TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, made the following statement today following Acting Governor Richard Codey’s first State of the State address:
“Governor Codey today laid out an agenda that not only serves its citizens better but also seeks to regain the public trust.
I am particularly eager to work with Governor Codey on his proposals to make our schools safer from the threats of terrorism. The events in Chechnya this past September served as a grim reminder to the untold dangers that can befall a school and its students anywhere around the world. It is clear we need to act now in order to minimize the vulnerability of our schools.
“I have long been an advocate for providing our students with the safest learning environment possible. From being tougher on school bullies to encouraging educational facilities that serve as polling locations to close on election day, I have fought for initiatives that help parents feel their children are safe during the school day.
“Governor Codey has outlined six initiatives that will no just make our schools safe from the threats we know of today, but prepare them to adapt to the dangers that the future may bring and always be on the cutting edge of school security.
“I am also eager to continue my work with Governor Codey to make New Jersey a national leader in stem cell research. As the cosponsor of the original legislation that created the Stem Cell Research Institute, I am delighted to see that the State is ready to strengthen its commitment to this potentially lifesaving research and remain competitive in retaining the high-quality jobs this field will bring to New Jersey.
“I look forward to working with the Governor over the next year to make this vision a reality.”