Gov + Legislature
Senate passes bill requiring schools to teach history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Students in New Jersey schools next year will learn about the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, if Gov. Phil Murphy signs a bill the Senate passed unanimously Monday. Activists who have pushed for such representation in school curriculum applauded the Legislature for its “bold and timely leadership” at a time when New […]
Lawmakers won’t vote on plan to extend Murphy’s emergency powers
Legislators backed away Monday from a resolution that would have extended a series of pandemic-related administrative orders and allowed other executive actions to expire. The move makes it more likely that Gov. Phil Murphy will redeclare a public health emergency, one that would allow him access to broad executive powers he used liberally in the […]
Abortion rights bill clears Legislature
Lawmakers in both chambers approved a bill codifying New Jersey’s abortion protections and sent the measure to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk, where it is expected to be signed. The Senate approved the measure (S49) by a 23-15 vote. One Democrat, Sen. Fred Madden (D-Gloucester) voted no. In the Assembly the vote was 46-22, with eight […]
Mask mandate in schools will continue ‘for foreseeable future,’ Murphy says
Mask mandates for students, teachers, and other school staff will continue “for the foreseeable future,” Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday, saying the order is necessary to keep New Jersey’s schools open amid a rise in positive coronavirus cases. Murphy’s latest directive comes as lawmakers are mulling whether to extend a series of executive orders, administration […]
Senator suggests deal may be near for stalled Supreme Court nominee
A Republican senator who has stalled the confirmation of New Jersey Supreme Court nominee Rachel Wainer Apter suggested the Englewood resident could see her nomination advance in the coming legislative session. Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen) said she is moving closer to signing off on Wainer Apter’s nomination after engaging in talks with the administration on […]
Lawmakers approve search to replace top legislative staff officials
Lawmakers approved a search to replace two top-ranking officials in the Office of Legislative Services Friday. The Legislative Services Commission approved the creation of a committee to seek replacements for OLS Executive Director Peri Horowitz and legislative counsel Jason Krajewski by voice vote Friday afternoon. Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex) was the only legislator on the 16-member […]
Legislation requiring anti-choking devices in schools draws doctors’ concern
Devices touted to be a revolutionary new tool to stop people from choking look like little plastic plungers — one inventor said he was inspired to make his version of portable anti-choking devices after a shopping trip to Home Depot. Their inventors claim the devices have saved hundreds of lives. One contends they are safer and […]
Teachers, school officials plead for solutions for schools during COVID
Teachers, school nurses, principals, and their advocates vented for nearly two hours to the Senate Education Committee Thursday, saying they are stretched beyond their limit because of COVID-19. Teachers are taking on the responsibilities of cafeteria workers and custodians. Schools can’t retain educators. And everyone is growing more worried about remote schooling’s impact on learning […]
Bill codifying abortion protections advances in Legislature
Senate and Assembly committees approved a bill codifying New Jersey’s abortion protections into state law in a vote along party lines Thursday, but the bill lacks some provisions of the Reproductive Freedom Act championed by abortion rights advocates and Gov. Phil Murphy. The new bill would provide women with the right to choose whether to […]
Bill would extend some of Murphy’s COVID emergency powers
Senate and Assembly committees approved a resolution Thursday that would extend a series of health care-related administrative directives, but the measure would also allow some executive orders to expire against the governor’s wishes. Gov. Phil Murphy sought a 90-day extension for a variety of administrative orders, executive orders, and other executive actions, citing the rising […]
GOP says redistricting tiebreaker conflicted, chose worse congressional map
New Jersey Republicans intend to argue former state Supreme Court Justice John Wallace’s selection of a congressional map drafted by Democrats should be overturned based on metrics delineated by the tiebreaker, but they’ll also claim the former justice’s pick was influenced by conflicts of interest. In a virtual press conference Thursday, former Republican Chairman Doug […]
50 food deserts in N.J. to get funding to expand healthy grocery options
State officials have identified 50 food deserts in New Jersey where they aim to make tax incentives and other funding available to entice grocers to open. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority released a draft list this week of areas where residents have limited access to healthy, affordable food. The public has until Feb. 4 […]