Democrat,

This has been another troubling week. Aside from the continued challenges of COVID-19, the oldest wounds in our country have once again been torn open. As Governor Murphy said at his briefing, George Floyd should be alive today. Not just as a matter of principle or of justice, but as a matter of human dignity and as a matter of our nation living up to one of our most basic founding ideals, which is that all of us are created equal. 

This tragedy is another reminder of how far we have yet to go within our society. From Ahmaud Arberry, to Breonna Taylor, to the countless names before them, too many have suffered. I join the many diverse organizations and leaders, from community advocates to elected officials to police organizations, who have called for justice for George Floyd. The only way forward is to come together in mutual understanding and respect. Once time passes and we are more removed from raw emotions, we must continue the necessary, and sometimes uncomfortable, conversation about how to heal the divisions in our country. 

Governor Murphy announced major new developments in the process of safely reopening our state today, with a primary focus on our children. Starting in the next few weeks, child day care centers, non-contact youth sports and youth day camps will be allowed to open with social distancing requirements. 

Providing safe childcare services is essential to getting more of our residents back to work. Even when more businesses are able to resume activities, many workers who are also parents would not be able to return to their jobs without reliable childcare. This is a significant step on our road back, and that can only happen with our collective efforts to stay home and practice social distancing. 

For up to date information regarding new cases and directives regarding coronavirus, visit the state’s dedicated COVID-19 Information Hub or follow Governor Murphy’s official pages on social media. 

Twitter: @GovMurphy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governorphilmurphy/

Our “Don’t be a Knucklehead” t-shirt design contest is almost over, but there is still time to vote for your favorite! Remember, the winning design will go on sale next week and all net proceeds will benefit the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund. Make sure your vote is counted today! 

As you may have heard, Governor Murphy has ordered that the upcoming Primary Election be conducted mostly via Vote by Mail. This is the safest way to ensure that our democracy and our health are both protected, but with any new system there are sure to be many questions about how it will all work. 

We’ve put together this handy guide to the upcoming Vote by Mail Primary Election including important dates and deadlines, procedures for voting both by mail and in-person for those who cannot vote by mail, and more. Check out our VBM Guide and share it with your networks to help us make sure that all Democrats are able to exercise their right to vote. 

Finally, I would like to thank the members of our NJDSC Black Caucus for organizing a very well attended virtual happy hour event earlier this week that was headlined by our Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. This was a great example of how we can stay together during this challenging time even when we must be physically apart. 

Thank you,

Chairman John Currie