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Senate President Richard Codey said yesterday he has introduced a bill to require drivers to decide whether they want to become donors before they can obtain or renew their license. The "New Jersey Hero Act" also would make New Jersey the first state in the nation to incorporate organ donation education into the high school curriculum beginning in the 2008-09 school year. "For the first time anywhere in this country, we are mandating a discussion -- one that can and will save lives and make everyone a hero," said Codey (D-Essex).

Excerpt - The duration and distance were short, but in those dizzying seconds and feet, Gov. Jon Corzine suffered injuries serious enough to land him in intensive care with a breathing tube down his throat and a doctor declaring him lucky to be alive. The 60-year-old governor underwent about two hours of surgery last night to repair multiple broken bones, including 12 ribs and a femur that protruded through the skin of his thigh following a car accident on the Garden State Parkway in Galloway Township. With two of his adult children by his beside, Corzine, sedated and on intravenous...

New Jersey Senate President Richard (Dick) Codey is the driving force behind New Jersey's recent efforts to require “childproof guns” when the technology becomes “economically viable.” Codey recently issued a statement regarding a protest in front of the New Jersey state capitol, held by the Second Amendment Sisters. That statement mocked the group by referring to them as the “twisted sisters,” all because of the group’s opposition to his proposed gun control laws. Actually, the Second Amendment Sisters simply advocate a woman’s “right to choose” to own and carry firearms. But Dick Codey thinks the government should make that choice...

Supporting embryonic stem cell research is not only morally misguided but fiscally irresponsible, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler told a cheering crowd of 200 anti-abortion activists who gathered on the Statehouse steps yesterday to blast acting Gov. Richard Codey's $380 million research proposal. Schundler accused Codey of using the moral debate over whether stem cells should be extracted from embryos for potentially life-saving research to distract voters from the price tag. "To come up with that money, what are they going to do, of course? They are going to increase your taxes," Schundler told the crowd. "They have a $2...

N.J.'s big-bucks experiment Sunday, June 19, 2005 Series archive: Betting on BiotechFirst of four partsWith little fanfare and no direct approval of the electorate, the state of New Jersey has spent hundreds of millions of dollars supporting the biotech industry.Powerful forces are hard at work in Trenton, selling biotechnology as a way to simultaneously bolster the state economy and improve the health of citizens. Acting Governor Codey has been front and center, promoting a plan to spend $380 million more on research into embryonic stem cells.Much is at stake in a state where 200,000 jobs depend on the pharmaceutical industry...

November and December are the months when newly elected officials and their allies finally start telling voters about things they didn't want to mention during the campaign. New Jersey Gov.-elect Jon Corzine and his predecessor, outgoing Acting Gov. Dick Codey, finally 'fessed up about the Garden State's precarious fiscal health Thursday in speeches at the convention of the state's League of Municipalities. And it ain't pretty. "We're pretty much broke," conceded Codey. "We have more debt than we can afford. Next year's budget deficit is at least $5 billion. School construction and transportation funding have virtually dried up. And we...

TRENTON, NJ (Reuters) - New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine on Monday called a special session of the state legislature to start on Tuesday in a bid to end a budget crisis that has halted some state services and threatens to close Atlantic City casinos. The move means state legislators will stay in session until they resolve the crisis by passing a budget bill. Corzine on Saturday directed nonessential state services, including the state lottery, to shut down after a July 1 budget deadline passed without the agreement of Democrats in the state assembly on a 1 percentage point increase in...

A Quinnipiac University poll found 60 percent of New Jersey voters oppose Gov. Jon Corzine's proposed 1 percent sales tax increase, which is seen by a number of Democrats as the only alternative to help close a $4.5 billion budget deficit.

Former Governor and current State Senate President Dick Codey sponsors the legislation. He says, "We would be the first in the country to build a building dedicated solely to stem cell research." He adds, "We would be using existing tobacco bond monies so, we're not spending new money." $150 million dollars would be needed leading many critics to ask, "What else could that money be used for?" Codey says, "This is about saving lives in the future." He asks, "If the cure for diabetes or something else came out of this New Jersey facility, wouldn't that be a great legacy…it...

