It's the Brian Lera Show on WNYC. Good morning, everyone. And thanks to Bridget and Tiffany and

Amina for filling in in recent days. My mom has been going through some health things that are

demanding more of my time to support her and my dad right now, and of course that has to be a

priority. So it's good to be back today, but I'll just tell you, my attendance is likely to be

inconsistent for a period of time going forward, just so you all know that. And thank you for understanding.

And, of course, my colleagues are fabulous hosts, so please be nice to them on any day that I'm out.

Thank you in advance for that.

So, okay, on to today.

Did you hear any of Mikey Sherrill's inaugural address as governor of New Jersey

yesterday? For one thing, she did not give it in the state capital Trenton, which she highlighted

with a reference to the Bible. And much like Noah's Ark provided safety for the righteous.

It is appropriate that today we are in Newark.

We are here today to create a New Haven,

a new ark to open the door for those who thirsts for liberty and prosperity. A new art.

For everyone who seeks to strengthen our democracy, strengthen our economy, and strengthen our families.

All right.

Now this transition from Phil Murphy to Mikeyrill is a big deal for New Jersey,

of course, but also nationally because of a few things. There was her day one state of emergency

executive orders on utility bills as part of the speech. These could succeed or fail as a national

model. Since rising utility bills are, as many of you know,

personally, an issue everywhere. We'll talk about that. There's also the state's relationship with the

Trump administration, of course. Did you hear Trump wants to buy Atlantic City? No, I'm kidding. That's a joke.

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