New jersey governor phil murphy
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

New Jersey Senate Rejects Phil Murphy’s Request to Extend COVID-19 Pandemic Powers

by
January 10, 2022

TRENTON, NJ – The Democrat led New Jersey Senate today decided to not extend Governor Phil Murphy’s emergency pandemic powers, dealing the newly re-elected governor a political blow on his health emergency policy today.

Murphy initially asked for a 90-day extension, but through negotiations, the Senate introduced a conditional 45-day bill. In the end, the Senate, realizing the political ramifications of empowering the governor, even in the blue state of New Jersey could be dire in the next two election cycles decided not to stop Murphy’s pandemic powers from expiring Tuesday night.

Earlier in the day, Murphy made it clear that he will extend the school face mask mandate whether or not the Senate gave him power to do so.

After the Senate rejected the Governor’s request, the Democrat-controlled assembly will follow suit.

One of the options at the Governor’s disposal is to declare a new unilateral executive order declaring a new public health state of emergency.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

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