October 24, 2005 (rt23 news) - As you know, the election season is upon us. For the first time, absentee ballots are available to all New Jersey voters. This is an important measure that helps us to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to exercise his or her right.

Absentee ballots allow any registered voter to cast a vote from anywhere through the mail. If you are out of town, unable to make it to the polls, or just prefer to vote by mail, you can still make your voice heard. Applications for absentee ballots must be mailed by November 1, or a voter may apply in person at the County Clerk’s Office up until 3pm on November 7.

Here in New Jersey, every vote counts. You can print the absentee ballot application and learn more about your rights by visiting the Department of Law and Public Safety’s Division of Elections website at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/elections/electionshome.html
In addition to deciding our next Governor, voters will also decide two matters of great importance to New Jersey and its future. This year’s election will decide whether or not to establish the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and change the order of succession should another Governor leave office before his or her term expires. In addition, voters will decide whether or not to expand uses of dedicated tax revenue to fund air pollution control and administrative costs of the underground storage tank program. Further explanation of these important issues is available on the Department of Law and Public Safety’s Division of Elections website at www.state.nj.us/lps/elections/2005_gen-election_public_questions.html

Codey Signs Nation’s Toughest ID Theft Prevention Law
In today’s world, it easier than ever for people to get what they want, when they want it. On-line shopping, instant access and automated transactions have made it easier for consumers to get what they need and move on with their busy lives. This luxury, however, has also made it easier for criminals to find unsuspecting victims for identity theft. That is why Acting Governor Richard J. Codey signed the Identity Theft Prevention Act, one of the strongest guards against this crime in the country.

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, bank account information or other pieces of private information and uses them to commit some sort of fraud or deception, usually for financial gain.

Learn how to better protect your private information by visiting the State’s Identity Theft website at www.nj.gov/identitytheft.

Codey Outlines Future of Stem Cell Research
This month, Acting Governor Codey announced a pioneering stem cell research initiative that will make New Jersey home to the nation’s first public umbilical and placental stem cell bank. Scientists have discovered that placental and umbilical cord blood holds great promise in its ability to provide a rich supply of stem cells for the ground-breaking research being done in this field.

Too often, people are unaware of the potential this donation has for the advancement of this science. As a result, these valuable fluids are often discarded as medical waste after childbirth. To change this trend, Codey also announced an educational campaign to be conducted by the Department of Health and Senior Services which will inform OB-GYNs, hospitals and other health care professionals about donation opportunities. They, in turn, will pass this information on to their patients.

This month also marked the announcement of the findings of a study prepared by Rutgers University that outlines the potential economic benefits from New Jersey’s proposed stem cell research initiative.

According to the report’s findings, New Jersey stands to benefit from an estimated $1.4 billion in new economic activity, approximately 20,000 new jobs and $71.9 million in new state revenue over the next 20 years.

These benefits will reach beyond the immediate reach of the construction and operation of the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey, the first state funded facility of its kind in the country, and have a ripple effect throughout our economy.

This detailed report can be viewed at www.policy.rutgers.edu/stemcell.pdf.

Codey Creates Council to Fight Prejudice Against Mentally Ill
Governor Codey honored National Mental Illness Awareness Week by signing an executive order creating the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma.

Stigmas are negative perceptions and presumptions that are seen as the primary barrier to achieving recovery and full social integration for those suffering from mental illness. They stem from a lack of understanding.

The Council’s members represent consumers, family members and professionals from the fields of health, mental health, media, government, business, law enforcement and education. They will be charged with developing a master plan aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of mental disorders. They will promote advocacy and outreach and work to improve training for professional and promote research.

For more information on the state’s mental health initiatives, visit http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhs/index.html