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Press Room

Kenny Doing Well After Surgery

NEW BRUNSWICK — Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr. today said he expects to be released from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital on Saturday following successful surgery for the removal of his prostate gland where cancer had been detected during a routine test.

“I had a very successful surgery and I hope to return to work in the very near future,” said Senator Kenny, D-Hudson. “I’ve been informed that my prognosis for a full recovery is excellent.”

Madden Measure To Allow Volunteer First Responders To Use Emergency Lights Is Now Law

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden that allows responders to place emergency lights in their cars when responding to emergencies has been signed into law by Governor Richard J. Codey.

“This bill helps ensure the safety of our critical volunteer firefighters and rescue squads,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “At the same time, it enables local residents and drivers to better recognize a vehicle heading to a fire or emergency site.”

Baer Resigns From Senate

TRENTON – Senator Byron M. Baer today announced he is resigning from the State Senate, effective this evening.

In a one-sentence letter addressed to Acting Governor Codey, Senator Baer stated, “I officially tender my resignation as State Senator, representing District 37 in the New Jersey Legislature, effective today, September 8, 2005, at 11:59 p.m.”

Key Senator Calls For State Probe Of Horizon

TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono today called for a State investigation of the business practices of Horizon Blue Cross-Blue Shield to determine whether the billion-dollar-plus capital reserve account of the nonprofit health services corporation is consistent with its charitable mission.

Citing its favorable state and federal tax treatment, Senator Buono said Horizons massive accumulation of reserve capital raises “grave concerns” that the nonprofit corporation departed from its mission to function “for the benefit of the community as a whole.”

Smith Landmark Diesel Reduction Measure Signed Into Law

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith which would regulate and reduce diesel emissions in New Jersey and vastly improve the State’s air quality was signed into law today by Governor Codey.

“Today is a great day for New Jersey’s environment, because we are reclaiming our air from some of the most harmful pollutants fouling our State’s skies today,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset, the Chairman of the Senate Environment Committee. “Research has shown a strong correlation between diesel emissions and a higher-than-normal incidence of respiratory disease, cardiac arrests and premature death. Without action, the future of breathable air in the Garden State was in question, but with the Governor’s signature, we’re looking ahead to safer and cleaner skies down the road.”

Sacco Pleased Codey Signs His Drug Testing Bill For Student Athletes

TRENTON – Senator Nicholas J. Sacco said he was pleased that Acting Governor Codey today signed his bill, S-500, to permit local school districts to give random drug tests to student athletes.

“This new law is important for school districts to have the tools to test athletes for steroids and other performance enhancing drugs,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen, a professional school district administrator.

Sarlo Bill Package To Crack Down On Illegal Pharmaceuticals Signed

TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by Senator Paul A. Sarlo which would crack down on illegal pharmaceutical drug dealers, strengthen regulations on current pharmaceutical wholesalers, and restrict access to common substances that can be used in the manufacture of meth, was signed into law today by Governor Codey.

“The pharmaceutical industry is the backbone of New Jersey’s economy, but time after time, we’ve seen instances where criminals have exploited the system for ill-gotten gains,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “These three new laws will provide very real penalties to very serious crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of New Jersey’s residents, by undermining the integrity and security of the drug industry. Through greater regulation on existing legitimate pharmaceutical distributors, we can also cut off the pipeline for illegal activity.”

Buono/Madden Bill To Establish State Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign Is Now Law

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono and Fred H. Madden to establish a State domestic violence public awareness campaign was signed into law today by Governor Richard J. Codey.

“Through education and awareness we can combat the specter of domestic violence in New Jersey and help women reduce its harmful aspect,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex. “We will empower women by teaching them the warning signs of being in a violent relationship and how to remove themselves from danger before they become victims of domestic violence. For those who are already victims, we will show them how to seek counseling and find a safe, healthy place to live so that they can begin the healing process.”

