TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy announced a new marketing campaign promoting the New Jersey Re-assigning In-State Employees Program (NJ RISE), which offers grants to encourage New York-based companies to relocate New Jersey employees closer to home or allow them to work remotely. The program, administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), is part of Murphy’s ongoing effort to reduce the impact of New York City’s controversial congestion pricing plan on New Jersey residents.
The NJ RISE program aims to retain tax revenue generated by New Jersey commuters who currently work in New York. “From the beginning, I vowed to fight congestion pricing, because New York should not balance its budget on the backs of New Jersey families,” Murphy said in a statement. He emphasized that NJ RISE would reduce commuting costs and travel time while keeping tax dollars within the state.
The initiative comes days after Murphy publicly sought assistance from former President Donald Trump’s team to oppose New York’s congestion pricing, following frustration with the Biden administration. Speaking at a recent event, Murphy criticized the federal government for not conducting an environmental impact study on the plan, which he believes would have considered its effect on New Jersey. “We’re asking the Trump administration to do what the Biden administration did not do,” Murphy said, adding, “We will live with the results of that study.”
At the same time, Murphy’s administration has taken a combative stance on other issues, including a lawsuit filed against Trump over a recent executive order on birthright citizenship. The move underscores the governor’s complex and evolving relationship with the former president.
