Pennacchio on Budget: Governor, This is Not the Way to Run the State
“Governor Murphy is trying to manage the budget with phantom numbers. This isn’t monopoly money. Governor: get your hands out of our pockets. Taxpayers have had enough and state spending is out of control.
Pennacchio: Governor Murphy is trying to manage the budget with phantom numbers. This isn’t monopoly money. Governor: get your hands out of our pockets. Taxpayers have had enough and state spending is out of control. (Wikimedia)
“New Jersey has the worst business climate and the highest property taxes in the nation and these new taxes will push even more job creators out of state,” Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) said.
“Last year, Governor Murphy’s proposed tax hikes were so egregious, that even his fellow Democrats couldn’t stomach them. Nothing has changed. Don’t be surprised if the government shuts down.
“To help taxpayers, we need to enact major reforms, like platinum-to-gold pension and health benefit reform, and our new Senate Republican School Funding Plan, which will finally give special education students and property taxpayers the support they deserve. It’s time to give the people of New Jersey what they want: a fiscally-responsible government and lower taxes.”
Pennacchio’s NJ Pharmacogenomics Commission Clears Commitee
Commission Would Examine Benefits of Expanding Drug-Gene Testing to Improve NJ Patient Care & Health Outcomes
The Senate Health Committee has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would create the “New Jersey Pharmacogenomics Commission.”
Pharmacogenomics, or “drug-gene testing,” is the study of how a person’s genetic makeup influences the effectiveness or toxicity of medications.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation would establish the New Jersey Pharmacogenomics Commission, to examine the benefits of expanding drug-gene testing. (Wikimedia Commons)
“New Jersey has the talent, academic prestige, and facilities to take medical science to the next level. There is no reason why the next big breakthrough can’t happen right in our own backyard,” Senator Pennacchio said. “By exploring pharmacogenomics, we can discover new ways to use drug-gene testing to cure illnesses, prevent side effects, and create treatment plans that are unique to each patient. My thanks to Chairman Vitale for posting this bill.”
Genetic testing is already a common component of cancer treatment, as genetic mutations play a role 5 to 10 percent of all cancers, and certain treatments can be tailored to match a specific genetic mutation identified in a patient’s tumor.
Pennacchio: Murphy & NJ Democrats Perpetuate a Fiscal Mess
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) warned that Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Democrats haven’t learned from their mistakes and are doubling-down on failed fiscal policies that are driving residents and jobs from the Garden State.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio warned that Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey Democrats haven’t learned from their mistakes and are doubling-down on failed fiscal policies that are driving residents and jobs from the Garden State. (Pixabay)
“Governor Cuomo recently admitted that high taxes are driving residents from New York, leading to budget deficits and the flight of residents from the Empire State,” said Pennacchio. “Unfortunately, Governor Murphy and New Jersey Democrats still haven’t learned from their mistakes. They’re doubling down on tax-hiking policies that have never worked, and New Jersey is doing worse than our neighbors and most of the nation as a result.”
Pennacchio: Efforts to Keep Trump off NJ’s 2020 Ballot Will Lead NJ Down a Slippery Slope
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) released the following statement in light of yesterday’s State Senate passage of legislation (S-119) that would require candidates for President and Vice President to release their tax returns in order to appear on the ballot in New Jersey.
Sen. Pennacchio attempted to amend the bill on the floor to include all candidates for Governor, State Senate, and General Assembly. In a clear rebuke of transparency, the majority party chose to block his commonsense amendment.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio said that S-119 is nothing more than a thinly-veiled political stunt to keep President Trump off the ballot, and that blocking his amendment to include NJ Legislative and Gov candidates was the height of hypocrisy. (©iStock)
“Blocking my amendment was the height of hypocrisy. Clearly, their bill is nothing more than a thinly-veiled political stunt to keep President Trump off the ballot. It shows that they are unwilling to hold themselves to the same standard. I highly doubt that the Senate Majority would have done this if a Democrat was in the Oval Office.
“Frankly, this bill is probably unconstitutional. It sends a message that states can tamper with the ballot in any way that pleases the majority party politically, and taxpayers will be the ones who pay the price when this ends up in court. This is a very slippery slope.
“Partisan politicians should not pick and choose who gets to run for office. Every citizen who cares about their community and their country should have the right to stand up and serve. In my opinion, President Trump certainly fits that bill.”
Pennacchio Will Push Floor Amendment Requiring Gov & State Legislators to Release Tax Returns
In response to news that the New Jersey State Senate plans to vote Thursday on legislation requiring all candidates for President or Vice President of the United States to release their tax returns in order to appear on the ballot in New Jersey, Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) announced that he will attempt to amend the bill on the floor, so that it applies to all Gubernatorial, State Senate and General Assembly candidates as well.
During the Feb. 21 voting session, Sen. Joe Pennacchio will attempt to amend S-119 on the floor, so that it also applies to candidates for Governor and the State legislature. As drafted, S-119 requires candidates for President and VP to disclose their tax returns in order to appear on the ballot in NJ. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey Democrats are claiming that this legislation is about transparency, well what’s good for the goose is what’s good for the gander,” Senator Pennacchio said. “If this really is about making sure voters are well-informed, then commonsense dictates that S-119 should apply to all of us as well. I would vote ‘yes’ if the Senate accepts my proposal to change the bill so that it also applies to all 120 State legislative offices and candidates for Governor.”
