News & Releases

14 Jan: Girgenti Is Anxious To Return As Chair Of Senate Law And Public Safety And Veterans Affairs Committee

TRENTON ? Senator John A. Girgenti today said that he is anxious to return to work as the Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety & Veterans Affairs Committee, after his reappointment to the position by Senate President Richard J. Codey.

?Since joining the Senate, I have worked tirelessly to protect the citizens of this State,? said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. ?I?ve used my position as an elected official to sponsor many important pieces of legislation that have become law, including a measure that requires monitoring for life of certain convicted sexual offenders who have a high potential for recidivism.?

14 Jan: Codey Bills To Crack Down On Internet Sexual Predators Signed Into Law

TRENTON – Two bills sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex which will crack down on Internet predators and increase safety precautions on the World Wide Web were signed into law over the weekend by Governor Corzine.

“There’s no question that the home computer has changed so many aspects of our daily lives,” said Senate President Codey. “What many computer users don’t know, however, is that danger can be just a mouse-click away, in the form of a sexual predator seeking to ensnare their his or her victim. Now, in New Jersey we have much stronger protections against being lured by a predator – and much stronger penalties against those who would use the Internet to further their own sick agendas.”

14 Jan: Turner Package Of Driver’s License Suspension Reforms Signed Into Law

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner welcomed the Governor’s signature yesterday of her package of bills that will implement several of the recommendations of the Motor Vehicle Affordability and Fairness Task Force aimed at making it easier for individuals with driver’s license suspensions to get their driving privileges reinstated.

“In New Jersey, driving is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “For many New Jerseyans, the loss of their driver’s license can equate with the loss of their job and their ability to support their families.”

14 Jan: Pair Of Turner Anti-Gang Violence Measures Now Law

TRENTON – Governor Corzine signed a pair of bills into law yesterday sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner which will combat street gangs in New Jersey by cracking down on the number of “straw” purchases of handguns and ammunition.

“The people who make straw purchases are just as responsible for gun crime as the gang members who pull the trigger,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “Now the law will reflect the realities we face in ridding our streets of the scourge of gang violence by cracking down on those who purchase handguns and ammo for criminals.”

11 Jan: Vitale Tapped To Chair Senate Health Committee In New Session

TRENTON – Today, Senate President Richard J. Codey announced that State Senator Joseph F. Vitale will continue to serve as Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee in the new legislative session, a post he has held since Senate Democrats achieved a majority in 2003.

“I’m honored to once again have the opportunity to lead the Committee as we take on the big issues in providing adequate and affordable health care in New Jersey, and ensuring quality state programs for the elderly, disabled and at-risk children,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, who also served as co-Chair of the Health Committee in the 01-02 Legislative Session with then-Senator John Matheussen, R-Gloucester and Camden.

11 Jan: Senator Gill Named To Chair Senate Commerce Panel

TRENTON – Senator Nia H. Gill, who was named Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee by Senate President Richard J. Codey, today pledged to focus her panel’s attention on encouraging the entry to New Jersey of cutting edge bio-tech industries and ensuring the health of small businesses.

“As Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, I look forward to our continued role in the successful transformation of New Jersey from a manufacturing community to an economic engine for the cutting edge bio-tech industry,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic.

11 Jan: Buono Likes Choice Of Rousseau For Treasurer

TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono, Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, today said she believes R. David Rousseau will make an “excellent State Treasurer because of his experience, his intelligence and his communications skills.

“Dave is well grounded in all matters related to the State Budget process,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex. “He understands the relationship between the executive and legislative branches and how we get to the final product.”

10 Jan: Codey Announces Senate Democratic Committee Chairs & Assignments

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today announced the roster of Senate Democratic members that will head up the Senate’s legislative committees for the 213th legislative session.

“These committee assignments reflect the expertise and diversity of our Democratic membership,” said Sen. Codey. “Our members are uniquely qualified for their respective assignments and they understand that their actions have the potential to affect every New Jerseyan. I have every confidence in their commitment to ensuring that legislation receives a full and proper vetting before it has the chance to become law.”

10 Jan: Buono Named Chair Of Senate Budget And Appropriations Panel

TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, will be Chair of the powerful Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee, Senate President Richard J. Codey announced today.

“Senator Buono has the leadership skills and the fiscal abilities needed for this difficult assignment,” said Senator Codey. “I also have confidence that she will be able to resolve any conflicts that may arise throughout the budget process.”

10 Jan: Lesniak Named Chairman Of Senate Economic Growth Panel

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak has been named Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee for the new Senate session by Senate President Richard J. Codey.

“Ray Lesniak’s insights on growth issues for New Jersey are invaluable,” said Senator Codey. “Ray’s leadership abilities are augmented by his experience in helping to revitalize Elizabeth and his skills as a gifted communicator.”