Pennacchio Urges Action on Bill to Protect Right to Buy and Use Gas Stoves
Pennacchio Warned Public that Murphy Administration Will Try to Eliminate Natural Gas & Gas Appliances
With the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) beginning “building decarbonization” efforts, Senator Joe Pennacchio urged the Legislature to take action on a bill he sponsors with Senator Steven Oroho that protects the right of New Jerseyans to buy and use gas stoves.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio urged the Legislature to take action on a bill he sponsors with Sen. Steven Oroho that protects the right of New Jerseyans to buy and use gas stoves. (Flickr)
“Governor Murphy has said that ‘no one is coming for your gas stove’ even as his bureaucrats at the BPU were advancing plans to ‘decarbonize’ the state, which means eliminating natural gas and electrifying everything,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Unless we have ironclad guarantees written into state law to protect energy choice and the right of New Jersey consumers to buy and use gas stoves, the governor’s words are meaningless.”
Pennacchio: Murphy’s Lawsuits Go Against Absolute Right of Parents, Will Hurt At-Risk Children
Murphy Says Suing School Districts for Parental Notification Policies Is the “Right Thing to Do”
Senator Joe Pennacchio responded to Governor Phil Murphy’s comments on Face the Nation yesterday that suing school districts is “the right thing to do” to stop parental notification of matters that involve the well-being of their children.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio challenged Gov. Phil Murphy’s assertion that suing school districts over parental notification policies is “the right thing to do.” (CBS/Face the Nation)
“The LGBTQ community has acknowledged that up to 50% of children who experience sexual dysphoria or question their sexual identity may contemplate suicide,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Parents shouldn’t find out when their children are in the hospital, or worse yet in the morgue, that they have been struggling with these serious issues. Parents who have cared for their children since birth should not be kept in the dark when their children are at risk.”
Pennacchio Statement on the Tragic Loss of Two Newark Firefighters
Senator Joe Pennacchio issued the following statement on the passing of Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr., two Newark firefighters who lost their lives while battling a cargo ship fire at Port Newark.

Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr. lost their lives Wednesday night while battling a cargo ship fire at Port Newark. (Newark Department of Public Safety)
“Each day, firefighters put their own lives in jeopardy to respond to dangerous, often life-threatening situations,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all of these men and women for their service and dedication. Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks were heroes who gave their lives to protect others and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. I extend my deepest condolences to their families and friends.”
Senator Pennacchio: Democrats’ Budget Comedies Continue
Senator Joe Pennacchio criticized Democrat leadership and Governor Murphy for rushing through a budget that is 60% higher than when the governor first took office.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio criticized Democrat leadership and Governor Murphy for rushing through a budget that is 60% higher than when the governor first took office. (YouTube)
“It is incredible to me that despite the state being flush with cash that we are doing a last-minute vote to pass a $54 billion dollar budget that is due no later than today. How can we allow for a committee vote before the duly elected officers had a chance to see what the actual budget contains?” questioned Pennacchio (R-26). “There is no transparency and the budget numbers provided in the budget committee were inaccurate. Legislators cannot do the job they were elected to do when the process is rushed and opaque. Why was this budget not completed and voted on weeks ago?”
Senate Advances Pennacchio Bill Establishing “Atomic Veterans Day” in New Jersey
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would designate July 16 of each year as Atomic Veterans Day was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio designating July 16 of each year as Atomic Veterans Day was approved today by the New Jersey Senate. (©iStock)
“Veterans who participated in the nuclear tests of atomic weapons in the mid-twentieth century patriotically served this country, meeting the needs of national defense during a critical period in history,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This resolution will honor the important role these unique service members played in the defense of our nation.”
Pennacchio: Trenton Democrats Sound Cartoonish with Promises of StayNJ Tax Relief in 2026
Senator Joe Pennacchio said Trenton Democrats sound cartoonish with promises that they’ll deliver on their big property tax relief plan starting in 2026.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio said Trenton Democrats sound cartoonish with promises that they’ll deliver on their big property tax relief plan starting in 2026. (YouTube)
“Trenton Democrats are trying to buy votes this year with the promise they’ll deliver StayNJ property tax relief starting in 2026,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “They’re as believable as Wimpy from Popeye who promises, ‘I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.'”
Committee Advances Pennacchio/Durr Bill Securing Access to Public Lakes for Recreational Fisherman
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Ed Durr that would preserve access to any state-owned lake that is open to boats with or without onboard motors was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Ed Durr that would preserve access to any state-owned lake that is open to boats was approved in committee. (Pixabay)
“There is growing concern about the lack of public boat launches,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “New Jersey is home to public lakes that are open to bass boats and motorized vessels, but recreational boaters who don’t live on the lake or have private docks find it impossible to get into the water.”
Pennacchio Bill to Establish “Atomic Veterans Day” in NJ Advances
July 16 of each year may be known as Atomic Veterans Day thanks to a joint resolution sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

July 16 of each year may be known as Atomic Veterans Day thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Veterans who participated in the nuclear tests of atomic weapons in the mid-twentieth century patriotically served this country, meeting the needs of national defense during a critical period in history,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This legislation will honor the important role these unique service members played in the defense of our nation.”
Pennacchio & Bucco Vote “NO” on Bill that Would Pack More High-Density Housing into Towns
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Anthony M. Bucco voted against legislation today that they warned would lead to higher-density housing developments in many New Jersey towns.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Anthony M. Bucco voted against legislation today that they warned would lead to higher-density housing developments in many New Jersey towns. (Pixabay)
“We’ve heard from mayors that they’re getting crushed by new affordable housing mandates that are changing the nature of their towns for the worse,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “A bill just passed by the New Jersey Senate would add to the problem by allowing even higher densities of new housing to be built in places that are close to public transportation. That will only increase the strain on schools and other public services and the long-term costs to property taxpayers.”
Pennacchio & Durr Express Support for Hanover School District Policy to Keep Parents Informed
Senators Oppose Effort by Attorney General Platkin to Block Policy that Respects Parental Rights
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Ed Durr expressed support for a policy adopted by the Hanover Township Board of Education that requires staff to notify parents when they become aware of anything that may impact a student’s well-being. They said an effort by Attorney General Platkin to stop the policy from being implemented is misguided.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Ed Durr expressed support for a policy adopted by the Hanover Township Board of Education that requires staff to notify parents when they become aware of anything that may impact a student’s well-being. (Pixabay)
“Attorney General Platkin is trying to make this an LGBTQ issue, but that is not what the policy is about,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Hanover should be applauded for making a real effort to ensure that parents are informed of anything that could impact the mental or physical well-being of their children. I stand 100% with the Board of Education and with parents who know best how to care for their kids.”