Shirley K. Turner

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner that would clarify current law concerning the use of epi-pens, used to administer Epinephrine in emergency situations was unanimously approved today by the Senate Education Committee.

“In an emergency situation, every second counts, which is why students should be allowed to self administer epi-pens as needed,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer, who serves as Chair of the Senate Education panel. “Of course, proper training is necessary for these students, but the few seconds between the initial stages of an allergic reaction and the school nurse’s arrival could mean the difference between life and death for a student and that is not a chance I am willing to take.”

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, today released the following statement regarding the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee’s hearing with the Judiciary:

“It’s time for the State to improve its child support system. New Jersey is one of only 13 states in the entire nation that does not charge interest or impose additional fees on parents who are delinquent in their child support payments.

TRENTON – The Senate Environment Committee approved a resolution sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner that would request that Rutgers University assist the “Flood Mitigation Task Force” in determining the causes and potential solutions to flooding in New Jersey.

“Floods are one of the few natural disasters that New Jersey has had to face on a regular basis,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “Fortunately, with advanced planning and constant maintenance of our dams and waterways, we can reduce the frequency and severity of floods.”

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, made the following statement after the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee held hearings on the higher education portions of the proposed FY07 Budget:

“New Jersey will honestly be worse off if these draconian cuts in support for higher education are accepted. It will be our young people who suffer the most as tuitions go up, programs get cut and opportunities to compete with the global economy diminish.

TRENTON – During today’s Senate Budget hearings, Senate President Pro Tempore Shirley K. Turner urged Attorney General Zulima Farber to focus more of her office’s resources on combating the increasing blight of gangs upon our cities and urban areas.

“Gangs are an ever-increasing threat to the safety and well-being of all of New Jersey’s communities, but it has especially hit our urban areas hard,” said Senator Turner. “The Attorney General needs to be a statewide leader in fighting the threat that gangs pose to innocent, law-abiding citizens. I will endeavor to make sure the priorities in this year’s budget reflect that need.”

TRENTON – Senate President Pro Tempore Shirley K. Turner today urged state officials to reduce the number of out-of-state placements for children being provided treatment, so that more children could benefit from being closer to their families.

“We’re spending millions of dollars on a treatment system that separates far too many families. It’s just common sense that we want these kids as close to home as possible,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “These out-of-state placements go against the best interests of the child, their family and the State. More in-state placements will allow families and caseworkers to regularly visit their children, helping to ensure the treatment proceeds quickly and more effectively. They will also save the state considerable money. “

TRENTON – Senate Education Committee Chair Shirley K. Turner made the following statement today supporting the efforts of New Jersey college students to see proposed funding cuts for higher education restored in the FY07 budget:

“It’s nearly impossible to find a reason that would justify these cuts. In the end they would simply become an unacceptable tax on students and their families.