New Jersey
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy attempts to woo New Yorkers in retaliation for congestion tax
The grass is greener in the Garden State? New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy sure wants you to think so!
Murphy is taking aim at neighboring Gov. Kathy Hochul over New York’s congestion pricing program — with an ad campaign aimed at wooing Big Apple residents and businesses into relocating to his state, The Post has learned.
“New York’s congestion tax scheme is unfair for North Jersey commuters who already pay so much in tolls and fees,” Murphy said in a statement, referring to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority‘s controversial higher “congestion tax” Jerseyans would have to pay to enter Midtown Manhattan.
“At the same time, it presents an opportunity for us to stress the value proposition of New Jersey for New York City residents and businesses alike: an ideal location, talented pool of workers, less congestion, and, most importantly, no congestion tax. I’m out there every day making the argument for why businesses should give New Jersey a close look for relocation.”
Starting Monday, New Jersey’s not-for-profit economic development arm allied with Murphy — Choose NJ — will run digital ads at key strategic crossings on the New York side of the Hudson entering or leaving Manhattan.
One ad reads: “PAY A CONGESTION TAX TO SIT IN NYC TRAFFIC? GET OUTTA HERE. Move your business to New Jersey.”
A similar second ad states: “LESS CONGESTION. NO CONGESTION TAX. Move your business to New Jersey.”
At the bottom right, the billboards urge motorists to visit Choose NJ’s website, thisisnewjersey.com. The substantial six-figure ad buy will run for a few weeks, New Jersey officials said.
Many New Yorkers already move to Jersey every year for more affordable housing, space and better schooling.
Hochul backs the congestion pricing the MTA plans to charge to enter the business zone south of 60th Street, a toll that’s likely to cost motorists between $9 and $23, while trucks could face a charge of up to $85 depending on their size.
The authorization for the tolling plan was originally approved by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo — when Hochul was his lieutenant governor — and the New York legislature in 2019.
The plan had been tied up in bureaucratic reviews, but inched closer to reality when President Biden — via the Federal Highway Administration — tentatively signed off on the MTA’s long-delayed environmental assessment of New York City’s quest to implement tolling in parts of Manhattan.
Hochul, via her rep, defended the tolling plan on Sunday.
“Governor Hochul is committed to implementing congestion pricing to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and support our public transit system,” said Hochul spokesman John Lindsay.
“We’ve worked closely with partners across government and with community members over the last four years to develop a plan that will achieve these goals. The finding of legal sufficiency is a critical step that will allow our Environmental Assessment to be publicly available for anyone to read, and we will continue to work with our partners to move congestion pricing forward.”
The MTA, which will run the tolling system, defended the plan as pro-business as well pro-environment.
“New York has a world-renowned economy that attracts the most talented people and companies. Economies that thrive in the 21st century will be those with less congestion and car dependency, so New Jersey may try to syphon off a few companies but overall, the central business district tolling program is projected to be a huge boost for New York’s economy,” said MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan.
The MTA also rebutted Murphy and allies branding the plan a congestion “tax” — saying a tax is something that cannot be avoided, but the Midtown toll can be avoided by not driving into the central business district.
The ads are misguided, MTA officials argued, because if the program proceeds and is successful, there will be fewer motorists from Jersey and elsewhere sitting in traffic.
Murphy is ratcheting up his opposition now that the tolling plan — designed to curb Midtown traffic while raising revenue for the MTA — seems likely to become a reality.
The MTA last week announced concessions to try to soften outer-borough opposition and encourage motorists to drive into Midtown during off-peak hours to reduce traffic jams.
Drivers hitting the road below 60th street between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m. will receive at least a 50% discount on a toll that’s likely to cost between $9 and $23, according to MTA officials.
Under the plan, lower-income commuters — making $50,000 annually, or otherwise eligible for government aid — will get a 25% discount on peak and off-peak tolls after making 10 trips to the zone.
Taxis and other for-hire vehicles will also only be charged once per day, no matter how many times they enter the area.
Officials are also considering letting drivers enter the congestion zone for free between midnight and 6 a.m. to reduce truck traffic on the Cross-Bronx Expressway.
