Governor Murphy activates predatory pricing laws and outlines administration’s actions to address national infant formula shortage
With New Jersey families having difficulty obtaining formula due to the current national shortage, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 296 declaring a state of emergency to activate excessive pricing laws state, consistent with President Biden’s actions at the federal level. The order also coordinates relief efforts and allows state agencies to take any emergency action necessary to protect families from problems related to infant formula shortages. The Department of Health has also released guidance for families facing challenges due to the shortage.
“We firmly believe that New Jersey is the best place in the country to raise a family, and during this difficult time, we want to support our families with every resource at our disposal,” said Governor Murphy. “I am signing the Executive Order today to allow our state to take all necessary action to address this critical issue. To any retailer who attempts to take advantage of vulnerable families during this shortage, let me make it clear that this wrongful action does not And to any New Jerseyan impacted by this shortage, rest assured that my administration will do everything in its power to ensure families have access to the formula they need.
For DOH advice to families affected by the shortage, details on how to file a complaint with DCA regarding suspected price gouging or unfair trade practices related to the sale of infant formula, and other information on state’s efforts to address the national infant formula shortage, visit nj.gov/babyformula.
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Governor Murphy announces U.S. Rescue Plan firefighter grant program alongside first responders and elected officials
Governor Phil Murphy visited the Hackensack Fire Department to announce the new USA Rescue Plan firefighter grant program, which will help local and regional fire departments provide first responders with protective equipment, proper cleaning and disinfection.
The firefighter grant program will allow fire departments to better protect their employees not only from fires and other hazards on the front lines of emergency response, but also from deadly pathogens. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, firefighters have faced additional health and safety risks and a growing need for a range of high-quality equipment, including personal protective equipment ( PPE) and toxic chemical-free clothing sets, helmets, gloves and boots.
“Faced with new challenges and obstacles throughout the pandemic, New Jersey firefighters have remained steadfast in their commitment to the safety of their neighbors,” said Governor Murphy. “The American Rescue Plan’s firefighter grant program will help New Jersey fulfill its responsibility to these heroes, whose courage and selflessness in the face of danger demand no less.” By launching this program, we are demonstrating our commitment to the safety and peace of mind of those entrusted with our protection.
“We are now getting even more federal dollars back to support our local fire departments and first responders, especially for our little ones where resources are even more limited. This critical investment will not only keep our communities, families and brave first responders safe, but it will also help lower our property taxes and make life more affordable for Jersey families,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “The new American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant program recovers critical federal resources from Washington for the Jersey Fire Department – to protect our communities, families, firefighters and paramedics. We must always have the backs of our first responders.
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Great Point Studios and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center are partnering with Lionsgate to open a 12-acre television and movie complex in Newark, New Jersey
Great Point Studios, a studio management/investment firm specializing in film and television infrastructure, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark’s premier cultural and civic institution, announced a partnership with the leading global content provider Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) to build a major new production facility in Newark. The facility will be owned and operated by Great Point Studios. As the facility’s long-term anchor tenant, Lionsgate will receive naming rights for the studio. NJPAC will manage public affairs and community relations for the studio and create educational programs and internships for Newark high school and college students.
The facility will be the first purpose-built studio in New Jersey for television and film production. It will be located in Newark’s South Neighborhood on the site of the former Seth Boyden Housing site, which is conveniently located near Newark Liberty International Airport, the Port of Newark, NJ TRANSIT, the PATH system, and several major highways. Operations are expected to begin in late 2024.
Active encouragement from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, in addition to recently passed film and television incentive legislation, helped attract Lionsgate to New Jersey.
“One of the priorities of my administration has been to improve New Jersey’s motion picture industry and create new sources of revenue for our state,” said Governor Murphy. “With the addition of Lionsgate Newark Studio, New Jersey will solidify its position as a television and film production hub with its proximity to all forms of transportation and access to more than 14,000 qualified union members in the region. As a result, the introduction of Lionsgate Newark Studio not only promotes the economic vitality of our state, but also provides good jobs and access to opportunity for all members of the South Ward community.
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Governor Murphy Announces Appointments to New Jersey’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission
Governor Phil Murphy announced the appointments of 28 members of the public to the New Jersey Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission. The announcement comes during AAPI Heritage Month, which is an annual celebration that recognizes the cultural and historical contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the United States.
“In New Jersey, we wear our diversity like a badge of honor,” said Governor Murphy. “As our state is home to the third largest percentage of AAPI residents in the nation, our AAPI community is a key part of our state’s great diversity. I am proud to appoint these outstanding members to the Asian American and Pacific Islands of New Jersey and look forward to working with them to meet the social and economic needs of the AAPI community.
In November, Governor Murphy signed legislation establishing the Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission within the Department of State. The commission is responsible for developing policies to meet the social and economic needs of the growing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in New Jersey. Under this new law, the commission will be required to submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature on the activities of the commission.
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