Codey

 CODEY STATEMENT ON STATE OF STATE ADDRESS

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today issued the following statement on Governor Jon Corzine’s 2009 State of the State Address:

            “Governor Corzine did a superb job of conveying the stark reality of our situation without creating an atmosphere of doom and gloom.  During times of crises, it’s easy to forget the good that has been accomplished – enacting paid family leave, helping our most vulnerable find housing and insurance, tackling global warming.  The Governor wisely chose to paint the glass as half full.

The so-called "throwout rule" hurt every business in the state and kept many businesses from locating here. The tax should have been repealed years ago. It certainly can't be tolerated during an economic downturn.

CODEY STATEMENT ON LATEST REVENUE NUMBERS

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today released the following statement on the latest report for the month of November indicating revenues were $200 million below projections:

           “These numbers are both depressing and sobering, particularly at this time of year.   They confirm the fears we already had and remind us that we are still in the throes of a severe economic downturn.  This just shows us that the road ahead is a steep one for New Jersey and its residents, one that will undoubtedly be marked by difficult choices and the need for heightened cooperation.”

# # #

SENATE PANEL APPROVES CODEY BILL TO PROVIDE RECESSION CUSHION FOR LOCAL GOVTS

Bill Aims to Limit Tax Hikes at Local Level In Light of Deflated Revenues 

            TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that would give local governments a temporary cushion to help avert tax hikes during the current economic crisis was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today. 

           “Many local governments are looking down the barrel of a loaded gun right now because revenues have declined so drastically,” said Sen. Codey.  “Until we can come up with other solutions or procure additional federal aid, this will help provide immediate assistance to towns and counties.”

CODEY APPOINTS WEINBERG TO FILL VACANCY ON SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today announced the appointment of Senator Loretta Weinberg to the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Senator Weinberg will fill the vacancy that will be created when Senator John H. Adler (D-Cherry Hill) leaves to join Congress and current committee member Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-Bergen, Passaic, Essex) ascends to Senator Adler’s position as Judiciary Committee Chair.

CODEY APPOINTS SARLO

TO CHAIR JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today announced the appointment of Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-Bergen, Passaic, Essex) as the new Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to fill the vacancy that will be left when Senator John H.Adler (D-Cherry Hill) leaves to join Congress.

SENATE GREENLIGHTS CODEY, RUIZ BILL TIGHTENING TEEN DRIVER LAWS

            TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator Teresa Ruiz that would provide greater protections for teen drivers by tightening restrictions on the number of people permitted in the car and cutting back on the hours that they can be on the road.  Bill S16 is based on recommendations from New Jersey’s Teen Driver Study Commission.

CODEY BILL TO SPUR BUSINESS RETENTION, JOB GROWTH APPROVED BY SENATE

            TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that would serve as an economic engine by creating a more business-friendly environment in New Jersey and spurring job growth was approved by the full Senate today by a vote of 39 to 0.  Senate Bill S3/S1874, which was substituted by identical Assembly bill A2722, is one of many bills being voted on today that are part of the Governor’s economic stimulus plan aimed at responding to the current state and national economic crisis.

CODEY, BECK ASK CORZINE TO CONVENE BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON HORSE RACING INDUSTRY

              TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator Jennifer Beck today sent a letter to Governor Jon Corzine urging him to convene a panel of experts and interested parties to discuss the long term stability and funding of the horse racing industry in New Jersey.

CODEY, TURNER CALL FOR TASKFORCE TO CURB UNDERAGE DRINKING ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

After Lengthy Senate Hearing Today, Top Lawmakers Look to Future

            TRENTON – Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) and Senate Education Chairwoman Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) today said they will introduce legislation to form a taskforce to examine best practices to curb underage and binge drinking on college campuses.  The announcement came after a lengthy hearing on the issue before the Senate Education Committee, which heard testimony from both Senators, several college presidents and administrators, law enforcement officials, and representatives from the state Department of Law and Public Safety and the Commission on Higher Education.