Murphy delivers final State of the State, touts tax relief, jobs and social policy legacy
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy delivered his final State of the State address in Trenton on Tuesday, using the eighth and last annual speech of his administration to argue New Jersey is stronger and fairer after eight years of policy changes aimed at working families, public safety and long-term economic growth.
“Over the past eight years, we have proven that when we live by our Jersey values, our state government can serve the needs of working people, first and foremost, without compromising economic growth and prosperity,” said Governor Murphy. “We are the Administration that governed by the principle of ‘and’ — not ‘or.’ We were who we said we’d be — and we did what we said we’d do. And it is thanks to everything we have accomplished that, today, our state is brimming with opportunity for all. New Jersey is where the American Dream was born — and it is where the American Dream lives on. I have never been more optimistic about New Jersey’s future than I am today.”
Murphy pointed to an agenda that, his administration said, included raising the minimum wage, expanding property tax relief programs, fully funding the state pension system for five consecutive years and securing multiple credit rating upgrades. The administration also highlighted efforts to increase access to health insurance through NJ FamilyCare, expand affordable housing production and provide medical debt relief for hundreds of thousands of residents.
The governor also cited public safety and criminal justice initiatives, including gun-safety legislation, a “red flag” law and policies aimed at strengthening trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. Murphy said his administration pursued “historic reforms” to build a more compassionate justice system while also working to reduce shootings over the past three years.
Looking ahead, Murphy framed major investments in education and family supports as central to the state’s competitiveness, including expanded prekindergarten seats, increased child care funding, tuition-free community college and the Garden State Guarantee program. He also emphasized the administration’s maternal and infant health efforts under the Nurture NJ initiative and the continued rollout of Family Connects NJ, a nurse home visitation program.
Murphy’s address also focused on major infrastructure and economic development priorities, including federal support for the Gateway Tunnel project, clean energy initiatives and the state’s growth in electric vehicle registrations and solar capacity. He highlighted the expansion of the film and digital media sector, the region’s selection to host the FIFA World Cup 26 final and the state’s efforts to attract innovation investments, including partnerships to launch an AI hub.
In closing, Murphy presented his final State of the State as a capstone for an administration that argued New Jersey can pursue equity and growth at the same time, while urging continued work on issues such as public safety, education, health care affordability and youth mental health.
