Newark, January 14, 2025—New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) Executive Director Dena Mottola Jaborska today released the following statement on Governor Phil Murphy’s final State of the State address.

“We commend Governor Murphy for his considerable accomplishments as we enter the final year of his administration. We have not agreed on everything, but he has made New Jersey a far more just and equitable state. His landmark achievements include enacting paid sick leave and expanding paid family leave, increasing the minimum wage, protecting state residents from the worst effects of medical debt, overhauling our fair housing laws, and ensuring quality, affordable health care is accessible to many more New Jerseyans.

His administration also defended New Jersey against many of the most destructive policies of the first Trump administration, including attacks on reproductive rights and our immigrant communities. As the incoming Trump administration threatens to defund critical economic and social programs, and renew attacks on our most vulnerable populations, we will need Governor Murphy to stand firm again, and again!

We look forward to working with Governor Murphy to adopt protective measures at the state level and to continue to advance policies and legislation that invest in our communities, strengthen our democracy, and continue to build a New Jersey that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and politically connected.”

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New Jersey Citizen Action is a statewide coalition and grassroots membership organization that fights for social, racial, and economic justice for all.