Speaker Craig J. Coughlin
@SpeakerCoughlin
Followers
8K
Following
4K
Media
2K
Statuses
5K
Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. Husband to Tish. Dad to Craig, Vincent, and Nicholas. Proud to represent the 19th Legislative District. 🏛
Woodbridge, NJ
Joined January 2018
It was a privilege to join @MomsDemand for the Mother’s Day of Action. Moms are calling on Congress to restore the federal ban on assault rifles. Their determination and drive will turn the tide. Great to be there with @FrankPallone, a longtime leader on this issue in Washington.
15
48
201
NJ's $250 million investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Paulsboro that will create wind turbine components for the entire U.S. offshore wind industry is a big deal not only for our state, but for clean, sustainable energy everywhere!
24
24
185
Around the country, including in NJ, #COVID19 cases are rising among young adults who aren't taking this pandemic seriously. No age group is immune to the effects of this virus & anyone can spread it. We need everyone to #MaskUp & practice #SocialDistancing - no matter your age.
64
56
158
Thank you @GovMurphy for your great leadership in signing the landmark legislation into law today that will provide Chapter 78 relief to NJ school employees. This law is going to make a very real difference in the lives of residents.
78
14
158
It's official: My bill, A-2014, to require automatic voter registration at State MVC agencies & permit registration with other agencies is now law. Thank you to my legislative colleagues for your support and @GovMurphy for promptly enacting.
13
20
142
Delighted to meet the man and thrilled that future generations will have state-of-the-art facilities for scholarship and performance in New Jersey at @BruceArchives and Center for American Music at @monmouthu. Scholars will be sprung from cages on Highway 9…
17
14
142
Congratulations to @GovMurphy on a hard-fought and well-deserved electoral victory. The first time in 44 years a Democratic Governor has been re-elected to office, this election is a triumph for our democratic agenda that stands up for hard working New Jerseyans.
12
9
121
I want to thank Gov. Murphy and Senate President Sweeney for agreeing to meet in the middle and putting forth a final budget that we can all put our names to. After much work, we have reached an agreement that meets our common priorities.
35
23
133
Our state recently lost another life to #COVID19. Sam Domenick of Fords (@WoodbridgeNJ) was a courageous WWII veteran. He also helped found the Fords Clara Barton Baseball League, which I enjoyed participating in and leading for many years. NJ will not forget his memory.
25
15
125
New Jersey has the opportunity to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 for our workers. We owe it to New Jerseyans to do just that. Let's pass a minimum wage increase in the coming weeks that finally proves that we mean what we say about helping those who need it most.
37
18
124
The #COVID19 pandemic has caused an economic tsunami that requires extraordinary action. That's why I support @GovMurphy's proposal to meet this crisis in the most prudent and immediate fashion by borrowing necessary funds through bonding:
78
19
117
Great news from the New Jersey Senate. Our bill to raise New Jersey's monthly SNAP minimum to $95 is now on @GovMurphy's desk. A better nourished and more food secure New Jersey will always make for a stronger one.
16
21
118
I stand with @GovMurphy in encouraging employers to support access to #Coronavirus testing and waive cost-sharing where appropriate, so that all NJ residents can access this necessary service for the good of the public health.
14
21
125
Thank you @MomsDemand @bradybuzz @GiffordsCourage @Everytown and the scores of advocates who lead alongside of us in the fight for safer communities. Today New Jersey takes a big and important step forward on commonsense gun safety.
27
27
93
Proud to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with @32BJSEIU @CoryBooker and fellow legislators on #MLKJr Day to urge Newark Airport vendors to pay their employees a fair and living wage.
2
27
99
Today, with @GovMurphy and @NJSenatePres, we took a step forward towards fighting inequality in our great state. We will increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024 and help to lift New Jerseyans out of poverty!.
25
30
99
Every New Jerseyan deserves a living wage. Thanks to a bill we passed and Gov. Murphy signed into law, our state’s minimum wage is now over $15/hour.
76
19
93
7
29
98
4
6
92
Now that NJ has legalized recreational cannabis, we can grow our revenue base by imposing an additional user fee that will help reduce the financial burden on New Jersey's taxpayers and specifically its urban communities. I will work to include it in enabling legislation.
44
13
94
It is my duty, and the duty of my colleagues in the Legislature, to take meaningful action to help the hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans who are struggling because they work several jobs and still cannot earn enough to make ends meet.
30
22
83
It was an honor to return to my hometown school to have @govmurphy sign my bill to expand access to free school breakfasts and lunches. No child in New Jersey should feel any shame or face any stigma for receiving a free nutritious meal at school.