Saying "pain will have to be shared," Gov. Jon Corzine's transition team is urging him to increase taxes, lay off some state workers and cut the pay of others to help get state finances under control. The proposals -- including higher gasoline taxes, sales taxes on clothing and Internet downloads and a phase-out of the state worker pension system -- were met with a lukewarm response by Democratic legislative leaders and howls of protest from Republicans.

New Jersey, trying to overcome its reputation for corruption, traffic and toxic waste dumps, has rejected dozens of sardonic and sarcastic entries in a contest for a new tourist slogan. A list of five possible slogans released last week leaves out "New Jersey: We can always use another relative on the payroll," and "Come to New Jersey: It's not as bad as it smells." Voters get to pick the winner in the competition launched after acting Gov. Richard J. Codey threw out "New Jersey: We'll Win You Over." "It makes me think of when I was young and single and...

Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey announced Wednesday that he is not interested in switching jobs with Gov.-elect Jon Corzine and serving the remainder of the U.S. senator's term.

(AP) HILLSIDE Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey announced Wednesday he is not interested in filling the remainder of Gov.-elect Jon Corzine's U.S. Senate term. Codey has hinted that he wasn't interested in going to Washington, though he's enjoyed widespread popularity since replacing Gov. James E. McGreevey, who resigned after a gay sex scandal a year ago. By law, Corzine must vacate his Senate seat when he becomes governor in January. The person Corzine appoints will serve in the U.S. Senate for a year, until a regular election for the six-year term is held in November 2006. Codey, 58, made his...

Something weird is going on in New Jersey. The state is usually quick to bash, trash and kick its politicians to the curb, and perhaps with good reason, given all the recent scandals and corruption cases. But Democrats and Republicans, pundits and professors, and just ordinary residents are gushing over a longtime member of the entrenched Trenton elite, a man widely viewed as an antipolitician of sorts, a bona fide Jersey guy, complete with rumpled suits, comb-over and a spaghetti-and-meatballs belly. They speak of one Richard J. Codey, acting governor, and they do it with affection. With a little more...

Despite talk of a fiscal crisis and this week's state budget wrangling by legislative leaders, lawmakers found room for a record $370 million for pet projects in their home districts. The $27.9 billion state budget includes a long list of "legislative additions" that suggest it's Christmas in July at the Statehouse. The projects are therefore known as "Christmas tree" items, and they are spread all over the state. The Newark School of Business at Rutgers University and St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson each get an extra $18 million. Lawmakers scrounged up another $1.5 million for Battleship New Jersey in Camden....

Governor snuffs out smoking in dorms PRINCETON - Saying it would reduce the risk of fires and protect students' health, acting Governor Codey signed legislation Monday banning smoking in dormitories at public and private colleges. "Today we are creating safer, healthier residence halls," Codey said in a written statement. The governor signed the legislation at Drew University in Madison where a cigarette ignited a dorm room fire on Feb. 14. Automatic sprinklers quickly doused the fire and no one was injured. The ban will go into effect in 60 days, and individual colleges will decide how to enforce it. According...

DAY TWO JIM REILLY’S SILENCE ON DEMOCRAT HOMELAND SECURITY SCAM CONTINUES - Corodemus, Kean & Local Officials Say Former Assembly Democrat Attorney Owes the Public Some Answers - Atlantic Highlands, Long Branch & Wall, NJ - One day after Assemblymen Steve Corodemus and Sean Kean called on Democrat Assembly candidate Jim Reilly to answer questions about his role in the political manipulation of homeland security funds by his Democrat allies in Trenton, local officials today joined the legislators in demanding those answers. “As a former attorney and staff member for the Assembly Democrats in Trenton, Jim Reilly had an opportunity...

