5 Takeaways From Phil Murphy’s Final State Of The State Address

Emotions were high Tuesday afternoon when Phil Murphy, New Jersey's 56th governor, delivered his final State of the State Address.

The speech was delivered at the Assembly Chamber in the New Jersey State House. The governor, who will leave his office after two terms next week, was introduced by Senate President Nicholas Scutari and greeted with several minutes of applause before taking the podium.

Reflecting on his eight years in office, joined by friends and family, here are five takeaways from Murphy's speech on his time as governor:

1. Affordability Turnaround

Murphy said that the state of New Jersey was in "dire need of a turnaround" when he first took office in 2018.

He reflected on his own childhood, saying he saw his own family in the New Jerseyans struggling to get by in the economy at that time.

During his time in office, Murphy's administration took strides in nearly doubling the minimum wage, delivering $18 million in property tax relief, and forgiving roughly $1.4 billion in medical debt to over 828,000 New Jerseyans.

"Building a stronger and fairer state is not only possible. It is absolutely essential. And it is our greatest responsibility, as leaders," he said. "Today in New Jersey, there is a generation of working parents who are finally earning a living wage and enjoying stronger benefits, like paid family leave, so they can afford to take their kids down the Shore for a well-deserved vacation. Or, simply: save money for a dignified retirement."

Murphy also mentioned the influx of jobs in the state, the influx of millionaires choosing to make New Jersey their home, and expanding worker protections across the Garden State.

2. COVID-19 Pandemic Response

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Jersey lost more than 35,000 people, a number Murphy called "impossible to comprehend."

Murphy went on to thank the countless EMTs, doctors, and other healthcare workers who were on the front lines during the "worst public health crisis of our lifetimes."

"Over the subsequent years, we followed the science at every turn. We made hard, but necessary, decisions," he said. "And we turned down the noise of disinformation, and instead, amplified the voices of the doctors and public health professionals who were trained to lead us through this unprecedented crisis."

3. Resisting "Assault On Constitutional Rights"

Murphy spoke on "extremist politicians" who put "targets on the back" of women across the country, including those in New Jersey. During Murphy's two terms, legislation was passed to ensure women in the Garden State had access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, despite the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision peeling back those rights across the country.

"Every time this Court has issued a dangerous, misguided ruling — on gun safety or the environment, for instance — we, in New Jersey, have illuminated a better path forward," he said. "So, from a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, to an assault on our nation’s democracy and on our fundamental freedoms, to devastating armed conflicts across the globe, we have seen it all."

Murphy also mentioned "the shameful efforts to undermine American democracy," specifically citing the January 6 riots. He took a moment to honor New Jersey native United States Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who lost his life during the insurrection.

The outgoing governor also spoke on the mass deportation of immigrants across the country, including here in New Jersey. He said to Garden State immigrants, "New Jersey is your home. We have always supported you. And we always will."

4. Laying A Foundation Of Industry

Murphy spoke on what is expected to become a tumultuous time in New Jersey, with several rising industries, particularly the film industry, making their way into the Garden State.

Over the years, what's been dubbed 'Hollywood East' has been building, with major blockbuster movies and groundbreaking television shows being made in New Jersey. Film studios in Morris, Monmouth, and Ocean counties are expected to bring thousands of jobs here, and give New Jersey "its close-up."

"So, Hollywood, you better watch your back. Because the state that gave us Tony Soprano is hot on your heels," Murphy said. "Over the years, I’ve declared that New Jersey is ready for our close-up. But now? It’s time to shout 'Action!' and get the cameras rolling."

The governor also discussed the rapid rise in the AI industry.

"I mention AI today because I firmly believe that — within the next few years — it will fundamentally change how we navigate our daily lives. I don’t think we yet understand the depth of change in store for all of us," he said. "So, as a state, we have two choices: step aside, watch, and wait — or step up and shape AI’s future on our terms."

In 2024, Murphy signed legislation that put protective measures in place regarding AI, enacting policies and penalties meant to prevent it from putting New Jersey children in jeopardy through "deepfake" technology, as well as our democracy.

The state has also used AI as a tool to battle food insecurity, assist in property tax relief, and more during Murphy's time as governor.

"Back then, I said that the future of AI has yet to be written — and we, in New Jersey, can be its author," he said.

The governor also mentioned the influx of jobs and economic growth expected during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the Meadowlands this summer.

5. Passing The Baton

Murphy, of course, spoke on the ushering in of his successor, Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill. The first woman Democrat Governor of New Jersey is slated to take office on Jan. 20.

"Mikie has done it all. Like a true Naval aviator, she has navigated the chaos in Congress with grit and grace. She has inspired millions of New Jerseyans. And Mikie and Dale (Caldwell) are going to be amazing," she said. "This job is not easy. But it is the journey of a lifetime. Because to lead our state is to love it."

Murphy said he's confident in Sherrill's ability to build upon what has been established in New Jersey in the last eight years. He specifically cited her support for children’s online safety, especially in schools, coming on the heels of his bell-to-bell school cell phone ban last week.

“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 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.”

Click here to watch Murphy's full State of the State Address.