“As we begin our seventh year of partnership, New Jersey stands tall, resilient, and brimming with ambition,” said Gov. Phil Murphy at the outset of the annual State of the State Address, which he delivered from the Assembly Chamber at the State House in Trenton Jan. 9.

“Together, we have lived up to our promise to build a state that is not just stronger or fairer,” the governor continued. “We are building a state that is stronger and fairer.”

Murphy said that since he first took the oath of office, his administration has been driven by and working toward one idea every single day, which he described as big, inclusive and unmatched.

“To make New Jersey the best place anywhere to raise a family,” said Murphy. “A state with greater affordability, lower taxes for working families, and the best possible quality of life. A state where new industries are blooming and small businesses are booming. A state with safer communities — and the best schools in the country. And a state in which our fundamental rights – from voting rights to reproductive rights – and every right in between – are secure, without question.”

The governor noted that we live in uncertain times rife with tough challenges.

“So here is our task, today: to meet these hard times by working even harder,” said Murphy. “To make life more affordable for more families. And to live up to our New Jersey values – every step of the way – by working together.”

Before he continued, Murphy acknowledged two close colleagues who passed away in the last year – Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso, whose family members were both on hand for the speech.

“This is the first time I have addressed this chamber without Sheila by my side. By all of our sides. This place is not the same without her. And not just because she stole the show with her style and poise,” Murphy continued. “But because she brought out the best of us. She was the best of us. And in Sheila’s honor – as well as Joe’s – I ask that we observe a moment of silence.”

Some toplines Murphy covered throughout his speech include:

• Introducing a medical debt relief legislative package to help families avoid falling into medical debt and protecting against predatory medical debt collectors.
• Touting the state’s string of recent credit rating upgrades, its economic growth, and the minimum wage reaching $15 an hour at the start of 2024.
• Continuing the push for an overhaul of the state’s affordable housing system, which was punted from lame duck into this next legislative session.
• Continuing to build on ANCHOR and StayNJ efforts.
• Investing billions in upgrades to the state’s transportation infrastructure, such as the Gateway Program.
• Spurring the creation of more small businesses – and touting the nearly 60,000 new small businesses starts since his administration began.
• Driving job growth in the industries of tomorrow, such as clean energy, film and television, fintech, life sciences, adult-use cannabis, gaming and AI.

Shoot for the moon

The governor spoke at length about his commitment to reestablish the Garden State’s role as an innovation leader – pointing to efforts such as Netflix coming to Fort Monmouth, the HELIX in New Brunswick, and SciTech Scity at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.

That lead to a major announcement on artificial intelligence.

“Innovation is both our heritage and our future,” said Murphy. “So now, in 2024, it is time for New Jersey to lead the world – once again – in shaping a new, emerging realm with incredible promise: generative artificial intelligence.

“Today, with AI, I believe we are at the dawn of a new era, much like we were 30 years ago, with the internet,” he continued. “Think about it this way: if a governor, back in 1994, talked about the transformative potential for the internet, you might have yawned. Looking back, we have long since stopped yawning. That is why I am talking about generative AI today. It is just as big – likely, a lot bigger. And few places are better positioned to lead the way globally in AI than New Jersey. Truth is – we are already a leader in the field.”

Murphy referenced the recently announced AI innovation hub in partnership with Princeton University, noting that New Jersey already houses some of the most talented thinkers and innovators in the AI field.

“We may be a small state, but we have always thought and acted big,” said Murphy. “And it is time to start thinking and acting big about generative AI. So today, we are setting a bold new goal to galvanize innovators across the Garden State, and beyond.”

“Here in New Jersey, we are announcing an AI Moonshot,” Murphy declared. “63 years ago, President John F. Kennedy declared we would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. Well today, our state is lifting off to explore the furthest reaches of science in our time. With New Jersey’s AI Moonshot, our mission is for our state’s top minds to pioneer a series of AI-powered breakthroughs, over the next decade, that will change the lives of billions for the better. Our state government will be a catalyst for bringing together innovators and leaders to invest in research and development, and ultimately, establish New Jersey as the home-base for AI-powered game-changers.”

With that, he named New Jersey Chief Innovation Officer Beth Noveck the state’s first-ever chief AI strategist.

An opportunity and imperative

Murphy acknowledged the fears some may have with AI and the potential fallout of the powerful technology.

“Here is how I see it: the future of generative AI has yet to be written. And New Jersey can be the author,” said Murphy. “This is not just an economic opportunity for our families – it is frankly, an imperative. Because if we do not take the lead on AI, I guarantee you: someone else will. Our nation’s competitors – like China – are already working feverishly to own the future of this realm.”

While he conceded that nobody knows what that road looks like, Murphy envisions a course that runs right down Route 1.

“Lined with the names of venerated institutions like Rutgers, Bell Labs, and Princeton,” said Murphy. “I see a future in which New Jersey’s top minds harness AI to discover new cures for debilitating diseases. Giving health care workers more opportunities – not fewer. I see a future in which our innovators use AI to discover new methods for combatting climate change and caring for our ecosystems. Creating jobs – not killing them. And I see a future in which every student can receive a world-class education – tailored to their unique needs – instantaneously. Uplifting educators – not replacing them.”

Murphy invited all visionaries, dreamers and entrepreneurs who believe in the potential of AI to join the efforts here in New Jersey.

“And to everyone in New Jersey – especially those who are understandably skeptical about what AI could mean for them, to our working families – who are anxious about the future, and who have been let down before,” the governor continued. “Here is my message to you: we are going to make generative AI work – not for the few – but for you. Because that is how we make New Jersey the best place to grow up, settle down, and raise a family.”

As he closed his speech, the governor stressed doing the hard work together to get through the hard times.

“Together, we are building a New Jersey that is better today and brighter tomorrow,” said Murphy. “From day one, the vision has been to grow New Jersey from the bottom up and the middle out. To live up to the promise of equity, opportunity, and hope for all. Together, we are going to continue facing our toughest challenges with honesty and optimism.”

He maintained a commitment to leaving future generations a state that is better than we found it — where you can afford to live your working and golden years, which affords every opportunity in the world.

“And – most of all – a state that is more affordable for more families – simply, a New Jersey that is the best place anywhere to raise a family,” Murphy concluded. “Let me be absolutely clear about the state of our state – New Jersey is stronger and fairer than ever before.”

As reaction pours in from all corners of the great Garden State, stay with NJBIZ for continued coverage, further details from the speech and more.