Acting Gov. Richard Codey had a conversation recently with this wife, Mary Jo, about his next career move. She didn't like his new idea. Because the suggestion on the table was a move to the United States Senate. If Sen. Jon Corzine wins the gubernatorial election in November, he'll appoint his own replacement in Washington to serve out the final year of his term. Codey, by far the most popular politician in the state, now says he might want the job. "I think about it," he says. "People have raised the issue. They say to me, 'Dick, how can any...

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey followed up on a promise to keep New Jersey in the forefront of stem-cell research Thursday by introducing legislation that would provide a big financial boost. In his State of the State speech in January, Codey said he would dedicate $150 million to a stem-cell research facility in New Brunswick. In addition to that money, the bill would provide the neglected state park system with $75 million for repairs and maintenance and dedicate $60 million for biomedical research. It would allow the state to tap unused bond capacity _ loans approved...

Gov. Richard J. Codey is working on a plan to bolster the state's Transportation Trust Fund with a temporary increase in the gasoline tax and additional money generated by privatizing the New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway, according to a published report. The Record of Bergen County, citing an unnamed administration source, reported in Thursday's editions that the plan calls for a small gas tax increase to be pushed through shortly after the Nov. 8 election. The increase would be rescinded or phased out after the lease deal is signed and begins to generate cash. The Transportation Trust Fund...

NEWARK - New Jersey political fund raiser David D'Amiano was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for soliciting and accepting $40,000 in cash and political contributions from a Piscataway farm owner to influence state and county officials to offer a favorable price to preserve the farmland, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced. U.S. District Judge William H. Walls also ordered D'Amiano, 45, of Edison, to pay a $15,000 fine to the federal government and to make $1,000 in restitution to the Democratic State Committee. D'Amiano already has paid another $20,000 to the government - money which he took from...

New York Giants fans will watch their team play in a new $750 million stadium with a different name and added high-end seating under an agreement signed Thursday that officials say won't saddle taxpayers with extra debt. The deal, reached by the team and the state after once-contentious negotiations, allows the team to build an 80,000-seat stadium in the Meadowlands. It is slated to open for the 2008 season. The 40-year deal contains options that could extend it to 98 years. "New Jersey is proud to make the Giants our home team today and for years to come," acting Gov....

New Jersey's Acting Gov. Richard Codey just sent me the strangest letter. Indeed, as a Jersey resident, I can say that I've never received official state correspondence so lacking in fact and logic. From the very first sentence, it aroused befuddlement: "I am pleased to report to you that the legislature has passed an increase to the New Jersey minimum wage and I am happy to sign the legislation." Why in the name of Adam Smith would anyone be "pleased" to report such horrific news — particularly someone charged with safeguarding the state's economy and helping to keep folks from...

Insider's Edge . . . Gubernatorial Politics ‘Tis the season of County Conventions, a semi-democratic process that political parties use to award their sometimes valuable organization line to contenders for statewide and local office. Some counties use a truly open process that allows candidates to campaign among party members to gain the organization endorsement; others are criticized as merely a tool to ratify the endorsement of a handful of party leaders. Over the next seven weeks, twelve Republican county organizations will meet to pick one candidate to run on their organization line. Like the presidential primary process, a candidate can...

Republicans pounced yesterday on a report that the Codey administration might seek a partial rollback of income tax cuts to balance the upcoming budget, and a key Democratic legislator said the idea wouldn't fly. The Press of Atlantic City reported yesterday that administration officials trying to close a potential $4 billion gap in the coming year's budget might seek to reverse some of the income tax cuts enacted under Republican Gov. Christie Whitman in the 1990s.

What would you do to combat high property taxes? MURPHY In my first year as governor, I would fight to increase property tax rebates by 50 percent because property taxes are spiraling out of control and taxpayer relief is needed now. Long-term, systemic financial discipline has been sorely missing in New Jersey state government. I will fight to put into place the necessary controls and reforms to ensure 100 percent accountability for our taxpayer dollars. SCHROEDEr Details of my plan, Saving New Jersey Seniors, can be found at www.SavingNJSeniors.com. I encourage everyone to visit the site and learn more about...

