Phil Murphy of New Jersey seeks collaboration with Trump during his last year in office
The Democrat expressed his commitment to challenging the new administration if necessary.
TroibNews 
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy outlined his agenda for the final year of his term during his annual State of the State address on Tuesday, focusing on protecting his clean energy initiatives, stockpiling the abortion pill, and regulating phone use in schools, all while reaching out to the upcoming Trump administration.
Murphy's tenure has come full circle, beginning in 2018 during the early days of Trump’s presidency. Although he often clashed with federal officials during that time, Murphy has forged one of the strongest relationships between a Democrat and a Republican president.
“I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align,” Murphy stated in front of state legislators, officials, and lobbyists. “But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values — if and when they are tested.”
This approach mirrors sentiments expressed by other Democratic governors from blue states. For instance, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has noted areas of potential cooperation with the President-elect, although she did not mention Trump during her own State of the State address on the same day.
As Murphy prepares to step down, he does so amid a fiercely competitive race to succeed him, with 10 candidates already in the running, including six Democrats and four Republicans. Notably, this election cycle marks a departure from the traditional ballot design that has historically given significant power to county party leaders during primaries.
Despite the looming political transition, Murphy remains committed to his progressive agenda. His address served as a preview of a busy year ahead, reaffirming his dedication to long-standing priorities.
“I’m not done yet, and we’re not done yet,” Murphy emphasized.
A central focus for Murphy is eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for abortions in state-regulated health plans—a goal he has pursued since his first term. Although he has pushed for this legislation in the past, it has stalled in the Legislature.
Additionally, the governor announced plans for New Jersey to begin stockpiling the abortion pill mifepristone. He cited recent “anti-choice policies” advanced by the new GOP congressional majorities as a catalyst for this initiative.
“Now, we must further secure our reputation as a safe haven for reproductive freedom,” Murphy asserted.
Murphy is also investing political capital into codifying a key aspect of his environmental agenda, aiming to source all of New Jersey’s electricity from zero-carbon sources by 2035. This proposed legislation is intended to solidify his environmental legacy against the backdrop of a Republican-controlled Congress that may hinder clean energy efforts.
“This is also about securing our state’s energy independence — and creating good-paying, union jobs in the clean-energy industries that will power our future,” he said.
In response, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco expressed the GOP's desire for bipartisan legislation, claiming citizens are looking for solutions rather than "these progressive policies." Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio remarked on Murphy's mention of Trump, suggesting it was telling of New Jersey's reliance on the former president to rectify state failures.
“Democrats need Trump to increase renewable energy subsidies, end congestion pricing, and restore the full SALT deduction,” he said, criticizing Democrats for prioritizing partisan disputes over practical issues affecting residents.
While addressing national topics, Murphy also focused on local issues, such as plans to improve the state’s 10 most dangerous intersections to reduce accidents and the introduction of mobile driver's licenses. He pledged to reform zoning and permitting laws to facilitate the construction of affordable housing, a prominent theme in the upcoming governor’s race.
Some initiatives sprang from local insights, like Murphy's support for a tax code amendment suggested by Jack Curtis, a retired school principal. Curtis highlighted a loophole allowing affluent homeowners to evade substantial property tax by labeling their estates as farmland.
“[Curtis] has raised our attention to a flaw in New Jersey’s farmland assessment tax system that allows the wealthiest among us to avoid paying their fair share,” Murphy declared. “That is wrong.”
Some of Murphy’s proposals may face pushback from the legislature. He reiterated his call for allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections—a recurring initiative that has struggled to gain traction due to Senate President Nick Scutari’s tepid support. He also advocated for same-day voter registration, which has similarly stalled despite being a central theme during his re-election campaign.
Furthering his educational agenda, Murphy expressed his intention to expand pre-K and implement universal full-day kindergarten while pushing for limits on cell phone use in schools. This initiative has gained bipartisan support nationally, although views differ on how to enforce such restrictions.
“Honestly, is it any surprise that the rise in smartphone usage has coincided with a growing youth mental health crisis?” Murphy questioned. “Of course not. And I for one am not going to sit back as our kids suffer.”
On the same day, the state Senate unanimously passed a bill aimed at establishing a uniform policy for phone use in schools.
Some proposals can be acted on through the Executive Branch, such as Murphy's ambition to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave to state employees at their full salary, a move inspired by first lady Tammy Murphy’s advocacy. He indicated a desire to eventually extend this benefit to all workers.
“You don’t get nearly the credit that you deserve,” Murphy said, acknowledging the first lady, who had previously run for U.S. Senate.
As the end of the Murphy administration approaches and anticipation mounts for his successor, Murphy committed to making the most of his remaining time in office.
