New Jersey Governor Corzine to Push Needle Exchange

Gov. Jon S. Corzine said Thursday in an AP interview that he will urge the New Jersey Legislature to pass a law allowing needle exchange programs and might force the issue by using his executive power if lawmakers fail to act. "We're losing lives every day we don't act," Corzine said, adding the issue is a priority in his new administration.

Needle exchange advocates have long pushed for the state to allow IV drug users access to clean needles, saying such programs help stop the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases. But efforts to legalize exchanges have been unsuccessful in the Legislature, where opponents argue the programs condone illegal drug use and promote violence in poor cities.

An executive order issued by Gov. James E. McGreevey prior to his leaving office in 2004 allowed for pilot programs in three cities. But that order was bogged down by legal challenges and expired on Dec. 31 before any of the programs got off the ground.

Corzine acknowledged opponents' concerns, including the objections of lawmakers who said McGreevey bypassed regular channels by declaring a public health emergency in order to issue the executive order. "But I believe it is time, based on the information I have, for this legislation," said Corzine. "Maybe there is a way to shape the legislation that actually deals with the concerns that have stood in the way of some people getting behind moving forward with this issue."

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