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.”
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.”
