Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced Nov. 24 the first phase of transition committees with 10 action teams led by New Jersey and national experts.
These teams include members with diverse and distinguished experience and were developed with input from experts in the state and across the country.
“We’re bringing together experts and everyday New Jerseyans alike on a mission to deliver — by driving down costs starting with electric bills, improving state services and accountability, and protecting our kids,” said Sherril.
“These teams will embody the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and action that New Jerseyans expect from their next governor. I want to thank all of the volunteers investing their time to ensure my administration can hit the ground running when we take office in January.”
The transition’s policy process will consist of three components: 1) the action teams 2) an interdisciplinary advisory task force to be announced soon and 3) public engagement through a survey for the people of New Jersey.
Sherrill’s team says her approach to transition policy is grounded in collaboration between government and a diverse array of sectors, a “get to yes” mentality and a focus on affordability and the cost of living.
The transition will seek formal input from local elected officials and stakeholders across industry and nonprofit sectors, such as leaders in higher education, hospital systems, small businesses and those working on the ground on housing and food insecurity. The action teams will consider all of the feedback and provide recommendations to Sherrill on enacting her agenda.
The action team will focus on the following priorities of the incoming administration:
- Making Energy More Affordable and Reliable: Allison Clements and Secretary Jennifer Granholm, co-chairs
- Saving You Time and Money: Getting Government to Work for New Jerseyans: Lt. Governor-elect Dale Caldwell and Tatjana Kunz, co-chairs
- Kids Mental Health and Online Safety: Kathryn Edin and Rishi Bharwani, co-chairs
- Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership: Julia Gordon and Lopa Kolluri, co-chairs
- Transportation and Infrastructure Innovation: John D. Porcari and Jean Roehrenbeck, co-chairs
- Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability: Justin Dews and Eddie Donnelly, co-chairs
- Delivering a Strong Education for New Jersey Children: Bette Simmons and Meghan Tavormina, co-chairs
- Jobs, Opportunity, and Prosperity for All: Patricia Campos Medina and Carl Van Horn, co-chairs
- Affordable Healthcare: Addressing Washington’s Medicaid Cuts: Chiquita Brooks-LaSure and Heather Howard, co-chairs
- Driving New Jersey Forward: Economic Development and Innovation: Secretary Gina Raimondo and Ralph W. Tejeda, co-chairs
The action teams will meet regularly to address questions and engage with key stakeholders — from small businesses and commuter roundtables, to conversations with parents and students.
An interdisciplinary advisory task force will bring together voices from across New Jersey — representing labor, business, veterans, the environment, healthcare, education, and more. This diverse group will provide input to the governor-elect and the Action Teams through multiple engagement opportunities, bringing a broader perspective to each of the priority areas above.
The governor-elect will soon invite direct public participation through a statewide transition survey. New Jersey residents will be encouraged to share their ideas and priorities for the next administration.
