Senator Girgenti in the News
Girgenti Measure Seeks To Expand The Current Anti -Drug Curriculum
March 11, 2009
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader John A. Girgenti, to further educate teens on the dangers of drugs by including information on additional substance abuse dangers to New Jersey Schools’ Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum, was unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee on Monday.
“Although illegal drugs are already included in the core curriculum for our schools, this bill would ensure that students are made aware of the dangers other, more contemporary substances,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic, Chairman of The Law & Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “The State and federal government have spent millions to fight the spread of Ecstasy and other club drugs. Together they have also created and funded programs through schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, local health departments and other community-based organizations that would help teach children about the dangers of these drugs, and self esteem programs to help them ‘just say no.’”
The bill, S-524, would require the Commissioner of Education to develop a Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum framework with sample learning activities and resources for the school district. In addition to the current information students are given on drug abuse, specific information about the dangers of “date rape” and other “designer drugs” would be added to the curriculum.
“Ecstasy has unfortunately become a very popular drug, especially by young people,” said Senator Girgenti. “Ecstasy produces significant long-term neurological changes after a single dose and permanent brain damage after repetitive use.”
Senator Girgenti added that recent estimates suggest that within the Newark, New York, and Jersey Shore corridor over 750,000 dosage units are being consumed each week.
“GHB is commonly called the ‘date rape’ drug and its use has been on the rise since the 90s when it was sold as a dietary supplement for body building, weight loss and sleep aids,” said Senator Girgenti.
“At lower doses, these drugs may produce a euphoric effect and can make the user feel relaxed, happy and sociable. Unfortunately, the drug can also lead to respiratory problems, loss of consciousness, being conscious but unable to move and death— especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs.”
This bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.