Yesterday morning, News12 New Jersey put out its usual request for questions ahead of the “Ask Governor Murphy” show that was preparing to air in the afternoon.
I replied with a question about the proposed independent-contractor rule at the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, which Governor Phil Murphy personally oversees:
The video at the top is Murphy’s response to my question.
You can decide for yourself whether he actually answered me, and whether he is taking appropriate responsibility for the situation that his own administration has created.
There’s Always Prayer
Governor Murphy’s response yesterday on News12 follows his recent comment to NJBIZ, in which he seemed to suggest that the estimated 1.7 million of us independent contractors statewide who are in the crosshairs of his administration’s proposal should pray:
“Governor, an issue that’s been getting a lot of attention is this proposed rule change around independent contractors and gig workers. Wanted to get your thoughts on the proposal itself and any reactions to the pushback?”
“It’s in a sort of stakeholder engagement phase right now. And I’m going to probably stand back and allow that process to play out. I know there’s a lot of passion on all sides of this—and I’ve heard it directly myself. But let’s let this play out—and God willing, it’ll land in a good place for workers and for our economy.”
Again, this independent-contractor rule is his administration’s proposal. It did not come down from the heavens. It came from Murphy’s own Labor Department.
I’ll let you know if and when I hear from Murphy’s chief policy adviser, Dennis Zeveloff, as the governor said I would on News12’s show.
Yes, I have plenty more questions for them both.
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