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.”
Pennacchio: Disappointed to See Paterson BOE Fly to Vegas on Taxpayers’ Dime
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) questioned the Paterson Board of Education’s decision to use taxpayer dollars to fly to a conference in Las Vegas, calling the trip a “colossal waste” of public funds.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio questioned the Paterson Board of Education’s decision to use taxpayer dollars to fly to a conference in Las Vegas, calling the trip a colossal waste of public funds. (WikiCommons)
“We constantly hear reports of overcrowded classrooms, crumbling infrastructure, scare resources, and layoffs at Paterson Schools. How could any public servant justify spending thousands on a trip to Vegas, when the children they are supposed to be fighting for don’t even have their own textbooks? Surely, there are better ways to spend that money. This is an outrageous misuse of taxpayer dollars and every parent who hears about this should be furious,” Pennacchio said.
“I have one thing to say to these Board of Education members: grow a conscience, respect the people you represent, and cancel this trip immediately. $5,000 is a lot of money and your district can’t afford to spend it on a lavish vacation, no matter the alleged ‘educational value’ of this so-called conference. If it is that important, pay for it yourself.”
Pennacchio Urges Eligible Residents to Take Part in Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief Program
Deadline to Apply is October 31, 2018
In light of the affordability struggles many homeowners are currently facing in New Jersey, Senator Joe Pennacchio is strongly encouraging all eligible residents to apply for the Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief Program, before the October 31, 2018 deadline.
Senator Joe Pennacchio urged eligible New Jersey residents to apply for the Senior Freeze Program Property Tax Relief Program before the October 31, 2018 deadline. (SenateNJ.com)
Pennacchio noted that more than 140,000 seniors currently use the Senior Freeze property tax relief program in New Jersey.
“Our seniors have paid more than their fair share of taxes,” Pennacchio (R-26) said. “Retirees in New Jersey who are living on a fixed income often struggle to make ends meet. The Senior Freeze Program places $204.4 million back in the pockets of New Jersey residents, ensuring these homeowners can stay with their families in the state they call home.”
Pennacchio Renews Call for Mandated Government Transparency
Senator Urges Legislative Action Following News of Murphy Administration’s Failure to Produce Regular Fiscal Reports
In response to reports that Governor Phil Murphy’s administration has failed to produce monthly performance updates to taxpayers, Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) is calling for the passage of his “Transparency in Government Act,” legislation that would hold school boards, State and local agencies, and government authorities accountable to all New Jersey residents, by preventing abusive spending of public funds.
In response to reports that Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration has failed to produce monthly performance updates to taxpayers, Sen. Joe Pennacchio is calling for the passage of his bill to prevent the abusive spending of public funds. (Pixabay)
“Transparency is an essential public instrument that holds government officials accountable for how they spend taxpayer dollars,” Pennacchio said. “Governor Murphy’s latest lapse in fiscal responsibility exposes the urgent need for a comprehensive website that shows if public money is being spent wisely. Additionally, the creation of a transparency committee places public interest at the forefront. I have been advocating for this bill for many years now. I hope that my colleagues in the Legislature will finally be able to work together to deliver honest government throughout the Garden State. ”
In the category of transparency, New Jersey received a C- for from the Public Interest Research Groups (US PIRG.) US PIRG grades each State’s ability to offer accessible government spending data and information to the public.
Pennacchio Blasts Rutgers for Forcing Students & Taxpayers to Pay for Golden Parachutes
Senator Joe Pennacchio blasted Rutgers University for forcing students and New Jersey taxpayers to pick up the tab for more than $11.5 million in settlements, buyouts and golden parachutes for elite employees at the State-funded university. The discovery of the payouts was reported by NJ.com on August 3, 2018.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio blasts Rutgers for forcing students and taxpayers to pick up the tab for more than $11.5 million in payouts to elite employees. (SenateNJ.com)
“The cost of higher education is skyrocketing in New Jersey and it’s no secret why. It is unconscionable that a State-funded university would have the gall to raise tuition, and then turn right back around and give away millions of dollars to elite employees. These golden parachutes are an outrageous misuse of funds. Rutgers owes students and taxpayers an explanation. After all, they pay their salary,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said.
“Our goal is to ensure that students who go to high school in New Jersey, can continue their education at a great in-State college, get great career training, and continue to live and work in the state they call home. How can we expect them to do that if our flagship university refuses to do anything to make higher education more affordable?
“Talk to any college student on campus – they do not want their tuition dollars spent on multi-million dollar payouts to coaches and administrators who make enough money as it is. This fiscally-irresponsible practice must come to an end.”
Pennacchio Highlights Dangers of Sex Tourism in Dominican Republic
Introduces New Legislation Urging NJ Residents Not to Travel to DR
Due to an increase in human trafficking violations in the Dominican Republic (DR,) Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) has introduced a Senate Resolution that would urge New Jersey residents to immediately cease travel to the Dominican Republic, unless the country takes action to combat the epidemic of sex tourism within the nation’s borders.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio has introduced a resolution that would urge NJ residents to cease travel to the Dominican Republic, unless the country takes action to combat the epidemic of sex tourism within the nation’s borders. (SenateNJ.com)
“Human trafficking is modern-day enslavement in which innocent people, particularly young children, are abducted, sold, and forced into the heartbreaking sex-trade and forced labor industry,” Pennacchio said. “The Dominican Republic’s beautiful beaches and mountains cannot cover-up the fact that it’s also the world’s most dangerous tourist destination for at-risk children. Ending human trafficking is not a partisan issue. This is about human rights.”
Pennacchio Bill Expands VA Benefits to Thousands of NJ National Guard Members
The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) that would allow New Jersey National Guard members who have been issued a NGB-22 form to access certain veterans’ benefits. An NGB-22 is a type of discharge form issued to National Guard members in New Jersey after they have served the country.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation would expand VA benefits to thousands of New Jersey National Guard members. (WikiCommons)
“All veterans, regardless of where they have served our country, must be able to access the benefits they have earned,” Pennacchio said. “Right now, National Guard members are at a disadvantage. Many of these heroes are never issued the accepted DD-214 form. By expanding eligibility requirements to include the discharge forms they receive, we will ensure that the members of New Jersey’s National Guard can access the resources and tools they need to live and thrive at home.”
Pennacchio Calls for State Audit of Wasteful Tax Incentive Programs
Says Garden State Film Tax Credit is a ‘Gross Misuse of Funds’ & Urges Action to Protect NJ Taxpayers from Unnecessary Spending
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) today announced that he has sent a letter requesting that the State Auditor conduct a full evaluation of the Garden State Film Tax Credit, to determine if it is in fact a worthwhile investment of New Jersey’s scarce financial resources.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio sent a letter to the State Auditor requesting a full evaluation of the Garden State Film Tax Credit to determine if it is in fact a worthwhile investment. He also announced plans to introduce legislation to evaluate these types of tax incentive programs. (SenateNJ.com)
In the letter, Pennacchio notes that the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services has determined that New Jersey could lose $425 million in revenue as a result of the program in question – money that could and should be spent on critically-needed services, instead of catering to special interest groups that only stand to make a temporary investment in the State of New Jersey, and its people.
The Senator also noted that he plans to introduce legislation that would require the State Auditor to conduct further evaluation of these types of tax incentives and related programs.
