Richard J. Codey

08 Jul: Codey Statement On Fy 2007 Budget

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, released the following statement today regarding Senate approval of S-2007, a $30.8 billion budget plan for FY 2007:

“This budget is a blueprint for a sound fiscal future. In addition to Governor Corzine’s cuts, we’ve managed to include an additional half billion dollars in spending reductions, while keeping our priorities focused on those who need it most – seniors, working families, children and the medically underserved. Medicaid recipients will see their out-of-pocket costs reduced. Students struggling to better themselves through higher education will see state aid restored. Homeland security, cancer research, child advocacy programs – all will benefit from this extremely humane budget.

06 Jul: Codey Statement On Fy ‘O7 Budget Agreement

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, released the following statement today on the resolution of New Jersey’s ongoing budget impasse:

“Obviously the last few days have been very trying on everyone, but even more so for the citizens of this great state. Now is the time to get back to the business at hand, to focus on the other issues affecting our state, and to return to our normal daily lives. There is still a lot that remains to be done – a lot of I’s to dot and T’s to cross. But I’m pleased that this agreement, in my personal opinion, addresses everyone’s sincere concerns and earnest convictions.

06 Jul: Turner Reaction To The Budget Agreement

TRENTON – Senate President Pro Tempore Shirley K. Turner made the following statement following the announcement by Governor Corzine, Senate President Codey and Assembly Speaker Roberts that a general budget agreement had been reached:

“For the more than 100,000 New Jersey residents whose jobs were affected by the State government shutdown, today’s agreement couldn’t have come soon enough. It is a relief to all to know that by the end of the week, we will have resumed State services and gotten these hard working men and women back on the job, earning the money they need to support their families.

04 Jul: Codey Statement On Status Of Budget Negotiations

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey today released the following statement on the current status of budget negotiations:

“Today we are at the same place we’ve been for the last two weeks, as I predicted. No agreement has been reached that can pass both houses and be signed into law.

“I intend to be here each and every day working cooperatively with the Governor and the Assembly to find a solution. Keeping the citizens of this state in mind, I also urge the Governor and the Speaker to do everything humanly possible to sit down and find a way to compromise on an agreement. We need to find a way to end the disruption in everyone’s lives so our citizens can continue to enjoy this great state.”

26 Jun: Codey, Roberts Announce Plans For Special Session On Property Taxes

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., today announced plans for an unprecedented special legislative session that would work throughout the summer and fall with the goal of enacting property tax reforms by the end of this year.

The announcement lays out an unparalleled framework to bring about legislative measures and corresponding action aimed at reducing the property tax burdens of New Jersey residents. It would mark the first time in state history that the Legislature will create special bicameral committees tasked with looking at the property tax problem from all angles.

26 Jun: Codey Bill Seeking Voter Approval For Long-Term Stem Cell Research Funding Sails Through Committee, Heads For Floor Vote

TRENTON – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey authorizing the state to seek voter approval to fund $230 million in grants to support long-term stem cell research. Bill S-1091, co-sponsored by Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), now heads to the full Senate for approval.

“This legislation will provide New Jersey voters with an important opportunity to help shape our values as a state and a society,” said Sen. Codey. “These grants will enable New Jersey to attract some of the world’s best scientists, and their research could ultimately lead to new treatments and cures for life-threatening illnesses like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and spinal cord injuries. If we are going to play a realistic role in leading the way to some of these cures, then the time to act is now.”

22 Jun: Rice: New Jersey’s Legislative Black Caucus Must Fight For Our Youth And Seniors

TRENTON – The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus held a news conference today to highlight its agenda for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. The Caucus is comprised of 16 Black legislators, 5 of whom are Senators and 11 are Assembly members. Caucus Chairman Senator Ronald L. Rice addressed reporters in Committee Room 1 of the State House Annex.

” With so many young people dying from gang and drug-related violence, our most important goal for the year ahead of us is to make sure that we fight for our Youth and Seniors in particular . To accomplish this we will fight for the reform of the State’s Criminal Justice, Education and Healthcare systems and Senior Services,” said Senator Rice, D-Newark.

06 Jun: Codey and Roberts Announce Property Tax Special Session

Codey and Roberts Announce Property Tax Special Session

23 May: Codey Proposes Bill To Increase School District Accountability And Fiscal Responsibility

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, today announced that he has proposed a bill that will increase accountability at the local level by requiring school election ballots, and sample ballots, to include the percentage increase that school budgets would have on the school tax levy in comparison to the previous year.

“More often than not, public attention focuses on budget increases at the municipal, county or state level, with little attention focused on school board spending. This year’s elections showed us that voters are aware of their vested interest in local school board budgets, despite the overall low turnout statewide,” said Sen. Codey. “This bill will allow voters to see the direct impact that school board budgets have on their property taxes, and hopefully engage them in the voting process, and encourage more fiscal responsibility from our districts.”