the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Senator Michael Doherty and Senator Michael Testa have introduced legislation to place limits on Governor Phil Murphy’s executive orders and those of future governors.
“Last I checked, the State of New Jersey had three branches of government, not one,” said Doherty (R-23). “The governor’s preference to lead via executive order rather than through collaboration with elected legislators has proven to be dangerous and deadly. Our proposal to place limits on executive authority will ensure that the administration is transparent about the continued need for any executive orders that it believes should be extended.”
“Gov. Murphy’s strategy of governing primarily through executive order is alarming,” said Testa (R-1). “Over the past two months, New Jerseyans have watched with frustration and anger as executive power has been abused with little input from the public. The governor has said repeatedly during his briefings that the public’s concerns don’t impact his decision-making process. That’s outrageous. Since Governor Murphy does not seem to care about the economic harm his executive orders are inflicting on New Jersey families and small businesses, it’s imperative that the Legislature has the opportunity to protect New Jerseyans.”
Doherty and Testa’s legislation, S-2482, would prohibit the governor’s executive orders from exceeding fourteen days unless the legislature approves a longer period of time through a concurrent resolution.