NEW JERSEY STATE LEGISLATURE: A RESOUNDING "YES"!

Today was truly an exciting day as BA's Globe Changer Leaders, Ariana and Andrea, changed history with their heart-felt words as they testified before the Honorable Members of the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee, along side Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, Mrs. Michalski,  followed by Mr. and Mrs. Babbitt, and the American Heart Association.  

This morning, on January 30, 2012, shortly after 10:00AM, we walked into  Committee Room 16, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey, with Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, Dave Jenkins, Chief of Staff, JoAnne and Dave Babbitt, Founders of the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation, Corrine Orlando of the American Heart Association, and Gail Driscoll of the American Red Cross.   The bill to be considered before Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr, Chairman and the Committee was an amendment to the Good Samaritan Law.  Proposed Assembly Bill 832 would grant immunity from civil liability to certain individuals who acquire or use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

It was an amazing experience as the girls spoke about the importance of having a "heart safe environment" with accessible AED machines.  They fully embrace and echo this message of the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation who so generously donated the AED machine and CPR instruction to our school community.  Over 50 students and staff have been trained in the use of an AED and to perform CPR.  This was a momentous occasion inasmuch as the American Heart Association has been paving the way working for approximately seven years to get a bill passed.  New Jersey is one of the few states in the nation that did not have legislation granting immunity to AED acquirers and users.

The Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee unanimously voted "YES" and applauded Ariana and Andrea for their concern and civil advocacy.   We thank Assemblyman Cryan and Dave Jenkins for their support and listening ears.  We thank the Judicial System for their Compassionate Action. We thank the Lord, and His Blessed Mother Mary, for their intercession. We thank Mrs. Michalski and Ms. Anderson for their guidance and support.  Amen.