Pennacchio Bill to Establish Muslim Heritage Month in NJ Advances
January of each year would be designated as Muslim Heritage Month under legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and advanced today by the New Jersey Senate.

January of each year would be designated as Muslim Heritage Month under legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and advanced today by the New Jersey Senate. (©iStock)
“I am extremely pleased that this was approved by the Senate today and I would like to thank Senator Stack for joining me in sponsoring this legislation,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “There are nearly 300,000 Muslim Americans in New Jersey, including numerous current and former elected officials dedicated to public service in their communities. It is long past time to recognize our Muslim brothers and sisters for their contributions to the diverse fabric of New Jersey.”
Pennacchio Highlights Reforms After AG Launches Investigation Into Voting Machine Problems
In response to a new investigation launched by the New Jersey Attorney General into the 2022 Monmouth County election, where an error led to the double counting of votes in multiple towns, Senator Joe Pennacchio called on the Senate to advance his legislation that would increase transparency by requiring open source voting technology.

In response to a new investigation launched by the Attorney General into Monmouth County voting machine problems, Sen. Joe Pennacchio called on the Senate to advance his legislation that would require open source voting technology. (SenateNJ.com)
“The news coming out of Monmouth County is just another reason why we can’t rely on voting machines that use proprietary software for error-free results,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Two years ago, I introduced legislation that would dramatically increase election transparency and integrity by requiring all voting machine technology to be open source. People have the right to demand elections that are fair and honest, and this bill would help restore faith in the process.”
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Oroho/Pennacchio Bill Will Protect Right to Buy and Use Gas Stoves and Appliances
Senator Steven Oroho and Senator Joe Pennacchio will introduce legislation protecting the right of New Jerseyans to buy and use gas stoves and appliances.

Sen. Steven Oroho and Sen. Joe Pennacchio will introduce legislation protecting the right of New Jerseyans to buy and use gas stoves and appliances. (Flickr)
“We can’t let President Biden or Governor Murphy ban affordable energy choices while New Jersey families are struggling with soaring prices and inflation,” said Oroho (R-24). “We certainly don’t need Democrats in our kitchens dictating how we cook our dinner. It’s big government overreach that we need to stop.”
Pennacchio Named ‘Legislator of the Year’ by New Jersey Family Policy Council
Senator Joe Pennacchio was named Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Family Policy Council. Pennacchio was chosen for his unwavering commitment to protecting parental rights and his fierce and vocal opposition to New Jersey’s new sex education standards.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio was named Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Family Policy Council. Pennacchio was chosen for his unwavering commitment to protecting parental rights and his opposition to New Jersey’s new sex education standards. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am extremely honored and grateful to the New Jersey Family Policy Council for this prestigious award,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Parents don’t want a political bureaucracy in Trenton deciding what and when their kids will be taught about sexuality. I am proud of the work we have done to push back against these woke ideologies, and I will continue to lead the effort in repealing these sex education standards and restoring parental rights.”
Pennacchio: Solutions to Troubled Veterans Homes Depend on Senate Investigation, not Fired Bureaucrats
The top official at the helm of the state-run veterans’ home in Menlo Park has been terminated, and Senator Joe Pennacchio is questioning the timing.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio responded to the firing of the CEO of the veterans’ home in Menlo Park, blasting the Administration for its continued failures in facilities where seniors are still dying from COVID. (©iStock)
“More than a dozen veterans died from COVID in the facility this year, in 2022,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Problems persist within the walls of the Menlo Park home, and people are still dying, but seems like the Murphy Administration is finally closing the barn doors after the horses escaped. This is more of the game from the Governor – too little, too late.”
As Costly Private Pandemic Review Looms, Pennacchio’s Effort to Launch Bipartisan Legislative Investigation Blocked by Democrats
On the floor of the New Jersey State Senate, Senator Joe Pennacchio today once again implored his Democrat colleagues to act on legislation that would convene a special committee with subpoena power to investigate the Executive Branch’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pennacchio (R-26) appealed to Senate to remove his resolution, SR-32, from committee and vote to enact the legislative investigative panel, but the motion was tabled by the majority Democrats.
Pennacchio Bill to Establish Muslim Heritage Month in NJ Advances
January of each year would be designated as Muslim Heritage Month under legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and advanced today by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.

New Jersey would designate January of each year as Muslim Heritage Month under legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and advanced by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
With the resolution, SJR-105, Pennacchio seeks to elevate awareness and appreciation of the Muslim American community and their accomplishments in New Jersey.
Pennacchio: Significant Breakthrough Increases Urgency to Pass NJ Fusion Legislation
Senator Joe Pennacchio today heralded news of a significant development in fusion energy, announced this morning by the United States Department of Energy.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio heralded news of a significant development in fusion energy announced this morning by the U.S. Department of Energy and renewed calls for the Legislature to act on his package of fusion energy bills. (Pixabay)
“This may be one of the most significant scientific achievements of this century,” said Pennacchio (R-26), a staunch advocate for fusion support and research in New Jersey.
Oroho/Pennacchio/Schepisi: State Board of Education Should Focus More on Learning Loss, Less on Identity Politics
Gender Identity on State Board’s Agenda Again with New Proposal Impacting Sex Ed Classes
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho, Senator Joe Pennacchio, and Senator Holly Schepisi said the State Board of Education should focus more on addressing pandemic-related learning loss and less on identity politics in response to the Board’s newly released agenda for its December meeting. The Board also should be more transparent and accessible, the senators said.

Sen. Steven Oroho, Sen. Joe Pennacchio, and Sen. Holly Schepisi said the State Board of Education should focus more on addressing pandemic-related learning loss and less on identity politics. (Flickr)
“It’s shocking that the State Board of Education remains focused on identity politics when we know New Jersey students are far behind where they should be due to pandemic-related learning loss,” said Oroho (R-24). “Instead of coming up with a plan to help students get caught up, the State Board continues its march to infuse gender identity and progressive politics into every aspect of our children’s education. They should put as much effort into helping students get better at reading, writing, and math.”