“I am well aware I have 371 days — to be exact — until I leave office and a new Governor takes the baton. To some, that may be welcome news,” he joked, before emphasizing, “But to all of us who have the privilege of calling the Garden State home, I say this: I will dedicate every minute we have left to working for you.”
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
Murphy's tenure has come full circle, beginning in 2018 during the early days of Trump’s presidency. Although he often clashed with federal officials during that time, Murphy has forged one of the strongest relationships between a Democrat and a Republican president.
“I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align,” Murphy stated in front of state legislators, officials, and lobbyists. “But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values — if and when they are tested.”
This approach mirrors sentiments expressed by other Democratic governors from blue states. For instance, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has noted areas of potential cooperation with the President-elect, although she did not mention Trump during her own State of the State address on the same day.
As Murphy prepares to step down, he does so amid a fiercely competitive race to succeed him, with 10 candidates already in the running, including six Democrats and four Republicans. Notably, this election cycle marks a departure from the traditional ballot design that has historically given significant power to county party leaders during primaries.
Despite the looming political transition, Murphy remains committed to his progressive agenda. His address served as a preview of a busy year ahead, reaffirming his dedication to long-standing priorities.
“I’m not done yet, and we’re not done yet,” Murphy emphasized.
A central focus for Murphy is eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for abortions in state-regulated health plans—a goal he has pursued since his first term. Although he has pushed for this legislation in the past, it has stalled in the Legislature.
Additionally, the governor announced plans for New Jersey to begin stockpiling the abortion pill mifepristone. He cited recent “anti-choice policies” advanced by the new GOP congressional majorities as a catalyst for this initiative.
“Now, we must further secure our reputation as a safe haven for reproductive freedom,” Murphy asserted.
Murphy is also investing political capital into codifying a key aspect of his environmental agenda, aiming to source all of New Jersey’s electricity from zero-carbon sources by 2035. This proposed legislation is intended to solidify his environmental legacy against the backdrop of a Republican-controlled Congress that may hinder clean energy efforts.
“This is also about securing our state’s energy independence — and creating good-paying, union jobs in the clean-energy industries that will power our future,” he said.
In response, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco expressed the GOP's desire for bipartisan legislation, claiming citizens are looking for solutions rather than "these progressive policies." Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio remarked on Murphy's mention of Trump, suggesting it was telling of New Jersey's reliance on the former president to rectify state failures.
“Democrats need Trump to increase renewable energy subsidies, end congestion pricing, and restore the full SALT deduction,” he said, criticizing Democrats for prioritizing partisan disputes over practical issues affecting residents.
While addressing national topics, Murphy also focused on local issues, such as plans to improve the state’s 10 most dangerous intersections to reduce accidents and the introduction of mobile driver's licenses. He pledged to reform zoning and permitting laws to facilitate the construction of affordable housing, a prominent theme in the upcoming governor’s race.
Some initiatives sprang from local insights, like Murphy's support for a tax code amendment suggested by Jack Curtis, a retired school principal. Curtis highlighted a loophole allowing affluent homeowners to evade substantial property tax by labeling their estates as farmland.
“[Curtis] has raised our attention to a flaw in New Jersey’s farmland assessment tax system that allows the wealthiest among us to avoid paying their fair share,” Murphy declared. “That is wrong.”
Some of Murphy’s proposals may face pushback from the legislature. He reiterated his call for allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections—a recurring initiative that has struggled to gain traction due to Senate President Nick Scutari’s tepid support. He also advocated for same-day voter registration, which has similarly stalled despite being a central theme during his re-election campaign.
Furthering his educational agenda, Murphy expressed his intention to expand pre-K and implement universal full-day kindergarten while pushing for limits on cell phone use in schools. This initiative has gained bipartisan support nationally, although views differ on how to enforce such restrictions.
“Honestly, is it any surprise that the rise in smartphone usage has coincided with a growing youth mental health crisis?” Murphy questioned. “Of course not. And I for one am not going to sit back as our kids suffer.”
On the same day, the state Senate unanimously passed a bill aimed at establishing a uniform policy for phone use in schools.
Some proposals can be acted on through the Executive Branch, such as Murphy's ambition to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave to state employees at their full salary, a move inspired by first lady Tammy Murphy’s advocacy. He indicated a desire to eventually extend this benefit to all workers.
“You don’t get nearly the credit that you deserve,” Murphy said, acknowledging the first lady, who had previously run for U.S. Senate.
As the end of the Murphy administration approaches and anticipation mounts for his successor, Murphy committed to making the most of his remaining time in office.
“I am well aware I have 371 days — to be exact — until I leave office and a new Governor takes the baton. To some, that may be welcome news,” he joked, before emphasizing, “But to all of us who have the privilege of calling the Garden State home, I say this: I will dedicate every minute we have left to working for you.”
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
