I am saddened by the fact that I have to begin yet another one of my weekly updates addressing the gun violence crisis that continues to devastate our country. Only in the United States do days of celebration turn into tragedies as often as they do. As of today, 27 days into a new year, there have already been 40 mass shootings in America.

Governor Murphy and New Jersey Democrats have been working to curb this violence epidemic with recent legislative victories, such as requiring gun owners in New Jersey to register their firearms purchased from out of state and requiring large houses of worship, some movie theaters, and sports venues in New Jersey to set up emergency plans with local law enforcement and other first responders in the event of a mass shooting.

New Jersey has some of the strongest gun safety laws in the nation, but we still need stronger national laws like universal background checks, a policy that the overwhelming majority of Americans support, to make our country safer. And we also need comprehensive mental health care policies that help us prevent tragedies, like those we witnessed this week in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay.

Governor Murphy was in California this week in his role as Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) where he held roundtable discussions with Colorado Governor Jared Polis, parents, physicians, pediatric psychologists, educators, policymakers, mental health experts, and those on the frontlines of youth mental health care to advance his NGA Chair’s 2022-2023 Initiative: Strengthening Youth Mental Health. These talks focused on challenges and solutions connected to raising mental health awareness and reducing the stigma of asking for help.

“The youth mental health crisis isn’t unique to New Jersey or California – it’s an issue that transcends both state and party lines,” said Governor Murphy. “From small towns to big cities, parents, children, and educators are confronting this struggle in their everyday lives. We need a comprehensive approach to not only connect young people with resources, but empower parents and teachers to identify signs of mental health challenges and provide positive support. By holding these convenings with Governors from across the country and across the aisle, we are working to raise awareness, encourage action, and find real mental health solutions that any state can make their own.”

Governor Murphy’s 2022-2023 Chair’s Initiative focuses on four key pillars to addressing youth mental health:

    Addressing Prevention And Resilience Building – providing youth with the supports and tools necessary to cope with stressors and challenges, helping them to thrive and reduce likelihood of engaging in unhealthy or damaging behaviors.

    Increasing Awareness And Reducing Stigma- promoting awareness of mental health resources and foundational mental health knowledge by expanding easy access points to education, helplines and state services.

    Insuring Access And Affordability Of Quality Treatment And Care – addressing the barriers that prevent youth from accessing care including ensuring high quality care is available in the places, spaces, and timeframes that youth want and need, and that costs and lack of insurance coverage do not prevent access.

    Training And Supporting Caregivers And Teachers- expanding existing training and supports so that those caring for and interacting with youth daily have the tools and understanding to identify mental health needs and how to facilitate access to supports for youth

As tax season approaches and W2/1099’s start trickling in, President Biden is continuing to keep the American people informed on updated policies that are meant to keep more money in worker’s pockets.

Because of the historic Inflation Reduction Act, you can now get tax credits that cover up to 30% of the costs to install more energy efficient appliances for your home – helping save money on energy bills while fighting climate change. These efficiency improvements include upgraded windows, doors, insulation; or highly-efficient heating and cooling appliances like heat pumps, central air conditioners, and water heaters. If you’re unsure which changes you might need to make, the new law also offers a $150 tax credit per household for a home energy audit conducted by an inspector.

A home energy audit can help you determine how much energy your home uses, where your home is inefficient, and which problem areas and fixes you should prioritize to save energy and improve the comfort of your home. A home energy assessment should be your first step before making energy-saving home improvements.