CJ Griffin Quoted in New Jersey Law Journal, “'I Hope Gov. Murphy Stands With the Public': Clock Ticks to See If Controversial OPRA Bill Is Signed”

CJ Griffin, partner and director of the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C., was recently quoted in a New Jersey Law Journal article titled, “'I Hope Gov. Murphy Stands With the Public': Clock Ticks to See If Controversial OPRA Bill Is Signed.” The article discusses bill  S2930/A4045, which would drastically limit the Open Public Records Act, and the ramifications if Governor Phil Murphy signs it into law.

“I hope Gov. Murphy stands with the public and vetoes the bill. Gutting OPRA undermines democracy, and he shouldn’t want that to be his legacy. He’s done so many other great things that he shouldn’t stain his legacy by signing the bill and allow towns, counties and future administrations to escape transparency and accountability,” said CJ Griffin.

Griffin pointed to recent polls that may indicate how the public feels about OPRA’s changes. According to a March poll from the Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service, 81% of Americans are deeply concerned that democracy is under threat. A second poll conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University showed that 81% of New Jersey residents opposed tightening the state’s public records law.

To read the full New Jersey Law Journal article, click here.