TRENTON – Senator Joseph V. Doria Jr. today said he was “very encouraged” by the appeal for bipartisanship and cooperation expressed today in the remarks delivered by Governor Jon Corzine at his Inauguration.
“It was good that Governor Corzine recognized that the problems we face with the budget, health care funding and fixing children’s services are far too serious to be bogged down in partisan politics,” said Senator Doria, D-Hudson.
TRENTON – Senator John A. Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic, and Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement today regarding the swearing-in of New Jersey’s 54th governor, Jon S. Corzine:
“Our state faces problems that are not partisan, and therefore we must arrive at bi-partisan solutions. I am hopeful that this will be a new beginning in New Jersey and that the era of accountability ushered in by Governor Codey will continue under Governor Corzine.”
WEST ORANGE – Senator John H. Adler, a prime sponsor of S-1926/A-3424, made the following comments about the landmark legislation which was signed into law today by Governor Richard J. Codey.
“This is the most important bill I will ever sponsor. It will save thousands of lives every year.
“When the smoke clears over this bill, people will know their children are breathing healthier air.
WEST ORANGE – Senator Loretta Weinberg, a sponsor of the new Smoke-Free Air Act, issued the following comments in conjunction with its enactment today by Governor Richard J. Codey who signed S-1926/A-3424:
“This (day) has been a long time in coming and we advocates for the smoking ban, as well as all residents in New Jersey, owe a great deal of gratitude to Governor Codey for getting it done.
WOOD-RIDGE – A measure sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo to require children who wear prescription eyeglasses while participating in sports activities to wear protective eyewear has been signed into law by Governor Richard J. Codey.
“This law is necessary because the use of protective eyewear can mean the difference between a successful athletic career and permanent blindness,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “Assistance grants are being provided to help cover the cost of the glasses for kids who want to participate, but cannot afford the glasses. Every kid who wants to play should be able to.”
TRENTON – Senator Joseph V. Doria, D-Hudson, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding Governor Codey’s State of the State Address today:
“Governor Codey, in his State of the State, showed the same straight-talk and forwardness that has so-endeared the people of New Jersey to him. He has served in a tumultuous time for the State of New Jersey, and he brought dignity and grace to his office. For all the praise that he received, he has earned every bit of it.
TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, who was today reelected to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore, made the following statement after Governor Richard J. Codey’s final State of the State Address:
“Governor Codey reminded us today of the progress that New Jersey has made over the last year in creating a state that protects the interests of all residents and looks to leave no person behind.
TRENTON – Senator Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem, released the following statement regarding Governor Codey’s State of the State address:
“This year has been a progressive and exciting one for our State. I think Governor Codey took over the reigns of a state yearning for leadership. He worked very hard with the Legislature to pass meaningful laws that made a difference in the lives of the people of New Jersey, many of which he outlined in his speech. I and the other members of the Senate thank him today.”
TRENTON – Senate President Pro Tempore Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, made the following statement today in anticipation of final legislative approval by the Assembly of S-709, her bill that would place a moratorium on the use of the death penalty while a Study Commission investigates its use by the State:
“Today is a day that has been years in the making. While it would have been better had the Death Penalty Study Commission begun its work two years ago when the Legislature passed this bill for the first time, the addition of a moratorium has ultimately made this measure stronger.
TRENTON – The Senate gave unanimous approval to legislation today sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner that would prohibit telemarketers from using technology to disguise their identity.
“New Jersey has been a national leader in empowering residents with ‘Do Not Call’ legislation,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “The telemarketing industry has responded to the law by developing caller ID spoofing equipment that circumvents provisions that make it illegal to deceive residents by blocking caller ID boxes. This practice violates the spirit of the law and now it will violate the letter of the law.”