45
15
89
On Monday, the Assembly is schedule to vote on a third package of gun violence prevention bills representing the latest installment in ongoing efforts by NJ to lead the nation on fair and robust common-sense gun safety laws. Our communities deserve nothing less than to feel safe.
27
17
73
Tish and I extend our condolences to the Oliver family, and all who mourn this great lady. I am deeply saddened by the passing of our Lt. Governor, Sheila Oliver. I have known Sheila since my first day in the legislature. She was my first Speaker.
2
4
85
My congratulations to @GovMurphy and @LtGovOliver on their inauguration to second terms today. I look forward to advancing a Democratic agenda together that makes life better for all who call our great state home.
29
7
74
Congratulations on @GregSchiano's return, Rutgers! The future looks bright for the Scarlet Knights! #GoRU.@RUAthletics, @EricLeGrand52, @RFootball.
1
5
84
The pledge I took today as Assembly Speaker is not one I take lightly. I'm proud of what we accomplished over the past 2 years but know there's much more to do going forward. We'll continue to tackle the challenges facing NJ to make our state a better place for all who live here.
15
5
87
It was an honor today to secure a 4th term as Speaker during our caucus meeting. Congrats to the entire Assembly leadership team, and welcome new members. Now let's get to work!.
20
7
80
Incredible guy, incredible coffee! Nothing stops @EricLeGrand52 — his drive is something we can all admire and be inspired by. So proud to see @LeGrandCoffee find its home in downtown Woodbridge ☕️
2
7
83
I’m keeping @GovMurphy and his family in my thoughts this morning as he undergoes surgery. Tish and I wish him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Governor!.
2
6
80
Well done @johnsb01. Thanks! I really do enjoy the time I spend calling plays for Woodbridge Township basketball teams. @mayormccormac.
4
2
82
Took a look at the Hudson River Tunnel this AM with @GovMurphy and members of NJ’s congressional delegation. It is critical that the federal government fund the Gateway project which will create jobs and bring our infrastructure into the 21st century.
12
15
70
Today proud to announce my selection as Speaker for a historic third term alongside my new leadership team for the 220th legislative session. We have secured a Democratic majority in the Legislature for another term and we will continue our work for all New Jerseyans.
8
8
78
Fired up after joining thousands at the 2nd Women's March on NJ in Morristown. Proud to join fellow citizens in reaffirming support for the equal rights of all - and to embrace this year’s theme of harnessing the power of the vote to elect more women and bring positive change.
1
18
72
“After New Jersey Democrats overhauled the state’s concealed carry laws, the state was named a national leader in strong gun laws by @Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates against gun violence.”.
42
16
64
We’ve done it folks. We raised the minimum SNAP benefit for New Jerseyans to $95. Let’s keep this momentum going. From our children and college students to our seniors, veterans, and working parents, our families need us to keep fighting for them. We will.
9
19
74
This is a historic day for our state! I am proud of the agreement my colleagues & I have reached to provide the middle class with much-needed relief. Revenue from the millionaire's tax will be used to give about 700,000 families a rebate to help them support their families.
42
12
71
Apprenticeships matter. Investing in education matters. New Jersey is at the center of economic prosperity and innovation and the grant funding provided by @GovMurphy’s administration to NJ businesses and colleges will help employ new apprentices and support good-paying jobs.
10
21
69
On average, one in five Americans experience mental health issues. Today, our state is proudly providing these individuals with the health coverage they deserve and ensuring mental health services are at their fingertips.
8
17
68
The Working Families Anti-Hunger Act will put us on the path to free school breakfast and lunch for every child in New Jersey. Proud to continue fighting for our affordability by uplifting families and making sure children can reach their full potential.
39
9
64
This afternoon NJ will become the 11th state to enact automatic voter registration. As the op-ed states, "an inclusive democracy is a robust democracy." We shouldn't have it any other way!
2
25
62
Happy birthday to my wonderful wife, Tish Coughlin (and Happy Halloween)!
13
2
66
33 years later and I’m still the luckiest guy in the world. Happy Anniversary, @tishcoughlin! I love you.
2
1
67
Our children are the future. It’s important to hear directly from them about their concerns and hopes for our state. Today, with @LouGreenwald & @MomsDemand, we listened and learned from the students of UrbanPromise Academy and will uphold our commitment to ending gun violence.
2
14
49
Glad to co-host a listening session with @SenBooker today, bringing New Jersey stakeholders together to lend their perspectives to a national conversation led by @POTUS that will undoubtedly shape a better path forward for food secure communities.
