TRENTON – Senator John H. Adler, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made the following comments concerning the nomination of Zulima Farber to be the next State Attorney General. The committee must consider the nomination prior to a full Senate confirmation vote.
“I am confident that the (Senate Judiciary) Committee will engage in a full examination of Zulima Farber’s credentials, based on her education and her professional and public life experiences.
TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, issued the following statement regarding Governor Codey’s State of the State Address:
“In his tenure, Governor Codey made helping the less fortunate a cornerstone of his agenda. Whether it was providing access to quality health insurance, under the State’s FamilyCare plan, for those who couldn’t afford it, or standing up for those suffering from the stigma and realities of mental illness, or providing a realistic minimum wage that workers in this State can live by, he has been a hero for the disadvantaged and our most vulnerable.
TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex and Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, made the following statement today as Governor Richard J. Codey delivered his final State of the State Address:
“Today is an especially poignant day for everyone in the Legislature and around the State to reflect upon the challenges and accomplishments of the past year.
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 John A. Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic, and Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, issued the following statement regarding Governor Codey’s State of the State Address today:
“Both Democrats and Republicans alike can be proud of Governor Codey’s impressive record of accomplishments. During one of New Jersey’s darkest hours, Governor Codey proved that better days are ahead for our State.
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 – Democrats will continue to lead the New Jersey Senate as Senate President Richard J. Codey was sworn in for a 2-year term at the start of the 212th Session of the New Jersey Legislature.
Codey, who will step down as Governor next week when Democrat Jon Corzine is sworn on Tuesday, January 17th, later delivered a State of the State message to a joint session of the Legislature.
TRENTON – Senator Ronald L. Rice, D-Essex, issued the following statement regarding Governor Codey’s State of the State Address today:
“As Chairman of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, I’d like to thank Governor Codey for his leadership over the last 14 months. It has not been easy but I appreciate Governor Codey’s support on the important issues such as: the AIDS Drug Distribution Program funding, rental assistance funding and the creation of the Gangland Security Task Force.
TRENTON – Senator Ronald L. Rice, D-Essex, who serves as Chairman of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus released the following statement today regarding the reorganization of the Legislature as it relates to the Caucus:
“I’d like to thank the membership of the Legislative Black Caucus for electing me to a second term as Chairman. I appreciate their continued support and belief in my leadership to carry the Caucus through another term, and the opportunity to complete the unfinished business based on the agenda we laid out in my first term as Chair. By acclamation, the membership of the Legislative Black Caucus has re-elected the following members to serve as our leadership : Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, and Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Plainfield, Vice-Chairs; Assemblyman Herbert Conaway, D-Delran, Treasurer; Assemblyman Alfred E. Steele, D-Paterson, Chaplain; Assemblymen Gordon M. Johnson, D- Englewood and William D. Payne, D-Newark. We also voted to appoint Assemblyman Craig Stanley, D-Irvington, as the Caucus’ Secretary.
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 – Senator Fred H. Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester, released the following statement today regarding Governor Codey’s 2006 State of the State address:
“The past 14 months have been a perfect example of all that can be accomplished when a committed Governor and legislative body are able to work together to accomplish their goals.
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would simplify the State’s rules regarding striped bass fishing was approved today by the Assembly, by a vote of 76-2, receiving final legislative approval.
“New Jersey’s reputation for recreational fishing is outstanding, and with this bill, we will be able to preserve our fisheries while removing any confusion so fishermen can follow the intent of the law,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “With the original size limits on striped bass, we were trying to conserve our natural resources, not burden recreational fishermen with needless red tape. This bill simplifies the size standards while protecting our natural resources.”
TRENTON – Senator Nia H. Gill, D-Essex and Passaic, made the following statement today following the final passage of bill S-2083, which would give domestic partners funeral and inheritance rights, and S-2167, which would permit public entities that do not participate in the State Health Benefits Plan to offer health benefits to the domestic partners of employees:
“We are constantly working to make our domestic partnership law stronger and provide to same-sex couples with rights that are equal to those of married couples. We are still a long way away from having true equality, but each year we are striving to bridge the gap.
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith which would apply greater scrutiny and Statewide registration to charities raising funds in New Jersey was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0, receiving final legislative approval.
“In times of crisis, Americans pull together and seek to help their fellow citizens,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex. “We saw it after the September 11th attacks, and we saw it most recently after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What this bill seeks to do is to assure contributors that their charity dollars are going to the intended cause, and not in the pocket of a con-artist.”
TRENTON – Senator John H. Adler, D-Cherry Hill, made the following statement today following the final passage of bill S-2083, which would give domestic partners funeral and inheritence rights, and S-2167, which would permit public entities that do not participate in the State Health Benefits Plan to offer health benefits to the domestic partners of employees:
“New Jersey has been at the forefront when it comes to recognizing and protecting the rights of families. Today we continue that work by expanding the rights provided by domestic partnerships.