Senate Approves Pennacchio Bill that Would Streamline Application Process for Veterans Benefits
Bill Would Simplify the Statutory Definitions of ‘Veteran,’ ‘Disabled Veteran,’ and ‘Service-Disabled Veteran’
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would streamline the application process for veterans benefits was approved last week by the New Jersey Senate.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would streamline the application process for veterans benefits was approved by the New Jersey Senate. (©iStock)
“The men and women who served our nation in the armed forces deserve to have access to the benefits they earned without having to go through excessive government red tape,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Currently, there are numerous statutory definitions of the terms ‘veteran’ and ’disabled veteran.’ This makes it extremely difficult for some service members to apply for benefits. In fact, there are over 20 definitions of the word ‘veteran’ alone. My legislation will reduce the number of definitions so that the brave men and women who served our country can more easily access the benefits they deserve.”
Pennacchio Bill Supporting Education of Military Children Becomes Law
Provides Additional State Funding to School Districts with Students Living on Military Installations
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would provide additional state school aid to districts impacted by the loss of federal impact aid was signed today by the Governor.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would provide additional state school aid to districts impacted by the loss of federal impact aid was signed by the Governor. (Pixabay)
For more than 70 years, school districts educating the children of active military parents have received impact aid from the federal government, but recently, the support from Washington has faded.
“This additional funding is much deserved,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “School districts take on the responsibility to educate the children of service members, and they deserve to be funded.”
Pennacchio Bill Bolstering Businesses Developing Fusion Energy and Technology Clears Senate
Provides that Companies Could be Eligible to Apply for EDA Incentive Programs
Senator Joe Pennacchio’s bill supporting fusion energy by ensuring companies working to develop the new technology could be eligible to apply under certain economic incentive programs was endorsed by the Senate this week.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s bill supporting fusion energy by ensuring companies working to develop the new technology could be eligible to apply under certain economic incentive programs was endorsed by the Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“Fusion energy has limitless potential to produce safe, clean, renewable electric power,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This technological breakthrough could someday soon change the world. If Trenton plays this right, New Jersey will be positioned to become a global leader in this promising new power source.”
Pennacchio Statement on the Democrats’ $50.6 Billion Budget
Senator Joe Pennacchio made the following comments on the Senate floor prior to voting against the Democrat’s record-spending budget, which passed with a 25-15 vote.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio spoke out against the Democrats’ $50.6 billion record-spending budget on the Senate floor prior to voting against the bill, which passed with a 25-15 vote. (Pixabay)
“The seeds of future State budget deficits and tax increases are sowed with this budget. As inflation rages on, New Jersey is doing its part to fan the inflationary flames.
“Since the Administration turnover, we have seen the State’s budget increase 40 percent. Forty percent is not sustainable. That’s not rocket science. Economies rise and fall as sure as the sun rises and sets.
Senate Judiciary Panel Advances Pennacchio Measure to Stop Wrongful Convictions
Bill Would Create the New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would move to prevent the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of innocent people cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would move to prevent the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of innocent people cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee. (©iStock)
Pennacchio’s bill, S-1205, would establish the New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission for the purpose of recommending reforms to reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions occurring in the future.
Senate Advances Pennacchio Bill Assisting Minority and Women Farmers
The Senate endorsed Senator Joe Pennacchio’s legislation that would direct the State Department of Agriculture to establish a New Jersey Minority, Woman and Underserved Farmer Registry, making it easier for registered farmers to qualify for loan and assistance programs.

The Senate endorsed Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation that would direct the State Department of Agriculture to establish a New Jersey Minority, Woman and Underserved Farmer Registry, making it easier for registered farmers to qualify for loan and assistance programs. (Wikimedia Commons)
Pennacchio’s bill, S-772, would support women and minority farmers, and help encourage more of them to consider operating farms in the Garden State.
“Historically, minority and disadvantaged farmers have been neglected by programs designed to help with loans and other assistance,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Too many have been unable to capitalize on affordable sources of financing for beginning farmers, emergency loans, and other costly expenses.”
Panel Clears Pennacchio Legislation Supporting Businesses Developing Fusion Energy and Technology
Companies Would be Eligible to Apply for EDA Incentive Programs
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would ensure that fusion technology companies could be eligible to apply under certain economic incentive programs cleared the Senate Economic Growth Committee today.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would ensure that fusion technology companies could be eligible to apply under certain economic incentive programs cleared the Senate Economic Growth Committee. (Pixabay)
The bill, S-219, is Pennacchio’s second measure bolstering the development of fusion energy in the state approved by Senate Committees in the last week.
“Fusion energy has the limitless potential to produce safe, clean, renewable electric power,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This technological breakthrough could one day soon change the world. If Trenton takes care of business, New Jersey can be positioned to become a global leader in this promising new power source.”
Panel Approves Pennacchio Bill Supporting Development of Clean Fusion Energy
Measure Would Establish Scholarships for Graduate Students and Researchers
To increase the state’s talent pool of top-level graduate students and researchers in the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics, Senator Joe Pennacchio sponsors legislation approved today by the Senate Higher Education Committee.

To increase the state’s talent pool of top-level graduate students and researchers in the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics, Sen. Joe Pennacchio sponsors legislation approved today by the Senate Higher Education Committee. (Pixabay)
“To establish New Jersey as a leader in renewable fusion energy, we need to encourage the best and brightest young talent to help lead the transition,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Fusion is an appealing renewable energy option with limitless potential,” said Pennacchio (R-26).
“This bill will support the development of scientists and researchers to advance the innovations required to realize the promise of fusion as a safe, economical, and sustainable energy source for our long-term power needs.”
Pennacchio Bill to Bolster Minority and Women Farmers Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio to encourage and support minority and women farmers was advanced today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio to encourage and support minority and women farmers was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixabay)
Pennacchio’s legislation, S-772, would direct the State Department of Agriculture to establish a New Jersey Minority, Woman and Underserved Farmer Registry, making it easier for registered farmers to qualify for loan and assistance programs.
Pennacchio’s Budget Resolution Reflects Dedication to School Safety
Senator Joe Pennacchio this week introduced a budget resolution that would commit $1.5 million to help ensure the safety of New Jersey school students.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio this week introduced a budget resolution that would commit $1.5 million to help ensure the safety of New Jersey school students. (SenateNJ.com)
“If there is ever a right time to invest in making our schools safer, it is now,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “School safety has gotten plenty of lip service recently, but this resolution will put Trenton’s money where its mouth is.”