Pennacchio Bill that Would Upgrade Penalties for Those who Impersonate Veterans Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would upgrade certain crimes of misrepresenting oneself as a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces was signed into law today by Governor Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would upgrade certain crimes of misrepresenting oneself as a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces was signed into law today. (©iStock)
“It is inspiring to see a veteran who has honorably served our nation return home and continue serving their community. Unfortunately, there are professional scammers right here in New Jersey who make a living by deceiving others into thinking that they are veterans—in order to claim financial benefits that are reserved for our actual veterans,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “My legislation will increase the punishments for such crimes and help curb this despicable behavior going forward. I am pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law today because all veterans should be provided easy access to the benefits they’ve earned, and anyone who knowingly impersonates a veteran in order to steal those benefits, should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Pennacchio Bill that Would Allow More Veterans to be Eligible for State Civil Service Preference Signed into Law
Military service members who did not serve in a theater of operation, but did serve during a war or conflict, may soon be eligible for state civil service preference thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and signed into law today by Governor Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would allow more veterans to be eligible for state civil service preference was signed into law today. (©iStock)
“I am proud that this bill was signed into law today. This legislation will provide a great service to so many veterans and loosen the stringent requirements for civil service preference that deny numerous veterans to this day,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This change would not only allow veterans to find employment more quickly after leaving the armed forces, but it is a well-deserved benefit for these brave men and women and will make their transition from military to civilian life much easier.”
Governor Signs Corrado Bill Bolstering Aid for Developmentally Disabled Young Adults
Centers for transition based in county colleges across the state will be established to help developmentally disabled individuals up to age 24 under legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado and signed into law today.
Under legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado and signed into law, centers for transition based in county colleges across the state will be established to help developmentally disabled individuals up to age 24. (SenateNJ.com)
The new law (S-4211/A-6228) appropriates $4.5 million to support the centers’ mission of helping prepare young people for life as an adult.
“It is time to stop abandoning special needs individuals when they reach age 21 and devote more energy to teaching them how to live productive, responsible adult lives,” said Corrado (R-40). “This program will change lives for those with developmental disabilities who have aged out of traditional support programs. The centers will help students progress to postsecondary education and develop life skills necessary for them to find employment and live independently as adults.”
Testa Calls Out Murphy for Promises of No More Tax Increases
Pledge Has Been Violated Several Times, and is Set to be Broken in the Future
Senator Michael Testa today chided Governor Murphy for his often repeated “no new taxes” statements.
Sen. Michael Testa today chided Governor Murphy for his often repeated “no new taxes” statements, calling the promise laughable in light of the facts. (Pixabay)
“Starting during his reelection campaign and for the past several months, the Governor has insisted he is done with tax increases. It’s a laughable promise he repeated just days ago in his State of the State address,” said Testa (R-1).
Bramnick Statement on MLK Day
Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) issued the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
On MLK Day, Sen. Jon Bramnick honored the life and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated how to be a true leader. His words from decades ago continue to be just as meaningful today. We honor his life and his immeasurable contribution to our country.”
Corrado: Property Taxes Continue to Increase Under Murphy’s Tenure
It’s bad enough the average property tax bill in New Jersey is more than $9,000, but it’s far higher in many areas of the state. Senator Kristin Corrado noted it is strange the Governor is bragging that the state’s worst-in-the-country property taxes have gotten worse.
It’s bad enough the average property tax bill in NJ is more than $9,000, but it’s far higher in many areas of the state. Sen. Kristin Corrado noted it is strange the Governor is bragging that the state’s worst-in-the-country property taxes have gotten worse. (Pixabay)
“Residents have repeatedly cited property taxes as their top concern,” said Corrado. “Families living in average homes, with three bedrooms and a couple baths are paying almost $800 in property taxes every month — or more than $9,200 this year. Boasting about that is delusional.”
Corrado Seeks Details on Department of Health’s Vaccination Promotion Aimed at Children
Commercials Featured Kids Asking Santa for COVID Shots
Senator Kristin Corrado wrote to New Jersey’s health commissioner seeking financial details about the Department of Health’s holiday season advertising campaign featuring school-age children asking for COVID shots.
Sen. Kristin Corrado wrote to New Jersey’s health commissioner seeking financial details about the Department of Health’s holiday season advertising campaign featuring school-age children asking for COVID shots. (NJ Department of Health)
“In reality, these insensitive commercials were nothing more than political gamesmanship masquerading as public service announcements,” said Corrado (R-40). “State residents deserve to know how much they cost and how they were paid for. I am seeking transparency and justification for the expenditure.”
O’Scanlon Says Governor’s Expansive Emergency Powers Must Be Limited & Effective Oversight Established
Senator Declan O’Scanlon said Governor Phil Murphy has wielded immense powers through emergency declarations during the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrated why the Legislature must limit executive authority and establish effective oversight.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon said Gov. Phil Murphy has wielded immense powers through emergency declarations during the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrated why the Legislature must limit executive authority and establish effective oversight. (SenateNJ.com)
“As we’ve learned over the past two years, the Governor of New Jersey has an astonishing amount of power under state law once they declare a State of Emergency or a Public Health Emergency,” said O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth). “They can shut down schools and businesses, force people to stay home, and mandate compliance with an unimaginable breadth of orders and directives that impact all facets of life. There’s absolutely no requirement that an emergency declaration not continue in perpetuity or any provision that the Legislature must provide oversight of executive orders. Many New Jerseyans agree it’s simply too much power for one person to wield.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano: Governor Murphy Continues to Circumvent Legislature and Rule by Executive Fiat
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano (all R-10) called Governor Murphy’s renewal of his public health emergency powers, which were set to expire on January 11, a blatant disregard for the legislative process.
District 10 lawmakers called Governor Murphy’s renewal of his public health emergency powers, which were set to expire on January 11, a blatant disregard for the legislative process. (©iStock)
“One individual should not be able to have such a far-reaching impact on our state for so long without the input of the entire Legislature,” said Senator Holzapfel. “The New Jersey Legislature, as envisioned in our State Constitution, should be playing a more direct role in determining the state’s pandemic response. As elected officials, our objective is to provide for the public’s general welfare—and the Legislature should be having more of a say on issues that affect our constituents’ lives. The Governor’s unilateral reign is antithetical to that purpose.”
Stanfield, Torrissi and Umba urge all legislators to take a stand against mandates
Senator Jean Stanfield, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi and Assemblyman Brandon Umba pushed back on Governor Phil Murphy’s new Public Health Emergency and urged every state lawmaker to do the same.
Senator Jean Stanfield, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi and Assemblyman Brandon Umba pushed back on Governor Phil Murphy’s new Public Health Emergency and urged every state lawmaker to do the same. (SenateNJ.com)
“Governor Murphy made every Democratic legislator a deal that his mandates would end on January 12. Well January 12th came and went, but his mandates are still here,” Stanfield said.
“It’s time for every Democrat in Trenton to stand up with Republicans and call an end to the madness, or step aside and let those who want to govern have their spot,“ she continued.