4
11
55
Today we announced an additional $100 million in CARES Act funding to support small businesses, renters and food banks throughout NJ. We have a duty to help make sure our state recovers from this #pandemic, and this funding will go a long way in accomplishing that.
18
11
55
This afternoon I took the Oath of Office to begin my historic third term as Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. I thank my wife and sons, the members for their vote of confidence, and the people of the great state of New Jersey for this opportunity to serve.
25
2
61
May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door. Happy #StPatricksDay
7
10
57
We went from a minimum SNAP benefit of $18 to $50. Now my plan is to expand that to $95, permanently. We do that because we know a nourished New Jersey is a stronger one.
6
10
56
Happy birthday to my wonderful wife Tish Coughlin! A near lifetime of knowing you and every day gets sweeter. Thankful for this life we have built together and for the mother you are, here's to many many more birthday celebrations ahead of us.
5
1
57
Let’s ensure nutritious meals for every kid and eliminate any stigma or shame.
15
10
50
On #ThankfulThursday, I want to thank the many educators and parents throughout NJ who are doing their best to continue teaching children at this time. Thank you for finding creative and effective ways to educate students who can't attend school in-person right now.
3
12
54
Going all the way up! That was quite the roller coaster ride!.- with @GovMurphy, @PaulASarlo and @FirstLadyNJ at #AmericanDream
17
11
58
I am so proud to be ‘dad’ to these three boys. To the fathers who were, the fathers who are, and to the fathers still to be, wishing all a Happy Father’s Day!
4
1
57
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Access to school breakfast reduces food insecurity, positively impacts children’s health and improves student outcomes. Join me in encouraging breakfast participation in our schools @fractweets @nokidhungry #NSBW19 🍳
4
10
55
Great evening at the Governor's Inaugural Ball last night.
53
2
56
Today was a unique day for me, as I lead a voting session in the Assembly Chambers for the first time without my colleagues physically present. In fact, it was the first legislative voting session ever held remotely in our state.
3
7
54
Headway on the Portal North Bridge has been a hard-fought battle. I was glad to join @GovMurphy welcome @POTUS for this historic moment. The $1.56 billion investment - largest in @NJTRANSIT history - will undoubtedly bring our transportation infrastructure into the 21st century.
36
13
49
After years of hard work with @SenPresScutari helping lead the charge and with @GovMurphy's support, opening day for the adult-use cannabis market has arrived in New Jersey as retailers made their first recreational sales to those 21 and up today.
47
8
48
We stand together and we stand committed to expanding medicinal cannabis, social justice and changing the status quo. Today, we did not get over the finish line but I am proud of our efforts and our next steps forward to pass these bills @GovMurphy @NJSenatePres
28
23
46
More tax relief is on the way! ANCHOR property tax relief benefits will be automatically distributed to more than a million NJ residents by Nov 1. Check your mailbox for more info on ANCHOR application procedures and deadlines. You’ll find details here
31
13
50
Good news: today New Jersey's minimum wage rises to $13 per hour. No family should have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. In the Legislature, we will continue the fight for fair and equitable economic opportunity.
66
6
46
After a very dark day in our nation's history, @RepAndyKimNJ helped demonstrate all that America can be if we come together and help one another out. Thank you for representing the best of our state and our country, Congressman Kim!.
1
8
49
Thank you @GovMurphy for taking this important step, families are struggling and it’s critical for us to be doing everything we can as a state to protect them from price gouging.
30
5
45
Thanks to my colleagues for their support in passing my bill to ensure that every student who is eligible for free or reduced-priced meals will have access. No child in New Jersey should go hungry during the school day.
13
13
43
The Governor and NJ Legislature have put together a balanced plan that delivers for our seniors, middle-class families, schools and municipalities while investing in hunger relief, anti-poverty and health programs to help our residents get through this crisis.
23
7
45
A product of New Jersey’s public school system myself, I can say without a doubt that the $9.9 billion in @GovMurphy’s proposed budget meaningfully builds on our longstanding commitment to invest in our children’s futures, our teachers, workforce, residents, and state economy.
18
7
48
Clean energy is the wave of the future. We must embrace it as we seek to address climate change. I was proud to visit the first completed community solar project in NJ today, right here in @MiddlesexCntyNJ. Thank you to @GovMurphy for your commitment to 100% clean energy.
4
10
48
It was a pleasure to be there! Looking forward to kickoff in a couple weeks.
1
4
51
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at a table that keeps growing. So grateful for our first holiday season with grandchildren!
4
0
49
This is a victory for many families across our state. Thank you, @GovMurphy for signing these bills into law. Thank you to advocates like @FoodBankCarlos and @AdeleHLaTourett who never stop fighting to end hunger. This one is for you.