Pennacchio Condemns Murphy’s ‘Fire Sale’ of Assets; Renews Call for Racinos to Fix NJ’s Fiscal Crisis
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) issued the following statement condemning the Governor’s proposals to hold a fire sale of State assets and increase tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike. Pennacchio also called for action on his “racino” legislation, as a fiscally-responsible alternative to Murphy’s plan.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio speaking at a State House rally in Trenton on Feb. 8, 2008 in opposition to Gov. Jon Corzine’s privatization plan that would raise tolls by more than 800 percent. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey is not for sale. There is a better way,” Senator Pennacchio said. “We don’t have to resort to gimmicks that failed under Corzine. Someone should remind Governor Murphy that his Democratic predecessor’s proposed 800-percent toll hike caused a public outcry unlike anything we had seen in years. It was widely criticized by legislators on both sides of the aisle, and for good reason.
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Pennacchio Calls for India to Have Permanent Seat on UN Security Council
Senators Pennacchio and Thompson, and India’s Consulate General Call for Fair Global Representation at UN SEC
As part of an ongoing effort to strengthen ties with the New Jersey’s Indian community and in recognition of India’s longstanding global peace initiatives, Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) has introduced legislation urging the United Nations to seat India as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio has introduced legislation urging the United Nations to seat India as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, pictured in the photo above. The resolution has received the support of India’s Consulate General. (Wikimedia Commons)
“As the largest democracy in the world, India has proven to be a worthy partner in our efforts to maintain peace and security throughout the globe. The United Nations Security Council was established with this noble goal in mind. It’s time for the Council to recognize what the U.S. has long held to be true: that India is one of our strongest allies in that fight,” Senator Pennacchio said. “We have reaped the rewards of this international friendship in New Jersey, where more and more Indian-Americans continue to grow and prosper in the land they now call home.
“I urge the UN Security Council to honor this bond of friendship, by immediately instating India as a permanent member of the council. We cannot continue to take their military and economic contributions for granted. India is certainly deserving of a seat at the table.”
Pennacchio Calls for Tax Incentive Reform, Greater Transparency at Committee Hearing
Sen. Pennacchio: “The State should not be in the business of picking winners and losers in the private sector.”
Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-26,) a member of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, today once again called for greater oversight and accountability of tax incentive programs and the NJ EDA, including the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act.
Below are Sen. Pennacchio’s remarks as prepared for delivery during the Feb. 11, 2019 joint meeting of the State Senate Economic Growth and Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committees:
At a Feb. 11 joint hearing, Sen. Joe Pennacchio called for greater oversight and accountability of tax incentive programs and the NJ EDA (Pixabay)
“We are here today to discuss the quote ‘oversight and effectiveness’ of the NJ EDA’s tax incentive programs.
“I think that it’s pretty clear from the comptroller’s report last month that “effective” is not a word that any of us would use to describe many of the tax incentives that have been doled out in recent years.
“And certainly, there should have been MUCH more oversight of the dollars that were distributed on the backs of our taxpayers. If anyone deserves a tax break, it’s them. As the comptroller’s report illustrated, the extreme lack of oversight has created an environment that is ripe for abuse.
Pennacchio & Diegnan Introduce ‘Mallory’s Law’ to Toughen NJ’s Anti-Bullying Laws
Bill Named in Memory of 12-Year-Old Rockaway Student Increases Accountability, Strengthens Process
Following the tragic death of Mallory Rose Grossman, a 12-year-old Rockaway student who committed suicide after suffering from bullying, Senators Joe Pennacchio and Patrick Diegnan have introduced bipartisan legislation to standardize and strengthen New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio has introduced “Mallory’s Law” to toughen NJ’s anti-bullying laws. Pictured: the Senate honors Mallory’s Army on Dec. 18, 2017 for its fight against bullying. (SenateNJ.com)
Their legislation, “Mallory’s Law,”(S-3433) represents a comprehensive approach to prevent and respond to bullying in New Jersey, by increasing the repercussions and ensuring school officials take preventative actions before tragedy strikes.
“My heart breaks for Mallory’s family,” Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) said. “We must take action to ensure no one ever goes through this again. ‘Mallory’s Law’ combats the harassment and intimidation that can lead children to take their own lives. This bill would also require school and county officials to address bullying, before it gets out of control. Increasing transparency and accountability, while standardizing this process, will help us end the culture of bullying.”
Mallory Grossman was bullied on school grounds and harassed via Snapchat and text messages relentlessly, before she took her own life on June 14, 2017.
Pennacchio Condemns Unfairness of Murphy’s Tax Break Plans
Senator: Murphy’s ‘Tale of Two Taxes’ May Work for the Hollywood Elite, But New Jersey Shore Owners & Renters Will Get Socked
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) questioned Governor Murphy’s motive to provide a multi-million dollar tax subsidy to Hollywood’s film industry while simultaneously increasing taxes that negatively impact New Jersey’s shore homeowners and the summer tourism industry.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio questions Gov. Murphy’s motive to provide a multi-million dollar tax subsidy to Hollywood’s film industry while simultaneously increasing taxes that negatively impact New Jersey’s shore homeowners and the summer tourism industry. (SenateNJ.com)
“Governor Murphy’s tax break for the Hollywood film industry stands in stark contrast to his tax hike on New Jersey shore house renters,” Pennacchio said. “While the Hollywood-connected elite will enjoy $425 million in subsidies, beach renters could pay up to an additional 14 percent in taxes. This could amount to hundreds of dollars in fees on what was once an affordable family vacation. The owners of these shore rentals are also paying an unfair price, on top of the already high taxes and operational costs required to maintain their properties.
“Why is Governor Murphy bankrolling Hollywood millionaires, while raising taxes on the little guy? This is completely unfair. If anyone should be given a tax break, it’s the hardworking families who have to scrape together extra funds just to afford a Jersey Shore rental. Governor – forget about your friends in Hollywood. The people you were elected to serve in New Jersey deserve your help first.”
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