New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly used nearly $12,000 of taxpayer money to fund food and beverages at MetLife Stadium, where he attended several sporting events and concerts, including Taylor Swift’s “Reputation Tour” in 2018.
He also allegedly used the taxpayer-funded expense account to purchase gold cufflinks and “Traditional Pen Battle Sites,” according to records obtained by Politico.
In a statement to the Post, a spokesperson for the governor’s office said Murphy had “every expectation” that the Democratic State Committee would foot the bill for food and beverages at MetLife Stadium, including $90 for bottles of Aquafina water and $45 for extra guacamole at a Jets-Cowboys game in October 2019, because it “traditionally covers these costs.”
“Once it became clear that there were outstanding invoices that had not been paid, the state stepped up to meet this responsibility,” Jennifer Sciortino said, noting that “the $12,000 in question occurred during a time of personnel transition for the state party.”
It’s unclear what gubernatorial business Murphy, who took office in 2018, may have had on the “Reputation Tour” or at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in June 2019, which featured Cardi B and Meek Mill.
It is also unclear who may have been with the governor at the time.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy allegedly used nearly $12,000 in taxpayer funds on food and drink at MetLife Stadium.REUTERS
But Sciortino said the governor’s office is “seeking reimbursement from the state party for costs incurred at MetLife Stadium.”
Phil Swibinski, a spokesman for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, also told Politico: “We are investigating this matter to determine if any additional action is necessary at this time.”
He noted, however, that the committee “had no knowledge” of the invoices because they came before the current party leadership.
The Post contacted the state Democratic Party for more information.
Among the expenses Murphy allegedly incurred were $90 for bottles of Aquafina water and $45 for extra guacamole at a Jets vs. Cowboys in October 2019.REUTERS
But Sciortino insisted to Politico that all other expenses Murphy used to pay the bill were permitted by state law, which dictates that the $95,000-a-year fund must be used only for “official receptions, official residence and other official expenses.” “
It should not be used for “personal expenses” and “cannot supplement [the] governor’s annual salary of $175,000.”
Records show that in August 2021, Murphy spent just over $3,000 on catering staff who were sent to his personal residence in Monmouth County.
How much did Murphy spend on MetLife events?
- $936 for refreshments at Taylor Swift’s July 2018 concert
- $2,095 on the United States-Brazil soccer game in September 2018
- $1,413 on Hot 97’s Summer Jam in June 2019
- $2,856 in the soccer match between the United States and Mexico in September 2019
- $2,479 on Jets vs. October 2019 Cowboys
The invoices do not show who Murphy was meeting with or what event was taking place at his multimillion-dollar home, according to Politico, but there was also a $1,620 valet parking bill for an event that same day.
“Governor Murphy, like others before him, has decided to forego living in the Governor’s Mansion,” Sciortino told Politico, referring to the official state residence called Drumthwacket.
“He occasionally hosts official state business at his residence, such as dinners with legislative leaders, which are catered by Drumthwacket’s chef, occasionally with the help of outside caterers if the event is larger.”
The governor’s office says they are trying to get the state Democratic Party to reimburse the costs.AP
In May 2018, the governor’s office also spent $253 at the New Jersey State Museum store, doling out $108 for two pairs of “gold cufflinks with seal of the state of New Jersey” and $145 for five “Heirloom Pen Battle Sites” pens ”.
For both purchases, Murphy received a 10% discount for state employees.
Other invoices obtained by Politico show the governor spent more than $3,000 on 30 personalized license plates from an art studio, as well as $2,300 on 184 custom New Jersey-themed coasters, which Sciortino said were part of an “official giveaway” contest. of the state” publicly announced for New Jersey Artists.
Another $900 purchase was made from the account for 50 copies of an art book about Jersey Shore paintings.
Sciortino said the cufflinks, pens, plates, coasters and art books were all “official gifts” for “customary purposes,” which would be permitted under state law.
Murphy also allegedly spent $253 at the New Jersey State Museum store shortly after taking office.
“Foreign governors and dignitaries, such as heads of state, ambassadors and consuls general, traditionally gift each other official state gifts,” he said, noting that the aforementioned items were “purchased at the very beginning of the administration.
“The finished items, along with the book ‘Jersey Shore Impressionists,’ were eventually purchased as official gifts for meetings with dignitaries.”
Despite these expenses, records show that Murphy did not deplete the account each year.
More than $25,000 went unused between 2019 and 2022, Politico reports, and was returned to the state budget.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn