New Jersey Governor Rejects Republican Criticism That He ‘Woke Up’ During State of the Union

Drawing attention from the national political center, New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday indirectly targeted GOP rivals who criticize blue states for “waking up” and also called for responsible government and bipartisanship in his annual State of the Union address. .

Murphy marked his fifth state on Tuesday ahead of the joint session of the Democratic-led Legislature, which faces elections this year, and ahead of next year’s presidential election.

He did not mention the name of Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 White House candidate, but referred to his recent second inaugural address in which he said that Florida is a place where he “woke up to die.”

“Some governors brag about the fact that in their state “wake up and die.” I’m not sure I understand what that’s supposed to mean,” Murphy said, adding “the American dream is alive and well” in New Jersey. He pointed to the state’s 3.4% unemployment rate, slightly below the federal level, a burgeoning film industry and tax breaks, and key regional infrastructure projects.

“It’s great to be from New Jersey again,” Murphy added.

Murphy responded to questions about a possible presidential candidacy by saying he would support President Joe Biden if he ran for re-election next year, leaving open the possibility that he might consider running.

He held other contrasts with the GOP-led states.

Referring to tax credit programs in Florida and Georgia aimed at attracting businesses, Murphy said production volumes in the third quarter of 2022 in New Jersey surpassed their performance.

“Our clear track record of success is greater than that of states paying for huge tax breaks for the richest and most powerful by pulling investments from public education and civic programs,” Murphy said.

In contrast to the state’s claim last year that it was “boldly progressive,” Murphy called for bipartisanship and “sound, accountable government.” This slight change in tone comes as Democratic lawmakers face re-election following Murphy’s close victory in 2021.

He advertised his work alongside Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox at the National Governors Association, stating that less contempt and more friendship was needed in state and national politics.

“Let’s never forget that overall, we’re ranked fourth by partisans, third by elected officials, second by New Jersey residents, and first and foremost by Americans,” Murphy said.

Although he called for Republican cooperation, his major achievements, such as raising taxes for the wealthy, passing a new gun control law, legalizing recreational marijuana, and increasing funding for abortion services, were approved by the Democratic-dominated legislature.

New Jersey Republicans viewed the speech as preparation for a possible presidential race and criticized the Murphy administration in the face of high inflation.

“Today’s speech particularly highlighted the importance of having a Republican majority elected to the state legislature this year to put a much-needed test on Governor Murphy’s presidency and stop his presidential campaign from stagnating,” state GOP spokeswoman Alexandra Wilks said in a statement.

While the governor seemed partly aiming for a nationwide audience, he also included plenty of state-level detail in the nearly hour-long address.

He unveiled a proposal to overhaul the government’s liquor licensing system for Prohibition-era restaurants.

Since state liquor licensing laws limit the number of permits to one for every 3,000 residents, restaurateurs often pay dearly for such a license—up to seven figures. The system excludes many who cannot afford such expenses, he said.

Murphy called for a gradual increase in the number of licenses until such restrictions were removed, and to compensate those who spent heavily on a license, he called for a “designated tax credit”.

He introduced what he called the “Boardwalk Fund” to pay for upgrades to prominent coastal walkways, but with scant details.

He told legislators that we would sign legislation that would tighten anti-car theft laws if they sent him such a measure, and he touted last year’s property tax relief program, which he said he wants to continue this year. .

The emotional climax came when Murphy announced that there were four Ukrainian servicemen in the Assembly Hall who were being treated in the United States. Legislators stood and applauded before Murphy sang “Glory to Ukraine” or “Glory to Ukraine”.