Pennacchio to Murphy: Bag the Bag Tax
Will Introduce Legislation to Repeal Democrats’ Grocery Bag Tax
Senator Joe Pennacchio called on Governor Phil Murphy to veto a grocery bag tax that was recently approved by Democrats in the New Jersey Legislature, saying he will introduce legislation to repeal the five-cent per bag tax if it is signed into law.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio called on Gov. Murphy to veto a grocery bag tax recently approved by Democrats, saying he will introduce legislation to repeal the tax if it is signed into law. (Pexels)
“Democrats will literally nickel and dime New Jerseyans through a new five-cent tax on each grocery bag you use,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This overtaxing of everything we do in New Jersey needs to stop. I’m calling on Governor Murphy to bag the bag tax. If he doesn’t do the right thing, I’ll fight to repeal the grocery bag tax to protect New Jersey’s overtaxed residents.”
Senate Passes Pennacchio Measure to Increase Maximum State Deduction for Property Taxes to $15,000
The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio to increase New Jersey’s maximum income tax deduction for property taxes to $15,000.
The New Jersey Senate has approved Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation to increase New Jersey’s maximum income tax deduction for property taxes to $15,000. (SenateNJ.com)
“By increasing our state income tax deduction for property taxes from $10,000 to $15,000, we’re providing real property tax relief to New Jersey residents,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This was a bipartisan effort that I was glad to lead the charge on.”
Pennacchio Bill Establishing NJ Greenwood Lake Fund Passes Senate
Senator Joseph Pennacchio’s legislation establishing the “New Jersey Greenwood Lake Fund” to preserve and protect New Jersey’s second-largest lake has passed the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Joseph Pennacchio’s legislation establishing the “NJ Greenwood Lake Fund” to preserve and protect New Jersey’s second-largest lake has passed the Senate. (GoogleMaps)
“One of Passaic County’s most popular and scenic waterways, Greenwood Lake supplies 3.5 million New Jerseyans and thousands of businesses with their drinking water daily,” Pennacchio (R-26) said. “Establishing an annual, permanent state funding source will guarantee our ability to maintain and safeguard this natural lake reservoir. This will ensure that generations of New Jerseyans can enjoy this beautiful waterway for years to come.”
Pennacchio Legislation to Stop Teacher Sexual Misconduct Passes Senate
Senator Joe Pennacchio’s legislation requiring schools to establish policies to keep students safe from sexual abuse has passed the New Jersey Senate. This follows a recent scandal in which teachers’ union representatives were caught on video saying they “bend the truth” to “defend the worst people,” and boasted of covering up a teacher’s sexual relationship with a teenage girl.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation requiring schools to establish policies to keep students safe from sexual abuse has passed the New Jersey Senate. (Flickr)
“We all know that 99 percent of New Jersey teachers want what’s best for our students,” Pennacchio (R-26) said. “However, we have proof that some educators are not taking accusations of teacher sexual misconduct seriously, with multiple allegations being brushed under the rug. This bill highlights the need for teacher recognition and involvement in protecting their students, our children. Empowering our New Jersey educators to better spot the warning signs of abuse and enacting new prevention techniques will help keep our kids safe in school.”
Senate Passes Pennacchio/Bucco Bill to Benefit Local Farmers
Measure Will Create Entrepreneurship at Local Farm Markets
The State Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) that would support the growth of local farm markets and enhance their offerings to customers by removing regulatory hurdles when vendors sell baked goods.
Legislation by Senators Pennacchio and Bucco would support the growth of local farm markets and inspire entrepreneurship. (WikiCommons)
“New Jersey’s current law requiring vendors at local farm markets to individually weigh and wrap items, such as cookies and muffins, puts our farmers at a disadvantage,” Pennacchio stated. “These requirements often cause our farmers to second guess whether to sell baked goods at their locations, possibly deterring local business. It is time to place our farm markets on the same playing field as bakeries which aren’t subject to this unreasonable restriction.”
Pennacchio Legislation Changing Outdated Term of ‘Freeholder’ to ‘Commissioner’ Passes Senate
Says It’s Time to Bring County Government to the 21st Century
The New Jersey Senate passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) that would increase transparency and participation in county government by replacing the outdated title of “freeholder” with “commissioner.”
Senator Pennacchio’s bill increases transparency and participation in local government. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey stands alone while other states have dropped the archaic term ‘freeholder,’ which gives little indication of the function of this extremely important position in county government,” Pennacchio said. “The adoption of ‘commissioner,’ a modern title, will improve transparency in the process and encourage more residents to participate in their local government.”
Pennacchio Says School Funding Reform Should Include Fixes Highlighted During Select Committee Process
With the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee set to vote on school funding reform legislation, Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) said that proposals offered last year by Republicans on the Senate Select Committee on School Funding Fairness should be included in the effort.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio said that proposals offered last year by Republicans on the Senate Select Committee on School Funding Fairness should be included in school funding reform efforts. (Wikipedia)
“I want to commend Senate President Sweeney for working to change the narrative on school funding, especially when Governor Murphy is looking to perpetuate the same failed policies of the past,” said Pennacchio, who served as co-chair of the Select Committee. “We spent much of last spring holding hearings of the Select Committee to identify critical fixes to New Jersey’s broken school funding formula. There were a number of good ideas produced through that process that merit inclusion in any school funding reform legislation that advances.”
Pennacchio Legislation to Prevent and Address Teacher Sexual Misconduct Passes Committee
Senator Joe Pennacchio’s legislation requiring schools to establish policies to keep students safe from sexual abuse has passed the Senate Education Committee. This follows a recent scandal in which teachers’ union representatives were caught on video saying they “bend the truth” to “defend the worst people,” and boasted of covering up a teacher’s sexual relationship with a teenage girl.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation requiring schools to establish policies to keep students safe from sexual abuse has passed the Senate Education Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“We all know that the overwhelming majority of New Jersey teachers want what’s best for our students,” Pennacchio (R-26) said. “However, we have proof that serious accusations of teacher sexual misconduct are being brushed under the rug. Empowering our New Jersey educators to better spot the warning signs of abuse and enacting new prevention techniques will help keep our kids safe in school.”
Advanced: Pennacchio Bill to Establish “New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Research Fund”
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) to establish the “New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Research Fund” and allow taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund on their state income tax returns was passed by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s bill would create the “New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.” (Pixabay)
“It’s heartbreaking when a child is diagnosed with cancer,” Pennacchio stated. “Additionally, it’s upsetting to see that only four percent of federal cancer research funds are dedicated to pediatric cancer. I have faith that when given the option to donate to childhood cancer research, New Jersey families will open their hearts and donate to children in need. I want to thank Chairman Vitale for allowing this important effort to be considered at today’s Health Committee meeting.”
Pennacchio: When Will Legislature Show Same Concern for Unborn Children It Shows for Animals?
After another batch of bills to protect the rights of animals moved forward in the legislative process, Senator Joe Pennacchio asked when the New Jersey Legislature will do anything to protect the rights of unborn children.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio speaking at a New Jersey State House press conference on the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” on December 5, 2016. (SenateNJ.com)
“It’s inexplicable that the Legislature is capable of passing countless bills to protect pets and circus animals while being utterly incapable of taking action to protect unborn human life,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “It’s great that we love our pets and wildlife so much that we want to pass new laws to keep them safe and prevent suffering, but we should love people too. It’s time to pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.”
