By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Earlier today, First Spanish Baptist Church had a special guest for morning services: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
“It is an honor to be in this First Spanish Baptist Church,” said Murphy during brief remarks to the congregation. “I’m particularly honored to be here for Pastor [Neredia] Ortiz’s first anniversary.”
The governor took an opportunity to recognize other dignitaries in attendance: Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista and Assemblyman Bill Spearman from the 5th Legislative District.
“Mayor, it’s great to be with you. Thank you for everything you do leading this wonderful and extraordinary community,” said Governor Murphy. “I’m also joined by a very dear friend, a member of the General Assembly. He is an outstanding leader as is the mayor.”
Governor Murphy spoke to the congregation about the pandemic, and how COVID-19 has impacted the Pennsauken community.
“This church family and this community in Pennsauken has been hit hard. You have been hit from the beginning. I want to make sure you know that our thoughts and prayers and our work in government is standing alongside of you. We are your partner in faith and in public health,” said Murphy. “Either any of you, any friend, family, neighbor, coworker, is not yet vaccinated, please get vaccinated. This is right now a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
The governor highlighted some accomplishments that were particularly impactful to the Latino community, such as access to a driver’s license for everyone, as well as raising the minimum wage to $15.
“With the help of the legislature and great local leadership, we have accomplished a lot together over the last three and a half years,” said Murphy. “But there’s still more work to do. We have to finish the fight against COVID, make sure our economy recovers and importantly that we don’t just recover back to where we were. My job is to take this state to a place that we have never been to before.”
“Thank you to Governor Murphy for visiting Pennsauken today. It was nice to have your support for our community and the First Spanish Baptist Church,” said Mayor Marco DiBattista. “Thank you to Assemblyman Spearman for supporting us as well. Today was special day for our Township.”
