Murphy explained, claiming this could lead to thousands of new housing units.
When discussing funding NJ Transit, Murphy took a shot at congestion pricing in New York.
“We didn’t mooch off our neighbors to meet our fiscal needs. We have not stopped for one second defending our commuters going in and out of New York. Stay tuned!” he said about New Jersey’s pending federal lawsuit.
“Our administration has secured millions of dollars to complete the Hudson River tunnel project, which will both reduce traffic delays and double the number of one-seat rides to and from Manhattan.”
He also called for overhauling the state’s 10 most dangerous intersections, also praising the “strategic innovation centers” in the state, such as the fin-tech accelerator at the Steven Institute of Technology in Hoboken.
Furthermore, the governor made mention of creating digital driver’s licenses and celebrating making pension payments for four years in a row before addressing reproductive rights.
“We have taken enormous strides in guaranteeing qual fights to all of our neighbors, no matter who they love, where they come from, how they worship, or what kind of health care they need,” Murphy said to applause.
“Given the assault on healthcare freedoms we have seen across the country, especially reproductive freedoms, we cannot slow down now … We must maintain our reputation as a safe haven for reproductive freedom.”
Murphy also said New Jersey will begin stockpiling birth control pills before he began discussing the environment and climate change.
He explained the wildfires in California have been devastating and said he offered them and the federal government assistance.
“Jersey will be there for them,” he added.
“New Jersey voting rights are more secure than ever before,” Murphy also said, pointing out that state Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32) introduced a bill for same-day voter registration that he supported.
Murphy also supported an effort to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections, an initiative Mukherji is also a part of.
“We’re from Jersey baby! We never slow down and together, we’re going to run through the tape!” he exclaimed to applause as he concluded his speech.
Murderin’ Murph did massive damage with corpses piled high in senior homes during the virus. He piled the ill into those centers turning them into killing fields.
Phil Murphy must resign.