Testa Responds to Murphy’s Delay of Vaccine Mandate for Corrections Officers

Senator Michael Testa responded to Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that the deadline for compliance with his vaccine mandate for workers in congregate living settings, including corrections officers, will be delayed until at least April 11.

“I guess Governor Murphy finally realized that enforcing his vaccine mandate and firing nearly 60% of our corrections officers isn’t a smart idea,” said Testa (R-1). “With the threat of COVID-19 rapidly disappearing in the rearview mirror, he should repeal his unnecessary vaccine mandates completely.”

As of two weeks ago, just 43% of corrections officers were vaccinated, according to a New Jersey Department of Corrections spokeswoman.

Testa has said repeatedly that the governor’s pandemic prison policies were putting both communities and corrections officers at risk.