Pennacchio Honored by Morris County Chamber of Commerce
The Morris County Chamber of Commerce recognized New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio for his legislative efforts by awarding him the “Alex DeCroce Public Leadership Award” at the chamber’s 2015 Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon in Florham Park.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio received the “Alex DeCroce Public Leadership Award” at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon. (SenateNJ.com)
“Assemblyman DeCroce was a tireless advocate for small business and entrepreneurship not only in Morris County but throughout New Jersey. I am especially honored that this recognition carries his name,” said Pennacchio.
The Morris County Chamber of Commerce recognized the Senator’s efforts as a taxpayer champion and a strong advocate for the business community. Pennacchio was recently honored by the New Jersey Taxpayers Association for his legislative efforts for Transparency and Open Government where he received the “Advocate for Open Government Award.” He was also the recipient of the “Taxpayer Champion” award by the New Jersey Taxpayer Alliance where he received a perfect score and he received the “Guardian of Small Business Award” from the New Jersey Federation of Independent Business from 2008-2014.
Senator Pennacchio Honored by Taxpayer Group as Advocate for Open Government
Senator Joe Pennacchio was honored by the New Jersey Taxpayers’ Association as the 2015 NJTA Taxpayer Advocate Award recipient for the category of Open Government.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio was honored by the New Jersey Taxpayers’ Association as the 2015 NJTA Taxpayer Advocate Award recipient for the category of Open Government. (SenateNJ.com)
Senator Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic, Essex) was recognized for his longtime sponsorship of legislation to create greater transparency and openness in government.
“Our residents must be served by a truly open system of government, which acknowledges that the people own public information,” Pennacchio said. “Transparency and access to public records and meetings are critically important attributes of a democratic government. I’m honored to be recognized by the New Jersey Taxpayers Association and am thankful for the organization’s recognition of the importance of having an open and transparent government. I remain committed to updating New Jersey’s open record and meetings laws to facilitate a greater level of accountability and government transparency for taxpayers, while easing burdens for local government officials and records requestors.”
Senate Passes Singer Bills to Protect Consumers, Establish Standards for Third-Party Energy Suppliers
Two bills sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to increase consumer protections for customers of third-party energy suppliers were passed today by the full Senate.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation, S-2466 and S-2468, increases consumer protections for customers of third-party energy suppliers. (Flickr)
“The deregulated energy market has brought with it a host of third-party energy suppliers and the opportunity for consumers to shop for providers offering lower rates,” said Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “However, a lack of transparency and oversight has led to confusion and misleading contracts that have left too many customers who switched to third-party suppliers in hopes of lowering costs with astronomical gas or electric bills due to variable-rate plans and changing energy costs. These bills ensure a greater level of transparency and establishes clear standards to better protect consumers in the third-party energy supplier marketplace.”
Singer Editorial On Innovative Ways to Cut Health Care Costs, Offer More Affordable Care for New Jersey Families
The following editorial by Senator Robert Singer addressing innovative ways to cut health care costs and offer higher-quality, more affordable care for consumers was published by the Asbury Park Press on Oct. 16, 2015. Senator Singer serves on the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer discusses the need to support innovative ways to cut health care costs and offer higher-quality, more affordable care for consumers. (©iStock.com)
Rapidly escalating health care costs have left families and businesses across New Jersey struggling to find high quality care they can afford. Consumers in New Jersey now pay the second-highest health care premiums in the country and those costs continue to rise faster than the national average.
The cost of health care for public workers now consumes nearly 10 percent of the state budget and the federal surcharge, which can be as much as $750 million to the state, is looming.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Call for Action on Their Initiative to Expand Veterans’ Protections
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove are calling for action on their legislative initiative to update, modernize and bring in line with existing federal law the benefits and protections afforded to military servicemembers and their dependents.
The “New Jersey Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act,” sponsored by Connors, Rumpf and Gove, would bring New Jersey law in line with federal law regarding the benefits and protections afforded to military service members and their dependents. (©iStock)
The 9th District delegation’s initiative, S-210 and A-743, entitled the “New Jersey Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act,” would replace the New Jersey Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1979 to expand the definition of those who are protected under state law by reconciling differences between State and federal law.