4
10
46
Thank you for the birthday wishes! This past year already provided me the greatest gifts imaginable: our first two beautiful grandchildren. I’m so blessed with my incredible, loving family.
13
2
48
So pleased to join state and local officials, along with business and labor leaders to celebrate @netflix commitment to Fort Monmouth for a state-of-the-art tv/film facility. This will pay huge dividends for New Jersey—the birthplace of the film industry!
25
49
40
And that's a wrap on a very successful 218th legislative session. Thank you to every Assembly member for your hard work over the past two years. I look forward to continuing our work in Trenton during the next legislative session!.
7
2
46
“Once an Irishman, forever an Irishman.” The traditions in Woodbridge Township continue to live on - from breakfast at JJ Bitting to the annual parade. It’s more than a celebration. It’s a large family gathering and a Sunday well spent #StPatricksDay
11
6
44
Happy St. Patrick's Day!🍀 May your blessings and luck be plentiful. Part of the fabric of American society and culture since our nation’s founding, today I proudly celebrate our story and heritage as Irish-Americans.
3
4
44
Significant moment for our fight against hunger this morning in Atlantic City. 15 years since the community has had access to a full service grocery store, today that changes. Congratulations @NJCRDA @ModiaButler on this transformative project to end the city’s food desert.
2
6
45
Happy Thanksgiving, New Jersey! I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in the fight against hunger. Today I give thanks for all the volunteers on the frontlines in food banks, service organizations, and houses of worship who have done so much for our neighbors in need.
14
4
44
Congratulations to the talented workforce that built the new USS New Jersey, which will be commissioned today. Good luck and Godspeed to the courageous crew. It was a privilege to visit the vessel this week, the next generation to honor our state after the @BattleshipNJ
2
9
45
Congratulations to @WdbgSchools and @WoodbridgeNJ on opening its first school, Oaktree Road Elementary School #29, in 49 years today. Good luck and have a successful school year!
0
11
45
The only way to strengthen our democracy is to make sure we can all participate in it, and that people have trust in the results and the process. Working together across the aisle, we accomplished just that with new laws @GovMurphy signed this week.
20
9
38
We made property tax relief a top priority in our budget and we delivered the largest property tax relief program in state history. The ANCHOR Program expanded eligibility to more families and increased the amounts of relief to new highs for homeowners and renters.
41
7
44
So grateful to the officers and first responders on the scene and the world-class professionals at RWJUH. Prayers for a full, fast recovery for the Detective who was wounded. We owe such a debt to those who put it on the line every day to keep us safe.
5
15
46
$20 million in CARES Act funding is being directed to @NJgov's major food banks/distributors, which means that fewer of our friends and neighbors will go hungry during this challenging time. Now is the time for us to come together and help one another get through this crisis.
4
14
41
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, especially this one! Our kids and grandkids are so lucky to have you.
4
0
45
Happy birthday to my loving wife @tishcoughlin! You are a wonderful mother to our children and every day spent with you is better than the last. Here’s to a terrific birthday today and many more to come.
4
0
43
Congratulations to @FerrellZabala on her first week in this new role! We are looking forward to continued work with you and the inspiring @MomsDemand and @Everytown leaders in New Jersey and across the country to stand up for gun safety.
0
10
37
As we pray for safety in Maine, I am profoundly troubled by the juxtaposition of defending NJ’s common sense gun safety laws from a court challenge yesterday and entire communities sheltering in place from a mass shooter six hours away today. Our actions—and laws—matter.
26
10
42
I love seeing stories about New Jerseyans finding creative ways to help their community members! This Pittstown church's pint-sized pantry is providing food to families in need, reminding us that even little things can have a big impact. #WednesdayThoughts
2
12
35
This is what an unbeatable location, a talented workforce, and diversified landscapes mixed in with great policy can achieve. Creating new jobs, this is a win for our local Jersey businesses and communities!. Keep up the good work, @NewJerseyEDA.
9
12
39
The economic recovery package @GovMurphy, @NJSenatePres & I have agreed upon will help underserved communities, attract high-growth businesses to NJ & provide support to small businesses. This will all be important as we work towards a stronger, more resilient post-COVID economy.
14
7
38
Countless New Jerseyans face food insecurity and many families are struggling to keep up with their bills. Helping more students rely on access to free school meals, @GovMurphy signing my Working Class Families' Anti-Hunger Act comes as great news for our children and families.
3
6
42
Another day serving the people of NJ with a remote voting session. Although I prefer working with my colleagues in-person, this is one way we can do our part right now to stay safe and help #FlattenTheCurve by social distancing.
2
6
39