Burlington County Screening Committee Unanimously Endorses Forrest er for Governor Leading County Republican Organization Adds Great Strength To Winning Campaign ( West Windsor ) – In the first real test of political and grassroots support in the race for governor, the Burlington County Republican Organization unanimously endorsed Doug Forrest er’s candidacy today. “After a fair and open process, I am happy to announce that Burlington County ’s Republican leaders overwhelmingly selected Doug Forrest er to be the party’s endorsed candidate in Burlington County ,” said Burlington County Republican Chairman Col. Mike Warner . “Doug’s lengthy experience as both a public...

State lawmakers have the governor's back. Less than two weeks after acting Gov. Richard J. Codey said he wanted to challenge a shock jock to a fight for insulting the state's first lady, an Assembly committee voted Monday to reprimand the radio personality. The Telecommunications and Utilities Committee voted 5-0, with two abstentions, to release a resolution denouncing radio host Craig Carton for "cruel, insensitive and highly offensive comments" made about the depression that Mary Jo Codey suffered after the birth of her son 20 years ago. The acting governor confronted Carton on Jan. 25 in a hallway at the...

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey threatened to "take out" a radio talk show host who made dismissive comments about postpartum depression, an ailment that has afflicted first lady Mary Jo Codey, a newspaper reported Wednesday. According to an account in The Star-Ledger of Newark, Codey confronted radio host Craig Carton on Tuesday in a hallway at the Ewing Township studios of NJ 101.5. "I wish I weren't governor, I'd take you out," Codey said off-air, according to a Star-Ledger reporter who witnessed the confrontation. Carton responded: "That's real professional. You want to fight?" Codey and Carton...

TRENTON (AP) - Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey said yesterday he threatened to take a radio show host outside after the shock jock made dismissive comments about postpartum depression, an ailment that has afflicted first lady Mary Jo Codey. "Somebody made disparaging remarks about my wife. I defended my wife like any man or husband would," Codey told a throng of reporters at the State House just after addressing a group of mayors. "I have a right to defend my family and I will."

In the run up to this morning’s unveiling of the latest Quinnipiac University poll, the talk in Democratic circles was what effect the numbers might have on Acting Governor Richard J. Codey’s psyche as he ponders a primary campaign against Senator Jon S. Corzine. For Republicans, many of whom have expressed uneasiness with their party’s two front-runners, the question was whether any of the other contenders, all largely unknown, might be showing signs of catching on. The numbers are now out and the fresh independent data doesn’t seem likely to change the dynamic on either side, at least not immediately....

New Jersey Republicans are taking the Codey administration to task over a proposed idea to lease state toll roads. Acting Governor Codey is exploring the possibility to help plug a looming four (b) billion-dollar budget deficit. Under such a deal, the state would get a one-time payment from a company, which would take over the operation and maintenance of the highway in exchange for keeping toll revenues. But Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance, a fiscal conservative, said doing so would allow New Jersey's state government to continue to live beyond its means. A Codey spokeswoman says it's an idea under...

Today I formally announce my candidacy for Governor of the great State of New Jersey. I am running to stop the waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars. I will put an end to Trenton’s institutional acceptance of lying, cheating and the outright stealing of taxpayer money. Reckless borrowing and increased taxes have funded out-of-control spending. There is no accountability to taxpayers and no regard for the future. I will restore the integrity and fiscal responsibility that is missing in Trenton. New Jersey faces some of the toughest problems in its history and the Democrats are committed to the status...

TRENTON, N.J. (Reuters) - New Jersey, home to scores of top drug companies, plans to spend $380 million on stem cell research to stay in the forefront of the politically sensitive field, its acting governor said on Tuesday. Richard Codey told the state Assembly that New Jersey will spend $150 million to build the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey, whose founding was announced last May. Voters in November will be asked to approve a bond issue of $230 million to pay for its operation.

