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Governor Murphy's Final Address: Reflecting on Progress and Loss

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will deliver his final State of the State address January 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Murphy said it has been the highest honor to serve as governor.
He highlighted raising the minimum wage, increasing school funding, and protecting reproductive rights.
He acknowledged the COVID-19 pandemic's toll, citing the loss of over 35,000 New Jersey residents.
Mikie Sherrill will be inaugurated on January 20.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, New Jersey passed a law to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024, impacting low-income workers significantly. Governor Phil Murphy supported this alongside initiatives for increased school funding and reproductive rights. The ongoing challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed over 35,000 lives in the state, will shape New Jersey's socio-economic landscape under future leadership.

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Story summary

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will deliver his final State of the State address January 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Murphy said it has been the highest honor to serve as governor.
He highlighted raising the minimum wage, increasing school funding, and protecting reproductive rights.
He acknowledged the COVID-19 pandemic's toll, citing the loss of over 35,000 New Jersey residents.
Mikie Sherrill will be inaugurated on January 20.

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