“If Senator Whelan truly believes what he said yesterday and disavows what he said six weeks ago, then he should immediately pledge his support for state legislation to do for New Jersey what County Executive Dennis Levinson and the Republican Freeholder Board has done for Atlantic County"

“The fact is Senator Whelan has mastered the art of negative campaigning. He’s an expert at it.”

WHELAN STATEMENT ON MADD IGNITION INTERLOCK NEWS CONFERENCE

TRENTON – Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, issued the following statement regarding today’s news conference with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in support of his legislation – known as Ricci’s law – which would require first-time drunk drivers to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles:

“In July of 2006, Ricci Branca, a 17-year-old young man from Egg Harbor Township, was doing things that kids do during the summertime – enjoying time off from school and hanging out with his friends. He was a good kid who brought a lot of joy to his friends and family and had his whole life ahead of him.

GENETIC COUNSELING REGULATION ADVANCES IN SENATE COMMITTEE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale, Jim Whelan, Shirley K. Turner and Nia H. Gill which would create a system of licensure and accountability for genetic counselors in the State of New Jersey was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee today.

“Genetic counseling has become an invaluable medical tool for parents looking to assess the risks of transmitting genetic disorders to their kids, and individual looking for greater understanding of their own health,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “As we move forward with cutting-edge health care – like personalized medicine and custom-made health care plans – genetic counseling is becoming an even bigger part of the future of medicine. Unfortunately, individuals looking for medical guidance have no way of knowing who’s an appropriate genetic counselor and who’s simply using the title without the necessary training and education.”

South Jersey Democrats are actively courting two former Republican legislators to challenge freshmen GOP Assemblyman John Amodeo and Vincent Polistina in the Atlantic County-based second district next year: Paul D'Amato, a former Linwood Mayor who served in the Assembly from 2002 to 2003, and Frank Blee, who retired last year after seven terms in the Assembly. D'Amato left the Legislature after feuding with then-State Sen. Bill Gormley, and switched parties in 2006.  Blee broke with local Republicans in 2007 after losing a special election convention for State Senate to Sonny McCullough and backed Democrat James Whelan in the general election.

PREVIEW - SENATE COMMITTEES TO FOCUS ON PRO-BUSINESS, PRO-WORKER BILLS MONDAY

TRENTON – On Monday, Senate Committees will meet to consider measures which will improve the economic climate of New Jersey for businesses and guarantee that State workers’ benefits contributions cannot be diverted to other purposes.

HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE MEASURES ARE NOW LAW

New Laws Part of Rationalization in Health Care Resources Recommendations

TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee which address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.

The first bill in the package, S-1794, requires each general hospital in New Jersey to annually conduct a public meeting for the community it serves. The meetings will focus on the delivery of care to the community, and give local residents a chance to form a dialogue with hospitals’ executives to discuss how better to serve the community.

“Our local hospitals serve as safe havens for the residents who live nearby, and they play a vital role in the communities they serve,” said Senator Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, who is a prime sponsor of S-1794. “Hospitals can only continue to provide this necessary care if they are in tune with the needs of residents, so it is imperative that the lines of communication are open between hospital administration and the public.”

GOVERNOR SIGNS WHELAN MEASURE TO KEEP CASINOS AND RACETRACKS OPEN

ATLANTIC CITY – Governor Corzine signed legislation today, sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, which will allow casinos, racetracks and simulcasting operations to stay open for up to seven days in the event of a State government shutdown similar to the crisis caused by the July 2006 budget impasse.

“The 4th of July weekend is primetime for Atlantic City’s economy, with visitors pumping in millions of dollars into hotels, restaurants and casinos in the resort,” said Senator Whelan. “Not only do casino operators rely on the economic activity over the holiday weekend, but dealers, hotel and restaurant employees, support staff, and a whole host of workers in related industries depend upon every penny earned in the busy July month. Under this new law, Atlantic City’s economy will no longer be subject to hijacking based on budget stalemates in Trenton.”

Not thrilled with some of the budget provisions, Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) presided over its passage. 

TRENTON - With a majority arguing that the state pension system needs to get on better financial footing, the Senate tonight passed a package of state worker pension reforms by a vote of 30-8.

Sen. Stephen Sweeney of South Jersey introduced the controversial proposal in what he described as a bipartisan vein.

"I make my living as a union leader," Sweeney told the Senate chamber. "You can go out of business if you don't manage your funds properly. These are modest not major reforms."

WHELAN LAUDS BRANCA FAMILY FOR ADVANCING SAFE DRIVING

TRENTON – At a news conference today with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Senator Jim Whelan credited the family of Richard “Ricci” Branca, who was just 17 when killed by a drunk driver, for advocating mandatory use of ignition interlocks to block vehicles from starting unless the driver is sober.

Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic, is the co-prime sponsor along with Senator John H. Adler, D-Camden, of S-1926, known as “Ricci’s Law,” to make ignition interlock devices mandatory for all drunk driving offenses and to require their installation while driving privileges are suspended.