Codey to push stem cells in State of State Acting governor seeking $500 million investment Tuesday, January 04, 2005 Acting Gov. Richard Codey plans to propose investing $500 million in stem cell research as a key component of the State of the State speech he will deliver next week, according to two administration officials and a state lawmaker.Codey, who has long championed stem cell research, believes the move is necessary for New Jersey to stay competitive with California, which approved a $3 billion bond issue for stem cell research last fall.The money would help fund the Stem Cell Institute of...

The Salvation Army's efforts to help the needy will receive a boost from the state of New Jersey this holiday season, acting Gov. Richard J. Codey announced this week. "We are opening up rest areas on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway to the Salvation Army for its annual Red Kettle Campaign, and increasing the number of NJ Transit locations available for the campaign," Codey said. Codey said the Red Kettle Campaign is one the Salvation Army's primary sources of donations, providing Christmas dinners, clothing and toys, as well as financial assistance for families and individuals in need....

TRENTON -- It's hard not to like acting Gov. Dick Codey. He's down-to-earth, funny and anything but a show horse. He acknowledges, as a member of the Legislature for 31 years, he shares responsibility for the way things are screwed up. Refreshing. He has a plain way of speaking reminiscent of President Harry Truman. Former Gov. Jim McGreevey complained New Jersey wasn't getting its share of anti-terrorism money from the feds. Codey says, "We're getting hosed." McGreevey stood behind an oh-so-trendy acrylic podium and bristled if reporters dared defile it with their tape recorders. Codey returned to using the wooden...

N.J. gov. outlines his agenda for the year By Alex Savvides / Correspondent Published: 12/8/2004 New Brunswick Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey outlined his agenda for the next 13 months Monday evening, saying his administration would look into raising minimum wage, getting more homeland security money, and increasing the number of jobs in the state. Codey and State Democratic Committee Chairwoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman addressed the audience of several hundred New Jersey Democrats in the Regency Ballroom of the New Brunswick Hyatt Regency hotel, promising large returns for the Democratic Party in November 2005. Codey added that increasing minimum wage is...

The Insider's Edge Threesomes At this point four years ago, BRET SCHUNDLER was the Mayor of Jersey City running against the longtime Senate President who was about to become the Acting Governor. Establishment Republicans initially dismissed him as a real factor in the gubernatorial candidate selection process, allowing him to spend considerable time quietly working his party's conservative base. It wasn't until the ethical woes of DONALD DIFRANCESCO became front page news that Schundler began to be viewed as a serious contender. When DiFrancesco dropped out and was replaced by former Congressman ROBERT FRANKS, the so-called establishment figured they had...

Senate measure likely to impose two-year hold on executions as death row inmate loses another appeal As one death row inmate moved closer to lethal injection yesterday, acting Gov. Richard Codey endorsed a moratorium on executions until a proposed study commission determines whether the state's death penalty system is just, fair and worth its cost. Codey, who is also Senate president, called for the moratorium yesterday as he stalled a Senate vote on a bill that would have created a 13-member death penalty study commission. Such an action could stop any executions from being carried out for up to two...

With or without Codey, Corzine set to enter race for Governor By STEVE KORNACKI PoliticsNJ.com December 1 - When Jon S. Corzine steps before the cameras in Newark on Thursday afternoon, he’s expected to announce the formation of an exploratory committee for next year’s governor’s race -- a pro forma move tantamount to a declaration of candidacy and an effort to re-establish the sense of inevitability that surrounded his gubernatorial aspirations this past summer. Corzine began calling key Democratic officials and party leaders before Thanksgiving, telling them that he planned to make his announcement sometime this week. Word of the...

Schundler launches bid for Governor By STEVE KORNACKI PoliticsNJ.com JERSEY CITY, November 29 - At first, it was a familiar pitch, a handful of well-known warm-up speakers invoking the various forms of The Bret Schundler Story that the former Jersey City mayor had hoped would resonate with the statewide electorate in 2001. Curtis Sliwa, Steve Forbes and Peggy Noonan, national Republicans with ties to New Jersey , took turns signing the praises of the Wall Street whiz kid who beat the old Hudson County machine in the early ‘90s; the maverick Republican who’s more at ease spreading his message in...

