Assemblyman Neil M. Cohen

COHEN APPLAUDS PORT AUTHORITY DECISION TO PULL GEICO ADS FROM GW BRIDGE

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Neil M. Cohen today claimed victory after the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that it is abandoning a planned a pilot program of GEICO auto insurance billboards atop George Washington Bridge toll booths.News from
Assemblyman Cohen

For Release:
January 8, 2007

Contact:
Assemblyman Cohen
(908) 624-0880
Press Office
(609) 292-7065

COHEN APPLAUDS PORT AUTHORITY DECISION TO PULL GEICO ADS FROM GW BRIDGE

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Neil M. Cohen today claimed victory after the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that it is abandoning a planned a pilot program of GEICO auto insurance billboards atop George Washington Bridge toll booths.

Cohen (D-Union), the chairman of the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, last week called for the Port Authority's GEICO ad campaign to be reviewed by his panel, the Assembly Transportation Committee, and the Attorney General's office. He said a state-regulated industry should not be given prime advertising assistance by a bi-state government agency.

Cohen issued the following statement:

"This is a victory for motorists, consumers, and common sense. Regulated companies like GEICO should not be given a competitive advantage over competitors through a government agency.

"The Port Authority's decision to pullback on the billboards is certainly welcome news and it is reassuring to see the agency being so responsive to concerns raised by New Jersey officials in recent days.

"The billboard plan was a slippery slope that would have prompted lawsuits, caused embarrassment, and driven up costs for the Port Authority in the long run. Ultimately, this is a good outcome for everyone involved, including GEICO."

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