Policy Topics Addressed
Affordability
Incoming Governor Sherrill made affordability her top priority on day one, signing executive orders declaring a State of Emergency on Utility Costs, freezing new utility rate hikes, and opening solicitations for new solar and storage generation. She emphasized that Trump tariffs added $700 in costs per household in the first eight months and pledged to fight rising costs on groceries, childcare, and housing. She also emphasized making subscription cancellation as easy as sign-up.
Economy & Jobs
Governor Sherrill (newly inaugurated) focused on affordability, declaring a State of Emergency on utility costs and signing executive orders to pause new utility rate increases and open solicitations for new power generation. She pledged to lower costs, support small businesses, and fight federal tariffs that are "harming so many store owners and keeping costs high." She emphasized making New Jersey more affordable for working families.
Environment & Energy
Governor Sherrill declared a State of Emergency on Utility Costs as her first executive order, freezing new utility rate hikes and directing the Board of Public Utilities to open solicitations for new solar, storage, and modernized gas and nuclear generation to lower costs long-term.
Government Reform
Governor Sherrill signed executive orders on her first day declaring a State of Emergency on Utility Costs and directing the Board of Public Utilities to pause new rate increase requests. She emphasized that 'agencies will be judged by results, not rhetoric' and pledged to make government more transparent, stating 'we will streamline, consolidate, and cut costs.'
Housing
Governor Sherrill identified the affordability crisis as central to her agenda, though her inaugural address focused more broadly on affordability rather than detailing specific housing proposals.
Immigration
Governor-elect Sherrill referenced families living in fear of ICE raids, stating "children who are afraid that their parents will disappear in an ICE raid while they are at school." She pledged to keep doors open for immigrant communities and emphasized New Jersey's identity as a state built by immigrants.
Infrastructure
Governor Sherrill signed executive orders addressing utility costs as a state of emergency, including pausing new utility rate increases and directing solicitations for new solar and storage power generation. She emphasized modernizing gas and nuclear generation infrastructure to lower long-term energy costs.
Public Safety
Governor Sherrill (newly inaugurated) focused broadly on affordability and opportunity rather than detailed public safety proposals, though she referenced safe streets and the need to fight for jobs, housing, and good schools alongside safe communities.
Tax & Budget
Governor Sherrill signed executive orders on her first day declaring a State of Emergency on Utility Costs, pausing new utility rate increases and opening solicitations for new power generation. She emphasized making New Jersey more affordable as her top priority, criticizing the previous trend of rising costs. She pledged not to waste money on items like 'a ballroom at Drumthwacket' and committed to spending every minute trying to make the state more affordable.
Technology
Governor Sherrill signed executive orders on her first day directing the Board of Public Utilities to open solicitations for new solar and storage power generation and to modernize gas and nuclear generation, framing energy technology as essential to lowering utility costs.