Christie not running for governor in 2005 US Attorney Christopher Christie has decided not to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2005. (11/19/04)

Will New Jersey get a Lieutenant Governor? By STEVE KORNACKI PoliticsNJ.com November 16 - If the state Assembly gets its way, Garden State voters will have the option next fall of approving a constitutional amendment that would create an office of lieutenant governor and make its occupant next in line to the governorship. Opinion polls show the public overwhelmingly favoring the concept, so now that the amendment has won the necessary supermajority approval in the lower house the only obstacle blocking New Jersey from becoming the 43rd state with a lieutenant governor seems to be the state Senate, which has...

When Richard Codey, the president of the New Jersey Senate, succeeded Gov. James McGreevey at the stroke of midnight on Monday, he won the dubious prize of 14 months in one of the most powerful - and most burdened - of the nation's gubernatorial offices. Before the clock strikes too many more times, he should act to fix the biggest of the state's numerous messes. Mr. Codey would do well to start with New Jersey's porous code of ethics. Mr. McGreevey, who was no stranger to the state's "pay to play" politics, in which candidates take contributions from state contractors,...

Codey hints at full-term bid for governor Saturday, November 13, 2004 By WAYNE PARRY ASSOCIATED PRESS EAST BRUNSWICK - New Jersey's next governor is already looking beyond the 14-month term he'll begin next week. Although he has yet to take office, state Senate President Richard J. Codey is contemplating whether to seek a full four-year term in next November's gubernatorial election. He'll take over Tuesday as acting governor following the resignation of Governor McGreevey over a gay sex scandal. Addressing a state economic development conference Friday morning, Codey ended his final public speech before assuming the governorship by pointing out...

Dear fellow conservative: Last week you received an email (see below) from Paul Weyrich supporting Bret Schundler's candidacy for New Jersey Governor. Unfortunately, since Paul, like most Schundler for Governor supporters, does not live in New Jersey, he may not be aware of why nearly every New Jersey conservative leader who backed Bret in 2001 is not supporting his candidacy in 2005 and why most are with Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan for Governor (www.loneganforgovernor.com). As someone who helped Bret Schundler in both the 2001 primary and general election, I'm writing you to explain why I too am not supporting Schundler...

December 16, 2002 Dear Pro-Life Friends: The NJ Senate passed S1909 today. The measure will now move to the Assembly where it will most likely be scheduled for a hearing before the Assembly Health Committee in the very near future. From hereon in, please use both the Senate and Assembly bill number in any correspondence on the bill. It is S1909/A2840. Please contact your two Assembly members immediately and urge them to oppose S1909/A2840. You can call the Office of Legis Svcs at 1-800-792-8630 or go to the legislature's webpage to find out who your two assembly members are. The...

NJ Assembly Approves Needle Exchanges, Bans ''Water Yo-Yos'' by KYW's Ed Kasuba The New Jersey Assembly has approved a measure banning the sale of yo-yo water balls in the state. Yo-yo water balls are squishy toys on a bungee-cord string with a finger loop at the end. And, according to some experts, they pose a potential health hazard to children. Assembyman David Mayer, a Camden County Democrat, says that because the Consumer Product Safety Commission has ignored the problem, it was time for New Jersey to act: "This is actually a dangerous toy. This toy looks innocent and children play...

...New Jersey Governor James McGreevey isn't wavering from his decision to stay on the job until November 15, despite bipartisan calls for him to step down immediately so that an election for his replacement can be held this year. On the current course, Senate President and fellow Democrat Richard Codey will succeed him as acting Governor, and New Jersey will avoid a special election in which voters might demonstrate their displeasure with the way they have been treated. Now comes a story in The Hudson Reporter that Mr. Codey is likely to name Mr. McGreevey as head of the state's...