Pennacchio Bill Expands VA Benefits to Thousands of NJ National Guard Members
The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) that would allow New Jersey National Guard members who have been issued a NGB-22 form to access certain veterans’ benefits. An NGB-22 is a type of discharge form issued to National Guard members in New Jersey after they have served the country.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation would expand VA benefits to thousands of New Jersey National Guard members. (WikiCommons)
“All veterans, regardless of where they have served our country, must be able to access the benefits they have earned,” Pennacchio said. “Right now, National Guard members are at a disadvantage. Many of these heroes are never issued the accepted DD-214 form. By expanding eligibility requirements to include the discharge forms they receive, we will ensure that the members of New Jersey’s National Guard can access the resources and tools they need to live and thrive at home.”
Pennacchio Calls for State Audit of Wasteful Tax Incentive Programs
Says Garden State Film Tax Credit is a ‘Gross Misuse of Funds’ & Urges Action to Protect NJ Taxpayers from Unnecessary Spending
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) today announced that he has sent a letter requesting that the State Auditor conduct a full evaluation of the Garden State Film Tax Credit, to determine if it is in fact a worthwhile investment of New Jersey’s scarce financial resources.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio sent a letter to the State Auditor requesting a full evaluation of the Garden State Film Tax Credit to determine if it is in fact a worthwhile investment. He also announced plans to introduce legislation to evaluate these types of tax incentive programs. (SenateNJ.com)
In the letter, Pennacchio notes that the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services has determined that New Jersey could lose $425 million in revenue as a result of the program in question – money that could and should be spent on critically-needed services, instead of catering to special interest groups that only stand to make a temporary investment in the State of New Jersey, and its people.
The Senator also noted that he plans to introduce legislation that would require the State Auditor to conduct further evaluation of these types of tax incentives and related programs.
PSA: New State Ombudsman for People With Disabilities Meets Critical NJ Need
A vulnerable population that has been left behind in recent years now has a new lifeline in New Jersey, thanks to the appointment of Paul Aronsohn, the new Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.
People with disabilities, and their families, now have a lifeline in New Jersey in the form of NJ’s new Ombudsman, Paul Aronsohn, who serves as a resource for those in need of support. He can be reached at 609-649-1734 or paul.aronsohn@treas.nj.gov. (SenateNJ.com)
Aronsohn’s appointment, as established by recently-enacted legislation, is essential to ensuring people with disabilities can access the services they need without delay, filling a critical statewide need.
“It is hard to imagine the pain of watching a loved one go without the resources they need to live a happy and healthy life. For years, far too many New Jersey families were deprived of the support and services they need. When a conflict with a state agency arose, there were very few people who could help them find an efficient and expedient resolution. Now we have a solution to that problem,” Senator Joe Pennacchio, who recently met with the newly appointed Ombudsman, said.
Pennacchio Bill Cuts Red Tape to Help Veterans Get Hired
Bill Inspired by Local Veteran Will Help Military Personnel to Enter Civil Service
The New Jersey Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) that would remove an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle for veterans applying for civil service jobs in New Jersey.
Senator Pennacchio’s bill to remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for veterans applying for civil service jobs in New Jersey has passed the Senate on July 1, 2018. (WikiCommons)
“It’s inspiring to see a veteran who has honorably served our nation return home and continue serving their community,” Pennacchio said. “Unfortunately, red tape can make it extremely difficult for these heroes to claim New Jersey’s civil service veteran’s preference, so they can continue to serve the public. These veterans have placed their lives on the line for our freedom. We should make it easier for them to utilize such an important career benefit.”
Now Law: Pennacchio/Corrado Bill to Combat Corruption on NJ State Investment Council
Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation sponsored by Senate Republicans Joe Pennacchio and Kristin Corrado to combat corruption on the New Jersey State Investment Council.
Gov. Phil Murphy has signed Sens. Joe Pennacchio and Kristin Corrado’s bill to combat corruption on the State Investment Council. S-396 was introduced in response to scandals involving the council and the state pension system. (Wikimedia Commons)
The legislation (S-396) forbids members of the council from voting on investments that present a financial or familial conflict of interest. The bill was pushed forward by the senators in the wake of several pension scandals in New Jersey.
“This legislation is a critical step forward in our longstanding efforts to bring transparency and accountability to the way the government invests taxpayer dollars,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “I am glad to see Governor Murphy take action on our bill. There have been far too many violations of public trust on the State Investment Council in recent years. Anyone who handles public money must be held accountable.”
Pennacchio: No Way to Attract Amazon
In response to Trenton Democrats various proposals to increase taxes on New Jersey’s residents and businesses by billions of dollars this year, Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) issued the following statement:
In response to Trenton Democrats various proposals to increase taxes on New Jersey’s residents and businesses by billions of dollars this year, Sen. Joe Pennacchio issued the following statement. (SenateNJ)
“Recently New Jersey offered Amazon 5 billion dollars to locate its headquarters in Newark. It is difficult to believe that as New Jersey offers Amazon a 5 billion dollar incentive with one hand, it is pinching their pockets and all business pockets in New Jersey with the other hand. Perhaps they were hoping Amazon would not notice.
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.”
