Oroho and Space Laud Overdose Awareness Day for Promoting Prevention and Treatment of Addiction
Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Parker Space (both R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) issued the following joint statement supporting Overdose Awareness Day:
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. (International Overdose Awareness Day)
“The opioid crisis is rampant across New Jersey, and the entire nation. The insidious disease of addiction claims more than 50,000 lives each year in America, and deaths continue to skyrocket in counties across our state.
“To effectively fight this epidemic, we must eliminate the social stigma that forces many addicts and their families to suffer in silence. It is important to shine a light on the severity of this threat, and to encourage victims to seek help and treatment they so desperately need to have a second chance at life.
Pennacchio Elevated to Republican Whip
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean announced today that Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Essex, Passaic) has been elevated to the position of Whip within the Senate Republican caucus leadership.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean announced on Aug. 21, 2017 that Sen. Joe Pennacchio has been elevated to the position of Republican Whip. (SenateNJ.com)
“Senator Pennacchio has been a tried-and-true leader in our caucus for many years now. The elevation to Republican Whip is well-deserved,” Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said. “Joe has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of our legislative priorities. He has been a passionate advocate for school funding reform, protecting the innocent, and expanding our community outreach efforts. I have no doubt that as Republican Whip, he will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every taxpayer has a voice in Trenton.”
Pennacchio previously served as Assistant Republican Leader from 2014 to 2017. He is taking over the role of Whip following the departure of former Senate Republican Whip, Kevin O’Toole.
“Kevin was a tenacious and dedicated public servant. He left big shoes to fill,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the next Republican Whip. We have come a long way, but there is still much more we can do to cut taxes, create opportunities, and make New Jersey a better, more affordable place for everyone. I look forward to working with my colleagues to swiftly advance Republican solutions to achieve those goals.”
Singer Picked to Serve on New Manufacturing Caucus
Senator Robert Singer (R-Ocean, Monmouth) has been selected to serve on the newly formed Legislative Manufacturing Caucus which will work with the state’s business community to develop strategies to make New Jersey more enticing for manufacturers.
Sen. Bob Singer was selected to serve on the new Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. (Wikimedia Commons)
“I’m excited to have a role on this new sub-committee where we’ll have a chance to research and form policies that will improve New Jersey’s business climate,” Senator Singer said. “We need to do everything we can to encourage manufacturers to stay, build or expand in New Jersey.”
Governor signs package of Oroho-Space farm bills
A package of comprehensive farm bills sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Parker Space benefiting the state’s farming industry, schools and food banks was signed today by Gov. Chris Christie.
A package of bills designed to help New Jersey’s farm industry was signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey has a long history of farming and farm culture, especially in the district I represent,” said Oroho (R-Sussex). “Not only will these new laws help us keep the farmer on the farm, they will help educate students about New Jersey’s important agricultural heritage.”
Now Law: Cardinale/Pennacchio Bill to Shorten Lines at MVC Offices
Expiration dates for vehicle registrations will be staggered based on an individual’s date of birth rather than all expiring at the end of the month
Legislation sponsored by Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen, Passaic) and Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) to shorten lines at Motor Vehicle Commission offices is now law after it was signed by Governor Chris Christie.
A bill sponsored by Sen. Gerald Cardinale and Sen. Joe Pennacchio to shorten lines at the NJ MVC was signed into law. (Wikimedia)
“It doesn’t make sense to have everyone’s registration expire at the same time,” Senator Cardinale said. “By staggering expiration dates, we can cut down on congestion and increase efficiency at MVC offices.”
Now Law: Oroho Bill to Protect Members of the Military from Discrimination
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) to ensure that members of the United States Armed Forces are protected against discrimination is now law after it was signed by Governor Chris Christie.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho to protect veterans from discrimination was signed into law. (Flickr)
“It takes a special kind of person to sign up for military service,” Senator Oroho said. “They put their lives on hold while they go out to serve our country. They deserve to have every chance to succeed once they return to civilian life.”
Gov. Signs Oroho Bill to Allow More Survivors, Witnesses of Sex Crimes to Testify Via CCTV
Governor Christie has signed legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) to expand protections for survivors and witnesses, by removing the age restriction for testifying via closed circuit television (CCTV) in certain sex crime, domestic violence, and child abuse cases.
Gov. Christie has signed Sen. Steven Oroho’s bill to expand protections for survivors and witnesses, by removing the age restriction to testify via closed-circuit-television, also known as CCTV. (©iStock)
Prior to the August 7th signing of Sen. Oroho’s bill, only those 16-years-of-age or younger are permitted to testify via CCTV.
“Allowing more survivors and witnesses of sex crimes to utilize CCTV is critical to reducing the number of cases that go unreported every year,” Senator Oroho said. “Everyone who has endured such a traumatic experience should have the opportunity to testify without fear of retribution. Age shouldn’t stand in the way.”
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Bucco/Pennacchio Bill to Display K.I.A. Flag at Government Buildings Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris, Somerset) and Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) to honor veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice by requiring the “Killed in Action” flag to be flown alongside the state flag is now law after it was signed by Governor Chris Christie.
Legislation by Sen. Anthony Bucco and Sen. Joe Pennacchio requires the “Killed in Action” flag to be flown alongside the official state flag at government buildings. (SenateNJ.com)
“This helps us honor the American lives lost to protect freedom over our country’s history,” Senator Bucco said. “Commemorating those sacrifices every day at government buildings is a fitting tribute for our nation’s heroes.”
Now Law: Holzapfel/Singer Bill to Protect Animals from Cruel Pet Owners
Governor Christie has signed legislation sponsored by Senate Republicans Jim Holzapfel and Robert Singer to protect pets from being victimized by their owners.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Jim Holzapfel and Bob Singer to protect pets from inhumane treatment was signed by Gov. Christie on Aug. 7, 2017. (©iStock.com)
The law, S-1640, addresses several cruel practices related to keeping a pet at a home, including exposure to adverse weather, improper tethering and inadequate shelter.
“You would hope that pet owners would treat their animals with decency and provide them with a safe and healthy home environment, but sadly, that isn’t always the case,” Senator Holzapfel (R-Ocean) said. “We must protect these animals and show that this kind of treatment will not be tolerated.”
“Pet ownership can provide a lifetime of love and companionship, but it comes with a lot responsibility,” Senator Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) said. “If someone can’t follow these simple rules and treat their pets humanely on their own, we need strong rules to enforce them and the ability rescue animals from cruelty.”
Gov. Signs ‘Peggy’s Law’ to Protect Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities From Abuse
Governor Christie has signed Peggy’s Law, legislation sponsored by Senate Republicans Jim Holzapfel and Diane Allen to protect senior citizens in assisted living facilities from abuse.
Sens. Jim Holzapfel and Diane Allen’s “Peggy’s Law” will protect seniors living in assisted living facilities from abuse. The law is named for a 93-year-old woman from Brick, New Jersey. (SenateNJ)
“When families put their loved ones in the care of a nursing home or other assisted living facility, they expect that they’ll be treated properly and with respect,” Senator Holzapfel (R-Ocean) said. “If an employee of one of these homes even has the slightest suspicion that something might be awry, it should be their duty to report it.”
