TRENTON — Gov.-elect Phil Murphy and his nominee for state treasurer say their administration will balance the state budget without relying on gimmicks — and will do so while being true to their progressive ideals.

Murphy on Wednesday nominated Assemblywoman Elizabeth Muoio, D-Mercer, to the Treasury post. If confirmed by the state Senate, she would be only the second woman to hold that title since 1776.

Muoio is a former Mercer County Democratic chairwoman. She served as county freeholder and was first elected to the Pennington Borough council in 1997.

She was appointed to the Assembly seat vacated by Bonnie Watson Coleman, who became a congresswoman. Muoio has served  as director of the Mercer County Office of Economic Development and Sustainability since 2008.

Murphy said as a member of the Assembly Budget Committee Muoio has “used her position to ask the hard questions of the current administration, and advocate for those who most need the support for state government.”

He added, “Our first order of business upon taking office will be to prepare a balanced state budget that reflects our New Jersey values of fairness and equity, and with her as my partner, we will base that budget solidly in reality, with honest numbers and achievable goals.”

Murphy said we haven’t seen that in Trenton for a while, through administrations of both parties.

He noted being treasurer is more than just crunching numbers.

“It also entails being on the leading edge of economic policies that will support the middle class and the dreams of those who aspire to get into the middle class, and on this Liz also knows more than a thing or two about economic development.”

“It’s time that we don’t just have a balanced budget, but a budget that holds our values in balance.”

Murphy promised the next state budget will not rely on “sleight of hand, taking revenues from one place to fill a hole in another in an endless game of fiscal whack-a-mole that ultimately helps no one .”

Muoio said she looks forward to developing a budget “that is fiscally responsible and progressive.”

“Our municipalities and their residents need relief, they need to know taxes can be brought under control, that their infrastructure is sound, that they can count on a quality education for their children, no matter where they live, that governmental services are accessible and dependable,” she said.

“And New Jersey will be a place their children and grandchildren will be able to afford to call home.”

She she looks forward to working with local, county and state officials “to develop sound, responsive, progressive fiscal policies and plans that provide relief and hope for New Jersey’s residents.”

Yesterday, Murphy nominated Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal as his attorney general pick, saying the office won't shy away from challenging the Trump administration in court.

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