TRENTON, N.J. – Republicans on the Assembly Appropriations Committee blasted a bill (A5777) advanced Tuesday that would allow Gov. Phil Murphy to continue issuing directives and orders related to the pandemic after he rescinds the state’s public health emergency next month.
“Giving the governor new statutory powers to handle the end of this pandemic does nothing to address the lack of legislative oversight for his actions,” said the joint statement by Assemblymen Brian Bergen (R-Morris), Antwan McClellan (R-Cape May) and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (R-Monmouth). “No part of this bill limits the governor’s powers or reigns in his ability to dictate rules free from legislative or scientific guidance. As we slowly resume normal life, it’s time for the governor to hand back his expansive powers to the people.”
