Cunningham to Move Up to Vice Chair
TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today announced the appointment of Senator Fred H. Madden, Jr. (D-Camden, Gloucester) as the new Chair of the Senate Labor Committee to fill the vacancy that will be left when Senator Paul A. Sarlo becomes Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Codey also announced that Senator Sandra B. Cunningham (D-Hudson) will assume the role of Vice Chair of the Labor Committee, the post presently filled by Madden.
“Senator Madden is a natural fit to helm the Senate Labor Committee,” said Sen. Codey. “Clearly he has the experience, having already served as Vice Chair. He also has a demonstrated commitment to laws that protect workers’ rights and foster job growth, the bedrock of a healthy workforce.”
“I’d like to thank Senator Codey for selecting me to Chair the Senate Labor Committee,” said Senator Madden, who has served in the Senate since 2004. “The continued growth and expansion of business and labor here in New Jersey are of great importance, especially in these tough fiscal times. I am eager to continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft policies aimed at strengthening our workforce and allowing other states to look to us as an example of positive partnerships between the state and its business and labor communities.”
“Senator Cunningham has been an integral part of the Labor Committee since joining the Senate last year,” said Sen. Codey. “She has been a strong advocate for fair and progressive labor laws and will serve the committee proudly as its new Vice Chair.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Madden in our new leadership roles on the Senate Labor Committee,” said Senator Cunningham, D-Hudson, who has served on the Senate Labor panel since she was first elected to the Legislature in 2007. “Labor and business development are of paramount importance to our state right now and I am ready to continue working with my colleagues to serve the hard-working people of New Jersey.”
The new committee posts will take effect when Senator John Adler leaves to join Congress, paving the way for Senator Sarlo to become Judiciary Committee Chair and putting in motion the changes announced today. Senator Sarlo will continue to serve as a member of the Labor Committee.
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