As of March 17, 2023, Insider NJ’s Daily News Update has reported on several important developments in the state of New Jersey. From politics to business, here are some of the highlights from today’s news:
Politics:
Governor Phil Murphy announced a new initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions in New Jersey. The plan includes incentives for businesses to switch to renewable energy sources, as well as increased funding for public transportation and electric vehicle infrastructure. The goal is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In other political news, the state legislature passed a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey. The bill now heads to Governor Murphy’s desk for his signature. If signed into law, New Jersey would become the 14th state in the US to legalize recreational marijuana.
Business:
Several major companies announced plans to expand their operations in New Jersey. Amazon revealed that it will be opening a new distribution center in Newark, which is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical giant Merck announced that it will be investing $1 billion in a new research and development facility in Rahway.
In other business news, the state’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in February, down from 4.5% in January. This is the lowest unemployment rate New Jersey has seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Education:
New Jersey schools are preparing to reopen for in-person learning after a year of remote and hybrid instruction. Governor Murphy announced that all schools will be required to offer full-time, in-person instruction by April 19. However, parents will still have the option to keep their children home for remote learning if they choose.
Health:
New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout continues to make progress. As of March 17, over 2 million doses have been administered in the state. Governor Murphy announced that all residents over the age of 16 will be eligible for the vaccine starting on April 19.
Overall, today’s news update highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing New Jersey in 2023. From reducing carbon emissions to expanding businesses and reopening schools, the state is making strides towards a brighter future.
