New Jersey Received Over $22 Billion in Federal Funds in FY2024, Marking a 56% Increase From Pre-Pandemic Levels

New Jersey secured an estimated $22.155 billion in federal revenue in FY2024, which supported 609 State-administered programs, according to a first-of-its-kind report released by the state’s Grants Management Office (GMO). 

Federal funds awarded to New Jersey were down slightly from the prior year due to the expiration of some COVID funding programs, however, funding was still 56 percent higher in FY2024 than in FY2019, the last fiscal year before the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase is a testament to the proactive efforts of New Jersey’s agencies to pursue new federal funding opportunities. 

“Securing this federal funding is critical to boosting programs that make New Jersey a stronger, fairer, and safer place to live—and Treasury’s Grants Management Office has furthered that mission since it was established in 2022. My Administration will continue to pursue opportunities for federal funding for crucial programs that provide children with free meals, make health care affordable, and prevent violence in our communities,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

“By actively seeking and securing valuable grant opportunities, we are ensuring critical State programs have the resources they need to support New Jerseyans and fulfill their missions,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “I’d like to thank the Grants Management Office for their work in compiling this report, which gives the State a better understanding of federal funding levels and will guide our future revenue pursuits.”'

The GMO’s full report is available here.

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Statement From Governor Murphy on the Return of Direct Flights to Israel From New Jersey on United Airlines

Following United Airlines’ announcement that it will resume flights between Newark Airport and Tel Aviv, Governor Murphy issued the following statement: 

“I welcome United Airlines’ decision to resume non-stop service to Tel Aviv, Israel from Newark Liberty International Airport following service disruptions after the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. Last week, I spoke with airline leadership following my meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the negative impact caused by the lack of flights. Israel remains a critical ally and economic partner to our state. This important move eases travel difficulties for businesses, the Jewish community, and many others in New Jersey and will allow families to travel to see loved ones or host them in time for the Passover holiday.”

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Murphy Administration Announces Availability of $35 Million for Local Government Vehicle Electrification Projects

The Murphy Administration announced the availability of $35 million in grants to help local governments electrify their shuttle, school bus and truck fleets to protect public health and the environment, leveraging proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

The new funding is for the replacement of diesel vehicles owned by, or serving, local towns including shuttles, transit buses, garbage trucks, dump trucks and small school buses. Municipal and private fleets serving towns are encouraged to submit proposals for the Diesel Modernization Program, which accepts applications on a rolling basis. Grants that meet the eligibility requirements will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“While trucks and buses account for only four percent of all vehicles on the road, they generate nearly 25 percent of our transportation-sector greenhouse gas emissions and emit pollutants that are especially harmful to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and those with heart and lung conditions,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We encourage towns across the state, and the fleets that serve them, to take advantage of this funding to replace dirty diesel trucks with electric ones that will better protect our communities from harmful air pollution and bring us closer to meeting our climate goals.”

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Rutgers Health and New Jersey Department of Labor Launch Partnership to Empower Workers in Recovery

Rutgers Health, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), has launched the Pathways to Recovery website to help New Jersey residents impacted by the opioid crisis find employment opportunities in supportive workplaces, and assist employers in becoming certified as Recovery-Friendly Workplaces. 

The website shares resources for individuals in recovery and employers, including links to organizations that help connect grantees with employers; application requirements for earning the Recovery-Friendly Workplace credential; as well as testimonials of individuals in recovery and success stories.

“As New Jersey continues to address the opioid epidemic, it’s crucial that we create pathways to sustainable employment for those in recovery,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “NJDOL’s partnership with Rutgers Health has been vital to this effort, and the new Pathways to Recovery website is a critical tool for providing the resources and support needed to foster understanding and inclusivity in the workplace. Together, we can build a workforce that values and supports recovery, paving the way for healthier communities across New Jersey.” 

“Employment is fundamental for people to maintain their recovery. However, often there is fear or stigma related to employing people who are in recovery,” said Nina Cooperman, associate professor, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, who leads the project for Rutgers Health. “A recovery-friendly employer is knowledgeable about how to support their employees’ recovery long term as well as how to recognize if an employee has a substance use disorder and facilitate support.” 

The website is the latest initiative of Pathways to Recovery, a statewide program that supports New Jersey residents who have been impacted by the opioid crisis in securing stable, unsubsidized employment through training opportunities, supportive services and career services.

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