Gov. Phil Murphy delivered his final state of the state address on Tuesday in front of a joint session of the Legislature gathered in the Assembly chambers.
From recognizing local diners to mentioning Tony Soprano, an animated Murphy closed the book on the past eight years in true Murphy style — invoking his own personality, pride in the Garden State, and his signature phrase, “We’re from Jersey baby.”
“So, when people ask me to define my legacy, our legacy… New Jersey is stronger and fairer. That is the legacy,” he said.
Throughout his hour-long valedictory, Murphy highlighted his policy successes on immigration, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, championing artificial intelligence, and property tax relief.
While he reflected on his eight years in office as governor, and the policies he set in place, he was adamant that the work he did made for a more fair and just New Jersey, a goal that harks back to his first campaign for governor.
“Building a stronger and fairer state is not only possible. It is absolutely essential. And it is our greatest responsibility as leaders,” Murphy said.
“My point here is not to pat ourselves on the back,” he said. “It took eight years of diligent, disciplined leadership to get our fiscal house in order, and to build a state that is trusted again.”.
As Murphy emphasized his accomplishments and successes through his two terms, he acknowledged the support of legislators in making those things happen.
“Overall, residents are satisfied with his accomplishments,” said Democrat Asm. Melinda Kane, of Camden County. “I think he’s done a very good job. And the fact that we have a new governor coming in who is of the same party speaks volumes as to the work that he’s done and that the residents of New Jersey are satisfied with what he has done for the last eight years.”
Kane may be satisfied, but other lawmakers aren’t as certain.
“We agreed on things, and we worked together on things, and we disagreed on things. I think the lack of transparency in his administration was a detriment,” said Sen. Anthony Bucco, the Republican leader. “Some of the public safety issues he addressed, we didn’t always agree, but he did adopt the car theft legislation, the home invasion legislation he signed. So you know, those are some things that we work together on and that I was grateful for.”
Murphy has just seven more days to serve before he makes way for Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20 at the NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark.
You can read the entire speech here.
By Katie Thorn and Sarah Shockey, NJ State House News Service
