News Around New Jersey

NEW JERSEY - After extensive water quality monitoring, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says New Jersey’s lakes and beaches are ready for swimming.  Just in time for the unofficial start to the summer.

Shawn LaTourette joined other state leaders in Asbury Park for the State of the Shore address, held every year heading into Memorial Day ...

TRENTON, NJ — Calling out Republican leaders directly in a press conference, Gov. Phil Murphy urged lawmakers to pass a gun reform bill package in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. 

Murphy initially proposed a wide-ranging gun safety package in April 2021. He called for lawmakers to toughen state and federal gun laws after the May 14, 2022 mass shooting at ...

TRENTON, NJ — Some New Jersey lawmakers want a “Ban the Box” law for students applying to college. 

New Jersey's “Ban the Box” law took effect in 2015. It prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from requiring that a job applicant to complete any form during the initial application process that asks about their criminal record.

EWING, NJ — There is still time to apply to a college loan forgiveness program. 

Last October, the U.S. Department of Education announced a limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) waiver opportunity, which temporarily waives certain program rules helping public service employees eliminate their college debt. 

Gov. Phil Murphy hosted a roundtable with U.S.

NEW JERSEY — Could New Jerseyans be getting a tax rebate?

The Republican members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to commit to expanding tax relief. An update from State Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio showed a total of more than $9 billion of tax over collections in the current year and almost $7.8 billion more in revenue ...

NEW JERSEY — The Garden State Parkway was shut down last week for miles after a crash caused by a police chase involving a car that was reported stolen. One of the suspects fled on foot through Clark. Officers caught up with him, arrested him and three other suspects who were then turned over to State Police. 

A similar incident occurred a few days later in Holmdel, ...

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Aiming to “lift the unfair stigma” placed on law enforcement, Gov. Phil Murphy along with Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin announced a new police licensing program that will require all law enforcement officers hold a valid, active license issued by the Police Training Commission (PTC) in order to be employed in the ...

TRENTON, NJ — “This is a horrendous piece of legislation,” said Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R - District 25) during the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee meeting on Monday. 

His objection came prior to the committee clearing Assemblyman John McKeon’s (D - District 27) oversized box regulation. The new legislation would prohibit retailers ...

HACKENSACK, NJ — More protection is coming for New Jersey’s firefighters. 

In a news conference Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the new American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program, which will help local and regional fire departments provide first responders with proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment.  

The Firefighter Grant ...

NEW JERSEY — “Did you know that the state animal is the horse?” asked Assemblyman Kevin Rooney (R - District 40).

He knows a few things about horses. And about public service too. 

Rooney has over 20 years of public service. He served as Wyckoff Township committeeman from 2010 to 2016, as deputy mayor in 2010 and 2014 and mayor in 2011, 2015 and 2016. He also ...