As COVID-19 dollars run out, NJ residents face ‘hunger cliffs’ and food deserts

Struggling New Jersey residents could see their monthly food benefit nearly double under a proposal designed to avoid what advocates describe as a looming “hunger cliff” after federal emergency funding expires in February. Lawmakers unanimously approved a bill Thursday to establish a $95 minimum monthly allotment to participants in SNAP, the state and federally funded…

Governor Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Oliver and Commissioner Persichilli Announce Additional Monkeypox Vaccine Sites

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, and Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli today announced that New Jersey is opening additional vaccination sites for monkeypox in Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, and Passaic counties for residents without a confirmed exposure who believe they may have been exposed or are at high risk for having been…

Murphy makes mental health for NJ youth a top priority

Governor’s call to action recognizes adolescents and young adults still struggling with emotional aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. Last Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy became the chairman of the National Governors Association during the organization’s summer meeting in Portland, Maine. In his new role, Murphy announced his “Strengthening Youth Mental Health” initiative to address the mental health…

Murphy drops most COVID-19 mandates, as NJ follows CDC 

After federal health leaders further relaxed COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, New Jersey will no longer require state workers, government contractors or employees of school districts or child-care facilities to be regularly tested for the coronavirus if they are not immunized, essentially making vaccinations optional for these groups. Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order Monday immediately…