With the pandemic’s grip on New Jersey going on six months long, the state’s municipalities and counties are facing revenue shortfalls and expense overruns because of it.

Lawmakers and Gov. Phil Murphy threw them what many are hoping will be a critical lifeline by enacting A-3971, which was signed Monday. The bill authorizes borrowing to cover such deficits and expenditures by issuing bonds and notes to maintain a seamless flow of essential government services and operations while weathering the crisis.