Statement from DGA Chair Gov. Phil Murphy on the Need for Federal Aid to States

States are still waiting for much-needed aid from the federal government, and in the meantime, they’ve been forced to make cuts to stay afloat.

Experts warn additional state spending cuts could worsen the country’s economic downturn. State and local governments are the backbone of this country – most Americans rely on states for crucial day-to-day services, including education, public safety and first responders, health care, unemployment, and more. States also employ large numbers of people and spend large sums of money, which helps to keep the economy moving.

If the federal government continues to leave states in the lurch, the health and economic situation in this country will continue to deteriorate. 

DGA Chair New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued the following statement:

“I am once again asking the federal government to provide direct cash assistance to states and localities in the next stimulus package. If Congress does not give states the direct relief we need to shore up our budgets, we will be fighting this unprecedented health and economic crisis with one hand tied behind our back. Not only will that be dangerous from a public health perspective, but it will also do untold damage to our economies and cause further delay in reopening them.

“Injecting cash into states is the one smart thing we can do as a country right now. This is not a partisan issue. Without federal aid, both red and blue states will be forced to make cuts in every area, such as vital services like unemployment, health care, first responders, education, and other programs that Americans desperately need to get back on their feet.

“Governors are leading through this crisis, but we need the federal government’s assistance to help our states stay solvent. It’s time for Republicans to stop playing political games and start doing their jobs.”