Pennacchio Urges Congress to Condemn U.N. Security Council’s Anti-Israel Actions
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) will introduce legislation urging Congress to pass their resolution admonishing the U.N. Security Council for voting to condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio will introduce a resolution urging Congress to admonish the United Nations Security Council for condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (Flickr)
“The U.N. Security Council’s condemnation of Israeli settlements and the Obama administration’s refusal to speak out against this resolution is a horrific betrayal,” Senator Pennacchio said. “While I am confident that President Elect Trump will right this wrong, we must act now to demonstrate our support for Israel, especially as the nation struggles to defend itself against unprovoked attacks on the West Bank.”
Pennacchio-Turner Bill Mandating Background Checks for All Day Care Providers Passes Senate
All family day care providers would be required to undergo state and federal background checks under bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Shirley Turner and approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Sens. Joe Pennacchio and Shirle Turner’s bill would require all current and prospective day care employees to undergo state and federal criminal background checks. (Flickr)
Under current law, prospective and current providers only have to undergo a child abuse registry check administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF.) They are not, however, required to undergo standard state and federal criminal history record background checks.
“It is impossible to know how many child abusers are slipping through the cracks in the system without subjecting every day care employee to a criminal background check,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “Clearly, a child abuse record check is not sufficient enough to prevent predators from accessing our children. An innocent child who is cared for by a handful of people in a private residence is no less deserving of the State’s protection.”
Pennacchio: State Must Investigate Planned Parenthood’s Alleged Sale of Baby Body Parts
Following a U.S. Senate recommendation to file criminal charges against Planned Parenthood, Senator Joe Pennacchio today renewed his call for the State Attorney General to launch an investigation to determine if any Planned Parenthood in New Jersey has committed this crime. Pennacchio sponsors legislation forbidding organizations to profit from the sale of aborted fetal tissue.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio speaking at a New Jersey State House press conference on his Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act on December 5, 2016. (SenateNJ.com)
“We cannot stand by as agencies such as Planned Parenthood, who boldly claim to be advocating for women and families, secretly profit from the illegal sale of baby body parts,” Senator Pennacchio said. “In light of the horrific evidence uncovered by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and their referral for a criminal investigation into Planned Parenthood, I am once again urging the State Attorney General not to turn a blind eye to the disturbing possibility that serious crimes against humanity could be occurring right here in New Jersey.”
Senator Pennacchio Hosting Holiday Toy Drive at His Montville District Office
Toy Donations Will Be Collected Through December 18th
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) announced that his legislative office will once again collect toy donations throughout the holiday season to support local organizations. All are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Senator’s district office in Montville.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio is hosting a holiday toy drive to support local organizations. Donations will be collected at his Montville district office. (SenateNJ.com)
“The holiday season is a time for us to come together to support those in need, and teach our own children the value of making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate,” Senator Pennacchio said. “It is truly a privilege to open our doors as a collection site for children in need. I urge my constituents to take the time to make a donation and embrace the spirit of generosity that this season inspires.”
Pennacchio/Oroho Fight for Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Steven Oroho were today joined by medical professionals and New Jersey Right to Life at a press conference calling on the legislature to pass their “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.”
Sen. Joe Pennacchio speaking at a New Jersey State House press conference on S-2026 on December 5, 2016. (SenateNJ.com)
The Senators’ bill, S-2026, prohibits abortions after 20 weeks. Medical studies have shown unborn children can feel pain in the womb at least by 20 weeks, if not before.
“This is the time of year when we reflect on how to protect the most vulnerable members of society,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “That is why we chose today to call on those who control the legislative agenda to stand up for the rights of innocent unborn children. For who is more vulnerable than a baby who can feel pain in the womb, but cannot cry out for help? It is time for our leaders to listen to these children’s silent screams and immediately pass our Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.”
MEDIA ADVISORY (12/5): Pennacchio/Oroho News Conference with NJ Right to Life on “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act”
Will Be Joined by Doctors, Legislators to Discuss Bill Prohibiting Abortions After 20 Weeks
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) will hold a news conference on Monday, December 5 at 11:30 a.m. in Committee Room 3 of the State House Annex to discuss the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” which would prohibit abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Sens. Joe Pennacchio and Steve Oroho will be joined by NJRTL and medical professionals at a news conference on 12/5 to discuss the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.”
They will be joined by New Jersey Right to Life, medical professionals and other legislators to discuss the legislation, S-2026.
WHO: Marie Tasy, Executive Director of New Jersey Right to Life; Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26); Senator Steve Oroho (R-24); Senator Mike Doherty (R-23); Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-12); Dr. Kyle Beiter, Central Jersey Ob/Gyn; Dr. Randy Knob, Retired General Surgeon; and Rev. Michael Fragoso, Retired Pediatrician.
WHAT: News conference on S-2026, the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.”
WHEN: Monday, December 5th at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Committee Room 3 in the State House Annex.
Pennacchio: Castro is Dead – Time for Cuba to Bring Back Cop-killer Chesimard
In response to Fidel Castro’s death, Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) has renewed his call for Cuba to extradite convicted cop-killer Joanne Chesimard.
Joanne Chesimard is wanted for escaping from prison in Clinton, New Jersey, while serving a life sentence for murdering a New Jersey State Trooper. She relocated to Cuba in 1984, where she is thought to still be living. (FBI)
“Joanne Chesimard brutally murdered a New Jersey State Police Trooper and yet she has been allowed to live comfortably in Cuba for more than 30 years. Even in the wake of Castro’s death, there cannot be real peace between our two nations as long as Cuba remains a safe haven for a convicted cop-killer.”
Pennacchio Bill to Help Small Businesses Compete, Lower Costs Heads to Governor
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) aimed at helping small businesses grow and lower costs for taxpayers is headed to the Governor’s desk after being passed by the New Jersey General Assembly.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation would create a new program in the NJEDA to help small businesses grow and compete for government contracts. (NJEDA)
“This is a great chance for us to help small businesses compete,” Senator Pennacchio said. “Our experiences have shown us that when we can cut through some of the red tape, it produces an immediate opportunity for entrepreneurs to take advantage and succeed.”
Pennacchio: Elected Officials Can’t Choose Which Laws to Obey
Calls for Passage of Ethics & Transparency Reforms
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) renewed his calls for the passage of ethics and transparency reforms he sponsors following published reports in which a candidate for governor said he would ignore certain policies that he doesn’t agree with.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio called for his ethics and transparency reforms to advance following suggestions that elected officials could ignore enforcing laws they disagree with. (SenateNJ.com)
“Elected officials have an obligation to operate within the law,” said Pennacchio. “The insinuation that someone might unilaterally choose to ignore the properly enacted laws of our state or nation as governor is insulting and dangerous to the democratic process.”
Pennacchio Bill to Stop Corruption on the State Investment Council Passes Senate Panel
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) that forbids State Investment Council members from voting on investments that present a financial or familial conflict of interest passed the Senate State Government, Wagering Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s bill would forbid members of the State Investment Council from voting on matters that present a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest on the council regarding Lehman Brothers cost the state $115 million in 2008. (Wikimedia Commons)
“In 2008, the State Investment Council invested in Lehman Brothers right before the firm went bankrupt,” Senator Pennacchio recalled. “The Lehman Brothers managers who sat on the council should have been forced to recuse themselves. Instead, they cost the pension system $115 million. This kind of blatant conflict of interest would not be tolerated under my legislation.”