The agency had been under fire after its environmental reviews that showed that the Midtown congestion program could put hundreds of extra trucks on freeways in the poorest borough with neighborhoods that suffer from among the city’s highest asthma rates.
The MTA also promised to contribute $15 million to the city’s program to upgrade the ancient and dirty diesel-powered refrigerated containers at the Hunts Point Market in the South Bronx, the main distribution point for much of the city’s supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Cleaning up Hunts Point, the MTA said, will help offset any additional pollution from new truck traffic diverting from Manhattan to The Bronx to avoid the fee.
Locations for Jersey’s new ad campaign include: the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Queensboro Bridge and Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, as well as spots along the West Side Highway, Major Deegan Expressway, Sheridan Expressway and the Cross Island Parkway.
New Jersey
NJ looks to quell crisis in care by offering student loan relief to health workers
2-minute read
Phil Murphy talks critical workers during 2024 State of the State
Governor Phil Murphy’ discusses New Jersey’s nurses and teachers at the 2024 State of the State Address.
New Jersey announced $17 million in student loan relief for group home aides and other health care workers, part of an effort to attract and retain staff in fields fraught with turnover and vacancies.
Up to $50,000 in student loan relief is available to health care and social service professionals who commit to one year of service at designated agencies, the state said. Gov. Phil Murphy said the program should improve services for New Jersey residents with medical, mental health, and disability needs.
“This student loan redemption program further bolsters our home and community-based services workforce, and it is key in supporting qualified service providers to bring their skills and expertise to communities across the state,” he said.
Story continues below photo gallery
“In addition to alleviating the financial burdens of this workforce, this program also builds the capacity to deliver care in the community for more New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.
The New Jersey departments of Human Services and Children and Families announced the relief, along with the state’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
The program aims to assist a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and counselors, among others.
Funding comes from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is part of a $100 million effort by the state to grow a workforce that has faced significant staffing shortages due to low pay and poor benefits.
In addition to the student loan redemption program, the Murphy administration said the money will help establish recruitment, training, and certification programs for direct care staff, as well as more community-based housing options for individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions.
“We continue to invest in innovative approaches to strengthen and prioritize independence and person-centered care that will help individuals live in their own homes and remain active in their communities,” Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said in a statement.
“This new student loan redemption program will benefit caregivers who provide vital supports to people with disabilities and with behavioral health needs, as well as older adults living in the community,” she said.
How to apply for NJ loan forgiveness program
The application process for the loan forgiveness program opens on July 1. Selection of recipients will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, with decisions announced by Oct. 1. Applicants must meet such criteria as being employed full-time in a qualifying role, holding the necessary certifications, and not participating in similar loan forgiveness programs.
For more information on how to apply and detailed eligibility requirements, interested candidates can visit the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority website starting July 1.
“We are proud to offer this new benefit to dedicated workers who support individuals with disabilities and older adults in the community,” said Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services. “Creative steps such as a loan redemption program will help attract and retain workers and build a stronger foundation for the future.”
The one-time student loan redemption program provides:
Visit here for applications.
Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: myers@northjersey.comTwitter: @myersgene
New Jersey
Keith Urban explodes at booze-soaked country fest on N.J. beach | Review
New Jersey
Top New Jersey political power broker indicted | Watch Inside Story
Join host Brian Taff and the panel as they discuss the New Jersey political power broker George Norcross and others being indicted on racketeering charges involving the redevelopment of the Camden Waterfront.
They discuss the presidential race as former President Trump is set to rally in North Philadelphia, his appeal (or not) to Black voters, and what outcomes the panelists expect from the first televised presidential debate on June 27.
Then they talk about Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first budget being approved by City Council, and her ‘return to the office’ mandate.
Next, it was a rundown of the region’s Senate races.
Sen. Bob Casey’s GOP challenger Dave McCormick is scheduled to be at the Trump rally.
Will New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (who is currently on trial) really run as an independent and thwart Rep. Andy Kim’s chances?
And they weigh in as Delaware’s U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester officially files for her Senate race.
The panel also discusses whether warning labels should appear on social media for kids.
Panel: Donna Gentile O’Donnell, Maureen Rush, Alison Young, Guy Ciarocchi
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