Connors, Rumpf & Gove Will Vote NO on Marijuana Legalization
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove announced that their Delegation is unified in their opposition to any legislation that would legalize marijuana for recreational use, and will be voting accordingly when a bill is considered by their respective Houses.
The 9th District Delegation is unified in their opposition to any legislation that would legalize marijuana for recreational use, and will be voting accordingly when a bill is considered by their respective Houses. (Pixabay)
As a member of the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee, Assemblyman Rumpf participated in hearings held this year across the state regarding the impact of marijuana legislation on the state, including the public’s health and safety. The Assemblyman’s extensive consideration of testimony provided by advocates on both sides of the issue allowed for the Delegation to make an informed decision.
The Delegation’s opposition to legalizing marijuana is also consistent with the views expressed by the majority of constituents with whom the Delegation has discussed the issue over the years.
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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Oroho, Space, and Wirths Address Ongoing Issue of Vernon Dump
District 24 Lawmakers Vow to Pursue Legislative Action in Absence of NJDEP Response
Senator Steve Oroho, and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths (all R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) released the following statement vowing to work with legislative colleagues, local leaders as well as Congressman Josh Gottheimer to pursue legislation aimed at protecting communities from tainted waste piles. The issue has taken on particular prominence due to the growing concern of an unauthorized waste dump on private land in Vernon, a municipality within their legislative district. To date, the State Department of Environmental Protection has failed to take enforcement action against the delinquent property owner.
Oroho, Space, and Wirths released the following statement vowing to address growing public concerns regarding an unauthorized waste dump on private land in Vernon, New Jersey. (SenateNJ.com)
“The waste pile in Vernon presents a serious public safety issue for the whole community,” Oroho said. “While we don’t know the severity of the waste that is being dumped there, we do know that the property owner has been convicted on multiple counts of illegal dumping in New York. Of greatest concern is the potential contamination of groundwater as a result of run-off from the dumpsite. We are committed to working with local and legislative leaders to develop and pass legislation, or push for local enforcement mechanisms that can effectively combat this environmental crisis.”
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Corrado Bill To Display ‘U Text U Drive U Pay’ on Inspection Sticker Advances
Senator Kristin Corrado’s (R-40) legislation to require all inspection stickers to display ‘U Text U Drive U Pay,’ reminding motorists of the penalty associated with texting while driving, has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to require inspection stickers to display ‘U Text U Drive U Pay,’ reminding motorists of the penalty associated with texting while driving, has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“Distracted driving is deadly,” Corrado said. “Texting behind the wheel frequently causes completely preventable car crashes. To reduce the number of accidents, we must increase public awareness of the steep repercussions associated with picking up one’s phone behind the wheel. This bill will hopefully remind drivers to put their phone down, so they can avoid costly tickets and save lives.”
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O’Scanlon Spearheads Legislation to Stop Taxpayer Theft
Says not requiring full restitution in civil settlements is ‘ludicrous’
Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) announced his plans to introduce legislation designed to eliminate loopholes in certain civil settlement deals. The legislation comes as a direct result of recent investigations into Medicaid fraud settlements in Lakewood.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon announced his plans to introduce legislation designed to eliminate loopholes in certain civil settlement deals. (SenateNJ.com)
“When I heard about details of the civil settlement agreements in the Medicaid fraud cases I was concerned,” O’Scanlon stated “I immediately called my staff to get legislation started.”
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Corrado Moves to Exempt Local Workers From Minimum Wage Increase
New bill would exempt municipal, county and school district employees from State minimum wage law
In response to mounting concerns regarding how the latest minimum wage law will impact local governments and taxpayers, Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) formally introduced legislation on Thursday, Feb. 14 to exempt certain government workers from State minimum wage increases.
Prior to Governor Murphy’s signing of the minimum wage increase, municipal, school and county government employees were exempt from the State minimum wage, and were subject only to federal increases. Senator Corrado’s new legislation would restore this exemption, so that these employees would once again only be subject to the federal minimum wage.
Sen. Kristin Corrado has introduced legislation to exempt municipal, county and school district employees from the State minimum wage, to protect taxpayers and preserve access to affordable community programs and services. (SenateNJ.com)
“The new minimum wage law is forcing local leaders to make impossible choices,” Senator Corrado said. “Many of our towns currently provide extremely affordable community services, such as daycare, summer camp, and recreational classes for seniors. The unintended consequence of this law is that many of these programs will disappear, unless we take action to keep local government programs accessible.”
“Given our two-percent cap, there is only so much wiggle room in local budgets, so raising taxes to cover higher wages isn’t really an option,” Corrado added. “If we want to continue to keep families and seniors in our communities, we should do everything we can to preserve these programs now.”
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.”
Brown: Atlantic City Needs to Be Leader in E-Sports
The following editorial by Senator Chris Brown (R-Atlantic) on turning Atlantic City into an e-sports destination was published by the Press of Atlantic City:
John Madden, the Hall of Fame football coach, once said, “If the quarterback throws the ball in the end zone and the receiver catches it, it’s a touchdown.” It’s a simple bit of advice to guide Atlantic City in becoming an e-sports destination. If we call the right play and execute it, we will have professional and amateur e-sports tournaments, trade shows and conventions, and retail outlets, creating year-round attractions to keep local families working.
Sen. Chris Brown’s editorial on the benefits of turning Atlantic City into an e-sports destination. (SenateNJ.com)
Just as New Jersey took the lead in expanding casino gaming outside of Las Vegas, we now need to be a leader in e-sports.
Becoming an e-sports destination is worth the investment — just ask any parent about Fortnite, an interactive video game that has become the Beatlemania of our time. E-sports is the fastest growing pastime among teenagers and 20-somethings. At any given moment, 3 million gamers are playing Fortnite alone. Madden NFL is one of a handful of game franchises that have sold more than 100 million units. No wonder Fortune 500 companies are looking to sponsor e-sports leagues, teams and athletes (yes, they’re called athletes).
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.
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