Phil Murphy in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Local Issues:
We need to bring liquor license regime into the 21st century
There's no other way to put it--our liquor licensing regime is antiquated and confusing. We rely on a foundation of rules written in the days immediately after Prohibition to govern a 21st century economy. That makes no sense. We project that
overhauling our liquor license regime will create upwards of 10,000 jobs annually and, over the next 10 years, generate up to $10 billion in new economic activity and $1 billion in new state and local revenues.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Budget & Economy:
Netflix production hub shows NJ is ready for our close up
Netflix will create a major production hub at the site of the former Fort Monmouth--a nearly $1 billion dollar investment that will create thousands of permanent, and overwhelmingly union, jobs. The dozen soundstages to be built, along with new housing
and hospitality space, will revitalize not just Fort Monmouth but lift the small businesses around it. More than anything, this investment by Netflix makes it clear to all--New Jersey is ready for our close up.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Budget & Economy:
More than $1B to support revitalizing our downtowns
Our downtowns took a beating during the pandemic, and we have committed ourselves to bringing them fully back. We have helped our downtowns and small businesses make it through some very dark times and into the recovery which is still
ongoing with more than $1 billion in support. And together, in the budget we passed, we maintained our $50 million investment in the Main Street Recovery Program. And the holiday season saw our downtowns bustling again, as they should be.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Crime:
Top priority is tightening laws against car theft
Many of our communities are living amidst another persistent wave of car thefts. Over the past year, our administration has focused clearly on this problem. These steps are already helping to bring down the numbers of car thefts. We all know there's
more we can do. In fact, three months ago, I stood alongside the legislative leaders from both houses to unveil a package to further tighten our laws against car theft. So, I ask you today to make passing these measures a top priority.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Energy & Oil:
Primed to be a leader on the East Coast in offshore-wind
We are primed to be a leader on the East Coast in offshore-wind and a national leader in component manufacturing and logistics for the wind industry as a whole. In doing so, we are creating thousands of good, overwhelmingly union jobs up and
down the entire state, especially in places like Gloucester and Salem counties, where the Paulsboro manufacturing facility and the New Jersey Wind Port are taking shape.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Foreign Policy:
New Jersey proudly stands with the people of Ukraine
The last time we were together here was just days after Russia's malicious invasion of Ukraine. For more than ten-plus months, the bravery and strength of the people of Ukraine in fighting back against Russia's barbaric aggression has been nothing short
of inspiring. I restate that New Jersey proudly stands with the freedom-loving people of Ukraine in this moment of crisis and will do so for however long it takes. May God be with the free People of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Jobs:
Minimum wage up to $14.13/hour, will help more than 400,000
The saving grace back then was if you worked hard you would get ahead and you would do better than your parents. But today, that notion of the American Dream is harder to achieve for too many people. And that is why I am dedicated to creating pathways
to opportunity. One of these pathways just got wider. Ten days ago, the minimum wage increased to $14.13 an hour, an increase that will help more than 400,000 New Jerseyans better provide for themselves and their families.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Jobs:
Not every new job is going to be housed in a physical office
We must recognize that in the new, post-pandemic business environment, not every new job created for a New Jerseyan is going to be housed in a physical office in New Jersey. For many New Jerseyans, working remotely is here to stay.
So, let's take this moment to focus on incenting jobs in New Jersey, wherever they are, regardless of whether they are in an office building in Newark or at a kitchen table in Cherry Hill.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Principles & Values:
NGA: More respect and friendship; less partisanship
I have the great honor this year of serving as the Chairman of the National Governors Association. Sitting by my side as vice-chairman is Governor Spencer Cox, Republican of Utah.There are few states more different than New Jersey and Utah.
Yet over the past six months, Spencer and I have come to respect each other not just as colleagues, but even more so as friends. This is what we need more of in our politics. Definitely at the national level, but right here at home, as well.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Principles & Values:
It's okay to admit it: it's cool to be from New Jersey again
Jersey Pride is bubbling up once again all throughout our state. We've always had a swagger. In past times it was our line of defense against any number of slights and jokes. But not any more.It is okay to admit it--it's cool to be from
New Jersey again. It's cool because we are once again leading in all the right things. And, because in 2026, we get to host the World Cup.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Tax Reform:
We outpace states that give huge tax breaks for the wealthy
We outpaced many of the so-called "business friendly" states--states that some claim we have to emulate. States like Georgia and Florida. Our clear record of success is greater than that of states that pay for huge tax breaks for the
wealthiest and most powerful by taking away investments from public education and civic programs. We are proving we can live our values, improve lives, and compete with anyone, any time.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023