As Trump Returns, Murphy Plans to Protect Abortion Access in New Jersey

As he prepares for his final year in office, New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy outlined several key initiatives on Tuesday, including a proposal to ban cellphones in schools and measures aimed at safeguarding abortion access amid potential federal restrictions under the Trump administration.https://svtoday.org/

Governor Murphy also addressed the alarming 14 percent increase in traffic fatalities last year, pledging to take action by targeting the state’s ten most dangerous intersections in a bid to curb further fatalities.

Murphy, a Democrat, opened his seventh State of the State address in Trenton by acknowledging the looming presence of President-elect Donald J. Trump, calling him “the elephant that is not in the room.” He acknowledged concerns and uncertainty surrounding the new administration, which garnered the first round of applause from the packed audience.

While Murphy, who plans to attend Trump’s inauguration next week, stated that he would collaborate with the Trump administration where New Jersey’s interests align, he emphasized that he would not hesitate to challenge the president on issues that conflict with the state’s values.

In response to potential federal actions to restrict abortion access, Murphy revealed that New Jersey would stockpile mifepristone, one of the two drugs used in medication abortions, to ensure the state can continue to provide the procedure if access is limited. The New Jersey Department of Health has already begun building a six-month “strategic reserve” of medications, including mifepristone, which will be stored with abortion providers.

New Jersey law allows for abortion throughout pregnancy, and the governor reiterated his commitment to pushing for legislation that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for the procedure, building on a proposal he made last year.

As he set out his priorities for his final year, Murphy also announced plans to pursue legislation to provide full pay to state workers on parental leave, make full-day kindergarten mandatory in the few towns that don’t already offer it, and allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections.

Perhaps the most applauded announcement was Murphy’s call for a ban on cellphones in the state’s elementary, middle, and high schools, citing concerns over cyberbullying and the mental health impact of excessive screen time on children. “Our children are inundated with screens,” Murphy remarked, vowing to work towards making schools phone-free.

This move follows similar actions in other states, including New York, Virginia, Ohio, and Minnesota. Los Angeles Unified School District also became the largest in the country to implement a cellphone ban last year.

Murphy, who is barred by law from seeking a third consecutive term, is nearing the end of his time as governor, with the race to replace him already underway. Six prominent Democrats and four Republicans are vying for their respective party’s nomination in the upcoming June primaries, including the mayors of the state’s two largest cities and a former Republican Assembly member who nearly defeated Murphy in 2021.

Though Murphy’s speech was met with some distraction from the audience, who were seen frequently entering and leaving the State Assembly chamber, it nonetheless provided a glimpse into the pressing challenges facing New Jersey, such as the 14 percent increase in traffic fatalities.

While nationwide traffic fatalities have been decreasing, New Jersey saw 691 deaths on its roads last year, a significant rise from 606 the previous year. Pedestrian fatalities alone surged by 32 percent. This increase coincided with an eight-month reduction in traffic enforcement by State Police, which began in July 2023, when officers began issuing fewer tickets for violations like speeding, driving under the influence, and cellphone use.

The reduction in enforcement followed a report from the state’s attorney general, Matthew J. Platkin, criticizing State Police’s performance. During August 2023, the first full month of this slowdown, officers issued 81 percent fewer tickets statewide, and traffic crashes increased on New Jersey’s major highways. Platkin has since appointed former federal prosecutor Preet Bharara to lead a criminal investigation into the issue.

While Murphy holds the authority to replace the State Police superintendent, Col. Patrick Callahan, who led the department during the slowdown, the governor placed responsibility for the enforcement reductions squarely on Platkin and Callahan, asserting, “It’s on their backs to get this into the right place.”

In response to the rise in traffic fatalities, Murphy signed a bill creating a commission dedicated to reducing traffic deaths in New Jersey to zero by 2040. He also announced plans to revamp the state’s ten most dangerous intersections to enhance safety and prevent further tragedies.