Buono/Madden Ban On Smoking In University Dorms Signed Into Law

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono and Fred H. Madden that would require students at New Jerseys colleges and universities to go outside to light up their cigarettes was signed into law today by Governor Richard J. Codey.

“College students will be able to breathe easier this fall, both from the cleaner air in their rooms and the knowledge that one more safety hazard has been reduced,” said Senator Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex. “Students at our public colleges and universities should realize that while they have the right to choose to smoke and chance the risks that come along with it, they don’t have the right to make those choices for their neighbors. This law will drastically reducing the chance of a dorm fire and diminish exposure to second-hand smoke.”

Senate Environment Panel To Discuss Trio Of Smith Bills Thursday

TRENTON – The Senate Environment Committee hosted a vigorous debate today at their meeting to receive testimony on a set of three bills sponsored by Senator Bob Smith that would strengthen recycling in New Jersey

“We need to take action quickly to better promote recycling in New Jersey so that we can slow down the rate at which our landfills are used,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “By increasing the rate of recycling across the state, not only do we reduce the amount of natural resources consumed through manufacturing, but we also reduce the amount of hazardous and non-biodegradable materials entering our landfills.”

Rice Statement On Appellate Court Decision On AC Needle Exchange

NEWARK – Senator Ronald L. Rice, D-Essex and a leading opponent of efforts to skirt state laws through municipally funded needle exchange programs, made the following statement after the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court decided that Atlantic City’s 2004 ordinance creating a municipal needle exchange program violated state laws:

“The decision delivered today is a good decision and I agree with the opinion as written by Judge Skillman. And while it doesn’t speak directly toward the lawsuit Senator Tom Kean, Jr. and I have against last year’s executive order allowing these programs, I believe it shows my argument before the court was right.

Vitale: Needle Law Needed Now More Than Ever

TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale, sponsor of a bill to legalize clean needle exchange programs, today said a State appeals court ruling blocking one in Atlantic City, heightens the need for his bill’s enactment.

“The longer we delay, the more lives we lose to dirty needles,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “Our action in the Legislature will overcome this judicial blockade.”

Sweeney/Madden ‘GPS’ Bill Is Now Law

WOODBURY – A measure sponsored by Senators Stephen M. Sweeney and Fred H. Madden that would create a two year pilot program for the satellite-based tracking of sex offenders and appropriate $3 million to fund the program was signed into law today by Governor Richard J. Codey at the Gloucester County Criminal Justice Complex in Woodbury.

“In an emergency situation, a GPS tracking device can serve as a preventative tool to alert police, so they can step in and rescue the children before they are assaulted,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem. “According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 44% percent of rape victims are under the age of 18. The system was failing our children, and that’s why Senator Madden and I had to sponsor this measure – for the kids of New Jersey. Our children are too important not to take every precaution to keep them safe from these dangerous predators.”

Vitale Statement On Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Hearing

TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, issued the following statement regarding a committee hearing today on S-2760, a bill which revises guidelines for involuntary commitment for the mentally ill into outpatient treatment programs:

“Today, we heard good testimony on both sides of the issue of involuntary commitment and our State’s response to mental illness. It is evident that there is a deep commitment from both proponents and opponents of involuntary outpatient commitment to the welfare of those suffering from mental disorders.

Rice Calls For Swift Action On Abandoned SCC Projects

NEWARK – Senator Ronald L. Rice outlined today several initiatives he is exploring in order to complete the clearing of properties purchased in anticipation of new school construction but now left abandoned after the School Construction Corporation’s (SCC) decision to cancel many of the projects planned for the Abbott districts.

“Yesterday, Assemblyman Craig Stanley and I toured Dewey Street in Newark, one of the neighbors most affected by the SCC decision,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex and Chair of the Joint Committee on the Public Schools. “What was once a vibrant neighborhood is now a virtual ghost town, as a majority of the homes are now boarded up after being purchased by the SCC in anticipation of building a new high school.”