Governor Murphy Announces Nominations to the New Jersey State Board of Education

Governor Phil Murphy announced his nominations of Mary Bennett, Dr. Kwanghee Jung, and Dr. Claudine Keenan to the New Jersey State Board of Education. Their nominations will be sent to Senate for confirmation. 

“I am proud to announce my nominations to the State Board of Education today as I am confident that Mary, Kwanghee, and Claudine will be integral assets to New Jersey’s students,” said Governor Murphy. “Each of the nominees brings to the table unique insight that will be invaluable as we continue on our mission to maintain New Jersey’s place as the best state for public education in the nation. Not only do these nominees reflect the great diversity of our state, but their extensive experience and dedication to bettering the lives of students make them extremely qualified to serve on the Board.”

"I am sincerely honored by Governor Murphy's nomination of me to serve on the New Jersey State Board of Education,” said Mary Bennett. “I thank everyone who advocated and supported my nomination. I am a lifelong learner; and my years of ongoing study and training, decades of experience in varied educational roles supporting quality education for students, their families and all school personnel, demonstrate my qualifications. This is an incredible responsibility. I look forward to serving on behalf of the 2500+ public schools and the 1.4 million students in the schools throughout New Jersey."

“I would like to thank Governor Murphy for nominating me to become a member of the State Board of Education,” said Dr. Kwanghee Jung. “I am very thrilled and honored. I have spent more than 20 years researching the impact of high quality early education, and I am ready to use that experience to help keep New Jersey's public education system the best in the nation. Students in our State represent a deep diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, and I hope to make a difference for every one of them in this position.”

“I’m honored to be nominated, and I look forward to serving alongside fellow members who share my passion for continuous improvement in education,” said Dr. Claudine Keenan. “I’m grateful to Governor Murphy for this opportunity to engage more broadly in our state’s outstanding educational system.”

NJEDA Has Approved Over 500 NJ Businesses for Small Business Improvement Grant Funding

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)  announced that its Small Business Improvement Grant has awarded close to $13 million to over 500 small businesses in the Garden State since it launched this February. The Small Business Improvement Grant awards small businesses up to $50,000 to reimburse costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE).

“The Small Business Improvement Grant is a great example of Governor Phil Murphy’s promise of finding creative ways to help strengthen our economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan “In a little over seven months, this program has helped more than 500 New Jersey businesses become more resilient and better position themselves for future growth by offsetting costs they incurred as they adapt to a post-pandemic economy.”  

Sullivan also noted that 40 percent of the Small Business Improvement Grant funding will be set aside for businesses and nonprofits in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts, in line with Governor Murphy’s commitment to equity.

Created under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), and funded with $15 million from the Main Street Recovery Program, the Small Business Improvement Grant reimburses eligible small businesses and nonprofits for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs associated with building improvements or the purchase and/or installation of new FFEs. 

Murphy Administration Announces Plans to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Six State Parks, Forests

New Jersey state parks are among the latest recipients of funding to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure, giving visitors the opportunity to both appreciate and protect the environment while quietly charging their vehicles during outings, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette announced.

In March, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities awarded more than $1 million in grants for the installation of electric vehicle chargers at 24 key tourist destinations across the Garden State as part of New Jersey's Electric Vehicle Tourism program. That includes $45,000 to the New Jersey State Park Service for 10 Level 2 charging stations at parks and forests across the state. In July, BPU announced another round of awards, which included $150,000 for two DC fast chargers that will be installed at Liberty State Park in Hudson County. In total, BPU has provided more than $5 million in awards to install chargers at more than 60 key tourist destinations statewide.

“The availability of EV chargers at scenic and recreational destinations throughout the state encourages residents and out-of-state travelers to choose New Jersey to charge up and unwind at any of our many destination points, whether it’s a park, down the shore, or at a historic site,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “We’re pleased to offer this new amenity and are excited to see park visitors charge their vehicles while enjoying their day outdoors.”

NJ Human Services Launches Redesigned NJ Helps Portal and Online Application for Food & Cash Assistance & Expands SNAP Navigators

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced the Department has launched a modernized benefits portal and online application for residents to apply for the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program and has expanded SNAP Navigators across the state.

Individuals can check their eligibility for food assistance, cash assistance and health care by visiting NJHelps.gov. Those who choose to apply for SNAP and/or WFNJ will be redirected to the new application.

“No one should go hungry or without health care.  At Human Services we want to make it as easy as possible to navigate our programs and access the services and benefits available for you and your family,” said Commissioner Adelman. “This new modernized application is streamlined, easier to complete and is designed to work better for you. We have also expanded the number of SNAP Navigators available to assist individuals who would like help completing their applications. If you would benefit from food assistance, cash assistance or health care, please visit NJHelps.gov to check your eligibility and apply.”