Pennacchio: Rep. Steve King’s Comments Have No Place in the Halls of Government
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) released the following statement condemning comments made by Iowa’s Congressional Representative Steve King:
Sen. Joe Pennacchio condemned racist comments made by Iowa Rep. Steve King, stating that hate and bigotry have no place in the halls of government. (©iStock)
“Hate and bigotry have no place in the halls of government. I wholeheartedly condemn Representative Steve King’s anti-Semitic and racist remarks. White supremacy is an ugly stain on the cloth of American history. There is no defense that can wipe away that stain. Racism has been, and always will be, unacceptable.
“The people of Iowa and this nation deserve better from those we elect to sit in Congress. How can anyone with these views claim to be of the same party as President Lincoln? Rep. King’s comments are not representative of who we are as Republicans. We must continue to speak out against hate, and religious or racial intolerance, no matter which party the offender belongs to.”
Pennacchio to Gov. Murphy: Stop Ignoring the Dangers of Legalizing Marijuana
In light of reports that Governor Phil Murphy is making headway on advancing marijuana policy, Senator Joe Pennacchio is urging everyone not to ignore the wealth of evidence demonstrating the dangers of legalizing the drug for recreational use. According to NJ.com, Governor Murphy is scheduled to meet with certain legislators on Jan. 10 to discuss the legislation.
As Gov. Murphy prepares to meet with legislators to discuss marijuana, Sen. Joe Pennacchio is urging everyone not to ignore the dangers of legalizing the drug for recreational use. (Pixabay)
Sen. Pennacchio noted that just this week, Alex Berenson, a former New York Times reporter, released an editorial highlighting the medical risks of legalization: “What Advocates of Legalizing Pot Don’t Want You to Know: The wave toward legalization ignores the serious health risks of marijuana.”
“When it comes to public safety policy, legalizing marijuana for recreational use is hands down one of the most irresponsible and dangerous laws we could pass in 2019,” Pennacchio (R-26) said. “It is absolutely shocking to see people who have taken an oath to serve the public ignore organizations like the American Medical Association and the New Jersey Police Chiefs, who continue to oppose this policy. I am also astounded by my colleagues’ blatant refusal to acknowledge the myriad of medical studies showing the detrimental health impacts of legalizing marijuana.
Pennacchio Calls on US Senate to Condemn Sens. Kamala Harris & Mazie Hirono
Sen. Pennacchio: “Bigoted and anti-Catholic line of questioning directed to Judicial nominee has no place in the halls of government.”
State senator Joe Pennacchio is calling on the United States Senate to condemn U.S. Senators Kamala Harris (D-California) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) in light of reports that the two Democratic Senators made anti-Catholic and bigoted comments during their review of Brian Buescher’s judicial nomination to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska.
Pennacchio also questioned why New Jersey’s U.S. Senators, Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, who represent a large Catholic population, have yet to speak out.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio called on the U.S. Senate to condemn Kamala Harris and Mazie Hirono, for making anti-Catholic, bigoted comments during their review of Brian Buescher’s judicial nomination to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska. (Wikimedia Commons)
During the hearing, U.S. Sens. Harris and Hirono insinuated that Buescher would not be able to rule fairly and impartially because he is a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, a highly-respected Roman Catholic charitable organization.
“Religious intolerance and bigotry of any kind has no place in the halls of government,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “I have yet to hear either of our U.S. Senate representatives condemn these remarks. Their silence is deafening. No one should be excluded from serving in the judiciary because of their faith.
Pennacchio/Turner Innocence Commission to Aid NJ’s Wrongfully-Convicted Passes Senate
Legislators Work With Exonerated Prisoners & Advocates to Advance “New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission”
The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Shirley Turner to create a commission that would develop reforms and create a pathway to justice for those who have been wrongfully convicted in New Jersey.
From left: Exoneree Anthony Ways, Sen. Joe Pennacchio, Exoneree Jean Dorval, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nick Scutari, Exoneree Rodney Roberts, and advocate Lesley Risinger. All were present for the Oct. 29 committee passage of S-406, which will bring justice to the wrongfully convicted. (SenateNJ.com)
“Our innocence commission would address a wide variety of issues facing people who have been wrongfully convicted – from reintegrating back into society, to getting the compensation they deserve,” Senator Pennacchio explained. “The commission would also consider establishing a permanent panel that could review cases when our system fails.
“Innocent people should not spend a single day behind bars, but it happens all the time – even in New Jersey. I hope that our colleagues in the Assembly will listen to the stories we have shed light on throughout our journey to pass this bill. These people shouldn’t have to wait a moment longer for justice,” Pennacchio added.
Pennacchio Blasts Conagra for ‘Gutless’ Christmas Layoffs Announcement
Company Announces Hundreds of Layoffs in Parsippany & Cherry Hill, NJ
Senator Joe Pennacchio today blasted Conagra for announcing, two weeks before Christmas, that they will eliminate more than 500 jobs in New Jersey, including more than 300 positions in Parsippany, a town in the senator’s district.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio blasted Conagra for announcing, two weeks before Christmas, that they will eliminate more than 500 jobs in New Jersey, including more than 300 positions in Parsippany, a town in the senator’s district. (Wikimedia Commons)
“I have one thing to say to Conagra – shame on you,” Sen. Pennacchio said. “Announcing layoffs two weeks before Christmas is a gutless and soulless thing to do.”
