Democrat,

As our nation has been gripped by civil unrest in the past two weeks after the murder of George Floyd, here in New Jersey I am glad to see our leaders take action to make our police more accountable to the people. Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced a new set of policy reforms this week that have been in the works for some time, but are even more urgently needed right now. The reforms include an expansion of the state’s use of force database to track incidents of violence and launching a new police licensing program based on similar successful efforts in other states. 

When people take to the streets to protest injustice, what they want more than anything else is to be heard. Our Governor and other state leaders are proving that they are listening and that they will continue the fight for racial equality. 

With the data continuing to point to New Jersey being past the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Murphy has continued to methodically and safely reopen various parts of our economy. This week, the state released guidelines for outdoor and indoor dining at restaurants which will go into effect on June 15th. 

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/

While both COVID-19 and the aftermath of George Floyd’s death have been at the forefront of our minds, there are still other important actions being taken by our state government. Today, Governor Murphy nominated Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the State Supreme Court. If she is confirmed by the State Senate, she will become the first Black woman to ever serve on our highest court, a monumental advancement for diversity and representation. With an impressive background as both a prosecutor and a private practice attorney, Fabiana Pierre-Louis is uniquely qualified to assume the position of Associate Justice and her nomination once again confirms Governor Murphy’s commitment to diversity and raising up marginalized voices to positions of power. 

Yesterday the State Assembly voted to approve Governor Murphy’s COVID-19 Emergency Borrowing plan, with every Democrat in the body supporting the measure. Unfortunately, Trenton Republicans have rallied against this reasonable, necessary plan and are trying to demonize it out of pure, petty politics. But Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and his caucus refused to bow to the pressure and moved forward the Governor’s plan to prevent layoffs of thousands of first responders, teachers, public health workers and more. Dozens of leading organizations from throughout the state support Governor Murphy’s plan, and you can join them by adding your name to our petition calling on the state legislature to move it forward.

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.

Thank you,

Chairman John Currie