New Jersey Future Statement on Governor Murphy’s 2020 State of the State Address

TRENTON, January 14 — New Jersey Future Executive Director Peter Kasabach released the following statement on Governor Murphy’s 2020 State of the State Address:

“New Jersey is seeing a slow but steady resurgence in some of its cities and downtowns, a trend that can continue with the types of policies outlined in Governor Murphy’s State of the State address. Investments in housing, water infrastructure and transit are critical for the health, safety, and prosperity of our residents and businesses.

“Housing is an essential component of urban redevelopment. A number of our cities, most notably Trenton and Paterson are unable to develop housing and jumpstart their downtown redevelopment without the market rate subsidies that are tied up in the economic incentives debate. We were glad to hear that the governor is working to move this forward, but we recommend a bit more urgency, especially as it relates to the housing component.

“One of our state’s most valuable resources, our transit system, has been neglected and under-resourced. A strategic plan and capital plan to guide NJ Transit can help our transit system get back on track and restore commuter confidence, which in turn can make our cities and downtowns even more attractive.

“Thriving communities depend on safe drinking water and healthy homes. New Jersey Future applauds the governor’s commitment to protecting residents, and most importantly young children, from the risks of lead. Funding for lead service line replacements and lead paint remediation is a critical next step to implement the governor’s comprehensive statewide plan on lead. New Jersey Future looks forward to continuing to work with the governor and the legislature to ensure each of us can enjoy a ‘lead-free’ New Jersey.”