Murphy Vetoes $30M In Restaurant Relief In Favor Of $35M Package

NEW JERSEY - Legislation to reimburse restaurants, bars and caterers that spent money on supplies in preparation for indoor dining's return was vetoed by Gov. Phil Murphy Monday. Instead, the governor said a $35 million package will ultimately assist the industry.

Murphy's move on Monday stopped $30 million from going to the state Economic Development Authority from federal block grants allocated to the state from the CARES Act for the costs associated with interruptions caused by Murphy’s Executive Order No. 158.

Murphy applauded the sponsors for their proactive efforts to assist New Jersey businesses during this critical time, but said the $30 million the legislation asked for will be replaced by $35 million coming from another program.

"Following the recent announcement that an additional $100 million in CARES Act funding will be available to support New Jersey residents and businesses, including $35 million dedicated to food establishments, the goals of this bill have already been achieved,” Murphy said.

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick questioned Gov. Phil Murphy for the vetoing bipartisan legislation.

“It is unthinkable that the governor would veto bi-partisan legislation to help restaurants that passed unanimously in both houses,” said Bramnick, who sponsored the bill. “We all know how difficult it has been for the restaurant business, and some owners said that they were out thousands of dollars due to the change. Restaurants are barely getting by.”

“Based on Governor Murphy’s personal guidance, restaurants invested a significant amount of money, often on personal credit cards, to restock in anticipation of resuming indoor dining on July 2,” said Bucco. “When the governor reversed course at the last moment, those restaurants suffered steep losses that they could ill afford. It’s unbelievable that Governor Murphy would veto targeted relief funds to cover losses that restaurants incurred to comply with his changing executive orders. It’s a slap in the face to an industry that’s struggling to survive.”

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