Conagra announced that it will eliminate 308 jobs at Pinnacle Food’s former headquarters in Parsippany, and 196 jobs at the Woodcrest Road offices in Cherry Hill, according to a Dec. 7, 2018 Courier Post report.
Senator Pennacchio’s Holiday Toy Drive Collecting Gifts for Children Through 12/17
If You Know of a Family in Need this Holiday Season, Call Us to Arrange for a Gift Pick-Up
State Senator Joe Pennacchio, once again, this year will be collecting toys for families and children in need. In the past, working in concert with many of the schools in his district, the Senator has collected thousands of toys.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio is hosting a holiday toy drive for children and families in need. Donations of unwrapped gifts will be collected at his legislative office in Montville through Mon., Dec. 17. (SenateNJ.com)
The Senator is also encouraging those who know of families and children who could use support, regardless of religious denomination, to call the office to make arrangements for individual pick-up for those families.
Pennacchio & Bucco: NJ Lost Honeywell’s HQ Because of Murphy’s Anti-Business Agenda
Senators Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Anthony Bucco (R-25) released the following statement in regards to today’s reports that Honeywell, a Morris Plains-based company, is moving its global headquarters to North Carolina.
Sens. Joe Pennacchio and Anthony Bucco said Gov. Murphy’s bad-for-business policies are driving companies like Honeywell out of state. (Wikimedia)
Morris Plains is a municipality within Senator Pennacchio’s Legislative District.
“Governor Murphy’s anti-business agenda means we are always at risk of companies like Honeywell leaving for greener pastures,” Pennacchio said. “The Governor must focus more on New Jersey workers, and less on his expensive liberal wish list. Bad-for-business policies like the recent CBT increase and Murphy’s endless tax hikes force high-paying jobs out of state. We can’t afford it.”
Pennacchio Applauds President Trump for Standing Up to GM in Wake of Layoffs
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) applauded President Donald Trump’s decision to consider cutting all subsidies for General Motors, after the corporation announced this week that it plans to close five American factories and eliminate approximately 14,000 jobs.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio applauded President Trump’s actions to hold GM accountable in the wake of the company’s decision to close 5 American factories and cut 14,0000 jobs. (SenateNJ.com)
In 2009, the Obama Administration executed a $50 billion bailout to save General Motors from going bankrupt. The layoffs GM announced this week would wipe out about 15 percent of the company’s workforce.
In the past year alone, GM has received approximately $33.5 million in federal funding.
“All too often, elected officials, including members of my own party, jump at the chance to criticize President Trump. Let them find something to be critical about here. I don’t recall any other President taking such bold steps to hold a corporate behemoth like GM accountable for their actions,” Senator Pennacchio said.
Pennacchio on Murphy’s Snowmess: Governor, Don’t Blame Meteorologists – You Own This One
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Essex, Passaic) released the following statement on Governor Murphy’s administration’s response to yesterday’s winter storm:
Sen. Joe Pennacchio said that Gov. Murphy should stop blaming meteorologists and take full responsibility for the Nov. 15 winter storm that put thousands of New Jerseyans in harm’s way. (SenateNJ.com)
“People have the right to expect their roads to be salted and plowed. This storm was not a surprise, but the State’s epic failed response was,” Senator Pennacchio said. “New Jersey citizens’ lives were profoundly disrupted. Families were separated for hours. First responders were stifled and put at risk.”
“Governor, don’t blame it on the meteorologists, or the poor guy driving the salt or plow truck. You own this one,” Pennacchio said.
Pennacchio & Turner Bill Creates Pathway to Justice for Wrongfully Convicted
Exonerated Prisoners & Advocates Show Support for “The New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission”
The Senate Judiciary Committee has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Shirley Turner to create a commission that would develop reforms and aid those who have been wrongfully convicted in New Jersey. At the Oct. 29th hearing, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nick Scutari announced that he has agreed to co-sponsor the bill.
From left: Exoneree Anthony Ways, Sen. Joe Pennacchio, Exoneree Jean Dorval, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nick Scutari, Exoneree Rodney Roberts, and advocate Lesley Risinger. All were present for the Oct. 29 committee passage of S-406, which will bring justice to the wrongfully convicted. (SenateNJ.com)
Senators Pennacchio and Turner introduced S-406 more than a year ago, following reports of wrongful conviction cases in New Jersey.
Following Senator Pennacchio’s October 2017 press conference calling for action on the bill, Attorney General Grewal announced a similar effort. Pennacchio noted that there is still a need for legislation.
“We cannot permanently address the crisis of wrongful conviction in New Jersey without codifying an innocence commission into law. If the Legislature doesn’t act, the next administration could easily discontinue Attorney General Grewal’s work,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “We have heard from a number of exonerees, like AJ Nash, who told us that if this pathway to justice had existed, he would not have spent years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
“Rodney Roberts languished in prison for 17 years. AJ Nash was there for 10. This is a travesty of the highest magnitude. Policy changes like bail reform are meaningless, if we aren’t solving the systemic issues that allow innocent people to stay locked up,” Pennacchio added. “Our search for justice should know no bounds.”