Senate Passes Singer Bill Improving Coordination Between Behavioral/Primary Health Services
A measure sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) to create better coordinated and comprehensive primary and behavioral health care services was adopted by the full Senate.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation allows for better coordinated and comprehensive primary and behavioral health care services. (©iStock)
Under Senator Singer’s legislation, S2375, ambulatory care facilities would be permitted to provide primary health care services and behavioral health care services under a single license.
“The state’s current requirement forcing facilities to obtain multiple licenses is an unnecessary burden that restricts a patients’ access to needed care and makes it much more difficult for health centers to provide coordinated, holistic care,” said Singer. “Making it easier for ambulatory care facilities to also provide mental health services will allow more patients to get the full spectrum of care that they need.”
Singer Bills to Protect Consumers, Establish Standards for Third-Party Energy Suppliers Advanced
A three-bill package of legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to increase consumer protections for customers of third-party energy suppliers was advanced by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Senator Robert Singer’s package of bills would increase consumer protections for customers of third-party energy suppliers (SenateNJ.com)
“The deregulated energy market has brought with it a host of third-party energy suppliers and the opportunity for consumers to shop for providers offering lower rates,” said Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “However, a lack of transparency and oversight has led to confusion and misleading contracts that has left too many customers who switched to third-party suppliers in hopes of lowering costs with astronomical gas or electric bills due to variable-rate plans and changing energy costs. This package ensures a greater level of transparency and establishes clear standards to better protect consumers in the third-party energy supplier marketplace.”
Panel Adopts Pennacchio Legislation Helping Small Businesses Grow and Expand
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio to help small businesses grow and expand by creating a program to help small business operators qualify to bid on public works projects was advanced by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation would help more small businesses qualify to bid on public works projects. (Flickr)
Under the legislation, S-3064, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would be required to establish a “Small Business Bonding Readiness Assistance Program” to provide support services to small businesses and to help them meet surety bonding requirements so that they can qualify to bid on projects.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy but often are at a disadvantage when it comes to qualifying for and winning public works projects due to limited resources,” said Pennacchio (R-Morris). “Many small companies are perfectly capable of completing the work but don’t qualify because they haven’t been positioned to meet certain requirements, like bonding.”
Pennacchio: NJ Commuters Still Vulnerable to Forgotten Port Authority
As legislative Democrats continue their redundant hearings to delay bipartisan, bi-state bill to reform the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Assistant Senate Republican Leader Joe Pennacchio renewed his call for bipartisan, bi-state reform of the long-troubled Delaware River Port Authority, which is the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.
New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio discusses bi-state DRPA reform legislation during a press conference in front of the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden, NJ on April 24, 2014. (Press Release)
“Democrat leaders in Trenton need to explain to people why they are ignoring a bi-state, bipartisan reform bill for the hard-working families and commuters who rely on the DRPA services,” said Pennacchio, a veteran Transportation Committeeman. “Our constituents need enhanced oversight, accountability and transparency for the DRPA just as much as they do for the PANYNJ.”
Pennacchio classified yesterday’s PANYNJ legislative committee hearing as just another example of New Jersey Democrats wanting the issue of PANYNJ reform to try to hurt the Christie administration, instead of them wanting to be a part of the solution by passing legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Kean, which has already passed in New York.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Hail Enactment of Sandy Reform Legislation
Speaking as the legislative representatives of one of the hardest hit areas by Superstorm Sandy, Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove praised the enactment of legislation that will provide assistance to Sandy victims still involved in the recovery and rebuilding process.
Aerial view during an Army search and rescue mission shows damage from Superstorm Sandy to the New Jersey coast, Oct. 30, 2012. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)
Under the recently enacted law, applicants of Sandy assistance programs will be provided with a personal timeline establishing a general estimation of when an applicant can expect to receive assistance. This would apply to the applicants seeking funding from the Low- and Moderate-Income Program (LMI), in addition to the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation Program (RREM) and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA), and the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.
Quarterly goals for distributing Superstorm Sandy aid will be established under the newly enacted law. In addition, the state is now required to develop and maintain an Internet website or webpage providing information concerning recovery and rebuilding programs.
