Assemblywoman From Mercer County Nominated For State Treasurer

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Democratic Assemblywoman who represents parts of Mercer County, including Lawrence Township, has been nominated to serve as the state treasurer in Governor-Elect Phil Murphy’s administration.

Murphy nominated 54-year-old Elizabeth Muoio (D-15), of Pennington, to take over the role of treasurer on Wednesday. Her nomination will go before the State Senate once Murphy is sworn in next month.

“New Jersey needs a treasurer who can return our state to being known for fiscal responsibility, respect and standing for the right things,” Murphy said in a Twitter post. “Liz Muoio is the right woman for the job, and I’m proud to name her as our next state treasurer.”

Muoio said she will strive for a budget that is both fiscally responsible and progressive, according to northjersey.com.

The role of the treasurer is to develop the budget, collect revenue and manage the state’s financial assets, in addition to other roles.

“This is another fine decision on the part of our Governor-elect,” Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) said. “Assemblywoman Muoio has been an outstanding addition to our caucus, demonstrating both a superior intellect and a commitment to smart, progressive policies. While she will be sorely missed in the legislature, she will be a tremendous asset to the new administration.”

Muoio has served on the Assembly Budget Committee for several years, where Prieto said she “has displayed a deft understanding of complex fiscal matters.”

“I’ve worked alongside Liz on the Assembly Budget Committee for a few years now, and have seen first-hand her keen intellect and deep understanding of budget issues,” Incoming-Assembly Budget Committee Chairwoman Eliana Pintor Marin (D-29) said. “Liz understands the numbers, but above all, she understands how these numbers impact people’s lives. Liz knows a budget isn’t just facts and figures. It’s about compassion for others and making the right decisions based on the right priorities. We need that viewpoint now more than ever."

Muoio replaces Ford Scudder, who became the Treasurer last year after serving as acting treasurer since 2015.

Muoio has represented the 15th Legislative District as an assemblywoman since 2015, when she was appointed to the seat to replace Bonnie Watson Coleman after Coleman was elected to Congress. She was officially elected to the seat that November, and was re-elected in this year’s November elections. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University.

“It’s been a joy to watch Liz’s success in the Assembly,” Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-28) said. “Assemblywoman Muoio hit the ground running in 2015 and immediately became a leading voice in our caucus and a sponsor of key legislation. Her leadership on protecting children from lead poisoning, for instance, was second to none. She is the right choice at the right time. The Assembly’s loss will be the people of New Jersey’s gain.”

“Assemblywoman Muoio is a talented and successful leader who will help guide New Jersey through the many fiscal challenges that the Murphy administration will inherit on January 16,” New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) President Marie Blistan said. “As a legislator, she has proven herself to be a champion of New Jersey families and working people, as well as a staunch supporter of public education. Because of that, she twice earned our members’ endorsement and we are confident she will carry those same values and priorities into her new position. As treasurer, she will play a key role in helping the Murphy administration implement its progressive fiscal agenda, which is focused on the wellbeing on all New Jersey residents, not just a select few. In selecting Assemblywoman Muoio, Gov.-elect Murphy has continued to fulfill his promise to assemble a diverse and talented administration that reflects the best of New Jersey.”

Before serving as an Assemblywoman, Muoio was a member of the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders and a Pennington Councilwoman from 1997-2002. She would become the second woman to be appointed to the position of New Jersey State Treasurer if her appointment is approved, according to Planet Princeton.

She is the second cabinet appointment Murphy has made in two days. On Tuesday, Murphy appointed Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal to the position of state attorney general.

Attached image of Elizabeth Muoio was posted on the New Jersey State Legislature’s website.