Murphy signs initiative to help N.J.’s military families

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Gov. Phil Murphy announced Sunday that he signed on to make New Jersey a “Do Your Part” state to support active-duty Guard and Reserve members and their families.

The initiative is a joint effort between Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association to help states identify, prioritize and implement best practices and programs.

“We are honored to support every military family and veteran who calls the Garden State home,” Murphy said. “Whether it’s finding housing, accessing mental health services, or pursuing job training, we will stand with them every step of the way. They represent the very best of us, and they deserve nothing less than the very best in return.”

The initiative started in 2023, led by Blue Star Families with support from Craigslist founder and philanthropist Craig Newmark. The effort began in 2024 in partnership with the National Governors Association.

New Jersey is the fourth state to sign on after Maryland, Utah and North Carolina.

A toolkit is expected to launch in February 2026 to help states implement support.

“Gov. Murphy truly stood up for active-duty Guard and Reserve, and veteran families today with his declaration making New Jersey the fourth Blue Star ‘Do Your Part’ state in the nation,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. “The governor is not just supporting military families, he is building a legacy of care and commitment that others can follow and do their part.”

The governor’s office said this was one of a number of efforts Murphy has made to support New Jersey’s military members and their families.

He established a Veterans Service Office in each of the state’s 21 counties, signed legislation to protect veterans from exploitation and ensured that the Garden State’s public colleges and universities readmit students whose enrollment was interrupted by military service to the same status without fees.

Under the Murphy administration, the state has also launched Bringing Veterans Home, a statewide effort to reduce homelessness among veterans to functional zero by 2026.

“New Jersey’s recognition as a ‘Do Your Part’ state underscores our unwavering commitment to the service members, veterans and families who call the Garden State home,” said Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we not only honor their sacrifices but also remain dedicated to providing the resources, support and advocacy they deserve.”

New Jersey is home to 10,910 active-duty service members and 20,801 National Guard and reserve members, according to the Defense Manpower Data Center within the U.S. Department of Defense.

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Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com.

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit nj.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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