Richard J. Codey

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, today continued his pledge to advance New Jersey’s stem cell research agenda by introducing legislation allocating $150 million in unused bond capacity for construction of a world-class stem cell research facility.

“Every moment we delay funding New Jersey’s Stem Cell Institute will cost us, both in lives lost and economic potential unrealized. New research shows stem cells may be the key to fighting cancer. In New Jersey, alone, think about how many lives could be saved by these therapies, and how much suffering could be eased,” said Sen. Codey. “This new facility will provide patients throughout our state with easy access to the most cutting-edge treatments and best possible care. I look forward to working with Governor Corzine, Speaker Roberts and stem cell supporters like Assemblyman Neil Cohen, to move this initiative forward.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, which creates a stronger statewide ban on the use of hand-held electronic devices by motorists, passed the full Senate today by a vote of 34 to 0. Bill S-1099 will help crack down on dangerous driving habits by making driving while using a hand-held electronic device, such as a cell phone, a primary offense rather than a secondary offense as it currently stands.

“Cell phones have become a sign of the times in today’s fast-paced world. But there’s a time and a place for everything,” said Sen. Codey. ” Drivers already have enough distractions. Nine times out of ten, if someone cuts me off on the road, they are usually on their cell phone, not paying careful attention to the road. When you’re driving down the Turnpike at 65 mph, adding a cell phone to the mix is not only inappropriate, it’s downright dangerous.”

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey is continuing his push in the new legislative session for a stronger statewide ban on the use of hand-held electronic devices by motorists in an effort to crack down on dangerous driving habits. Bill S-1099, which Sen. Codey re-introduced two weeks ago, was passed out of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veteran’s Affairs Committee by a vote of 3 to 0 today. The committee agreed to one amendment – rather than going into effect immediately, the ban would go into effect on the first day of the fourth month after the law is signed in order to allow more time for public education.

“Cell phones have become a sign of the times in today’s fast-paced world. To most of us they represent convenience,” said Sen. Codey. “But there’s a time and a place for everything. Drivers already have enough distractions. When you’re driving down the Turnpike at 65 mph, adding a cell phone to the mix is not only inappropriate, it’s downright dangerous.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey, which would require health care professionals to provide information and screening for postpartum depression (PPD), was passed out of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today, by a vote of 8 to 0.

“Postpartum depression is not something that any woman should have to handle alone,” said Senator Codey, D-Essex. “By requiring health professionals to screen women for PPD, we can ensure that women get the support they need to achieve a full recovery and enjoy new motherhood.”