“Residents in our environmental justice communities have suffered adverse health conditions at rates many times higher than residents elsewhere,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at a Sept. 18 bill signing cermoeny at Tichenor Park in Newark. “We know that [COVID-19] has been particularly worse for those with underlying health conditions, so it is important … that we send the message that no longer will economically disadvantaged areas of our states be dumping grounds."

The bill passed the state Senate in early March, and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. If it passes the lower house, it next moves to the governor's desk, where he can sign it, reject it, or send it back to lawmakers for revision.

The aid, distributed by Mayor Steven Fulop and Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, will benefit nearly 600 companies.

The number, however, still remains higher than levels during the Great Recession. In April, unemployment rose to a record-breaking 16.3 percent and then set a new record in June at 16.8 percent. Heading into the pandemic it was 3.7 percent.

The income tax rate will be raised to 10.75 percent for every dollar earned above $1 million in exchange for middle-class relief that will come in the form of an up to $500 rebate for families with at least one child with household incomes of $75,000 for a single parent and $150,000 for two parents.

The governor's proposal calls for raising the levy on income between $1 million and $5 million, resulting in an increase from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent for every dollar earned above $1 million, and, the administration estimates, a return of $390 million.

Matt Platkin, who serves as the chief counsel for Gov. Phil Murphy’s office, will leave his post next month for a position at the law firm Lowenstein Sandler LLP.

The figure is far off from the $2.4 billion the state was awarded under the landmark Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which the governor lamented on Sept. 16 came with a variety of strings attached requiring the funding be used specifically for COVID-related expenses.

Wednesday morning data from the state Treasury show that for August, which reflects consumer activity from July, New Jersey collected more than $890 million—a 2.9 percent increase compared to year before.

“It doesn’t matter about how nice a computer system you have. Individual claimant’s issues aren’t about technology, they’re about the … eligibility standards they need to meet,” New Jersey Labor and Workforce Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said during a state Senate hearing.

The Golden State falls off the list for the first time since June, while New Jersey's neighbor to the south, Delaware, remains included.

“As we enter the fall season, we are also moving into the flu season. This year we are preparing for the possibility of a twin-demic," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "A severe flu season and a resurgence of COVID-19, which can strain health care resources.”