CODEY HAILS DECLINE IN TEEN DRIVING FATALITIES

Senate President Foresees Future Declines as New Laws Go Into Effect

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today welcomed the news that the number of teens killed in New Jersey by automobile accidents has declined for the third straight year. While finding the news encouraging, Sen. Codey also urged the need for increased vigilance and education and expressed optimism that a new set of laws enacted in the Spring will help contribute to future declines.

“This news is particularly comforting given the fact that we live in the most densely populated state in an era of constant distractions,” said Sen. Codey. “As a parent, I know how hard it is to go to sleep at night, knowing your teen is out there on the road. In every parent’s eyes, one death is one too many. The only way we can help avoid these tragedies is to make sure that inexperienced drivers have greater supervision and less distractions while they’re still learning the ropes. We’ve made great strides to achieve this and I’m hopeful that the new laws we passed this year will further contribute to this decline in the future.”

As a prime sponsor of legislation that would authorize Gold Star plates, I welcome the Star-Ledger's call to stop stalling and start honoring the parents of our fallen service men and women. These license plates will allow parents to express both their grief at heartbreaking losses and pride in the courage and honor of their sons and daughters.

The Senate Republican caucus announced today that they have unanimously voted to keep their strong leadership team in place for the next year. In addition, the senators also unanimously agreed to cast their votes for Senator Kean as the next Senate president.

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today released the following statement on the announcement by Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts that he will not seek re-election after 22 years serving in the General Assembly:

            “Joe Roberts leadership and commitment will be sorely missed in Trenton.  He has been one of the most steadfast and dedicated public servants that Trenton has seen in nearly a quarter of a century.

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today asked the members of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation to consider extending the federal government’s successful “Cash for Clunkers” program to active duty military personnel who were deployed during the duration of the program and unable to take advantage of its benefits.

“This program was incredibly popular, more so than I think anyone ever anticipated,” said Sen. Codey. “So I think it’s only fair that our men and women overseas, the ones who give of themselves day in and day out for their country, should at least be given the opportunity to take advantage of this program when they return.”

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today released the following statement on the U.S. Justice Department’s report on Ancora Psychiatric Hospital:

“Without a doubt, this is a very sobering report. It certainly underscores the need to move swiftly to pass several bills that we have pending before the legislature that would dramatically improve employee training, education and hiring standards at state psychiatric hospitals.

CODEY STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF FY 2010 BUDGET

TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the $29 billion FY 2010 Appropriations Act:

“What we have accomplished here in New Jersey is nothing short of a minor miracle when you consider the drastic actions other states have been forced to take.

LEGISLATURE APPROVES CODEY BILL TO CLOSE THE GAP IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

New Program Would Help Get Treatment for Those Most Overlooked and in Need

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that would create an Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC) program in the State of New Jersey, bringing much-needed mental health assistance to a portion of the population that often gets overlooked. With the Assembly also approving the bill today, it now heads to the Governor for his signature.

“Our goal is to minimize time in the hospital and keep patients in the least restrictive environment that will help foster their recovery. Without the option of outpatient commitment, those that go untreated are likely to pose a serious danger to themselves or others,” added Sen. Codey. “At the very least, they will be utilizing other state resources such as the hospital or jail, which end up costing taxpayers far more money. With our mental health infrastructure ranking fourth in the nation, it makes far more sense to try and get patients the treatment they need in an outpatient setting.”

CODEY BILL ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY AT STATE PSYCHHOSPITALS HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that is designed to protect patient safety at state psychiatric hospitals by enhancing accountability and promoting transparency. Senate bill S2494, which now heads to the Governor’s desk, would require the state Department of Human Services (DHS) to report the number of physical assaults and deaths that occur at state psychiatric hospitals.

“These hospitals are home to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “We need to ensure that they are in the care of staff that are appropriately trained and focused on their best interests. Enhancing accountability is one way to achieve that.”

           TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today welcomed news of an unanticipated windfall from the state’s tax amnesty program, vowing to keep the priority focused on relief for taxpayers as the Senate zeros in on passing the budget next Thursday.