The move ramps up benefits for workers and doubles eligibility.

Facing criticism from business advocates, restaurant owners, and legislative lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, the governor defended his decision, saying resumption of service could “ignite a public health crisis.”

The money will keep the lights on in the state through Sept. 30, the updated deadline to hash out a Fiscal Year 2021 spending plan that come in billions of dollars less than what the governor initially proposed in February.

Earlier in June, U.S. President Donald Trump approved an expansion of the program, which included a “borrower-friendly” five-page form.

The now list of 16, represents 157 million people—or nearly half the population of the United States

The agreement, ratified Monday by the Communications Workers of America New Jersey, calls for none of its 35,000 members to be laid off through December 2021 “no matter what happens to the economy.”

Often at odds, Senate President Stephen Sweeney and the New Jersey’s Education Association announced the deal in March, which they said could save $640 million a year for local school districts, on top of $404 million for educators and $30 million for the state.

Gov. Phil Murphy is set to decide on the spending plan to cover the costs of government for the next three months, as the state grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic havoc.

The governor cited increasing numbers of cases in other states where eateries had been serving customers inside.

Late Friday evening, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a directive outlining what the return to indoor dining, which is set to kick-off July 2, will look like in New Jersey.

Montclair and Perth Amboy are using their own funds to help businesses get through the pandemic.

The proposal was approved by the Assembly Budget Committee on Thursday, and by an 8-3 vote by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Friday afternoon.