Pennacchio: In the Face of COVID, Doctors Must Be Unshackled and Allowed to Treat with HCQ
Coronavirus numbers are on the increase across the United States, and so is the debate about hydroxychloroquine as a treatment and preventative. Senator Joe Pennacchio today said the politically fueled controversy is interfering with doctors who are scrambling to save lives.
Citing a series of credible medial studies and reports, Senator Pennacchio renewed his call for the Murphy Administration to allow doctors to prescribe HCQ to protect patients from COVID-19. (©iStock)
“Across the nation, the politicization of medicine has made hydroxychloroquine a cause célèbre,” said Pennacchio. “Here, in New Jersey, we should be above that. Our priority must be on saving lives and keeping residents healthy. We can’t allow petty partisanship to obstruct sensible medical protocol and solid science.”
Bucco Bill Package Addresses Long Lines and Delays at Motor Vehicle Commission Locations
As frustrations continue to mount with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s inability to deal with the volume of motorists seeking services at agencies around the state, Senator Anthony M. Bucco has introduced a legislative package to provide a solution to the problems at the long-beleaguered agency.
Senator Bucco sponsors a package of legislation addressing inefficiencies and poor service at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. (SenateNJ.com)
“MVC’s performance during the pandemic has been abysmal, from top to bottom,” said Bucco. “The coronavirus simply exposed systemic shortcomings and inefficiencies that have plagued operations at the commission for far too long. Steps that should have been taken to improve services and productivity were ignored, and the added pressure of the state shutdown resulted in the mess we see there today.”
Kean Statement on the Passing of Shirley Rice
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) released the following statement on the passing of Shirley Rice:
Sen. Tom Kean released the following statement on the passing of Shirley Rice. (SenateNJ.com)
“Rhonda and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Shirley Rice, the beloved wife of long-time colleague, friend, and confidant Senator Ron Rice. A dedicated mother, kind friend, and passionate advocate for students, Shirley’s loss will be felt by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rice family during this difficult time.”
Pennacchio: Governor Must Address Special Needs Students’ Education Immediately
When Special Ed Students Fall Behind, ‘Catching Up’ is Very Difficult
Senator Joe Pennacchio today voiced his concern that the state’s special education students are being forgotten as plans for the re-opening of schools in September continue to evolve.
Senator Pennacchio expressed concerns that the needs of special education students may not be getting the attention they deserve as plans are finalized for the opening of schools. (Pixabay)
“Going back to school is a dynamic situation right now, and specifics are changing every day,” said Pennacchio. “What about the plans for special education students? These students face unique challenges and the Department of Education and school districts must make it a priority to ensure their needs are met and the quality of special education exceeds the standards.
Bucco, Corrado & Pennacchio: Murphy’s Nursing Home, Unemployment & MVC Failures Must Be Probed by Senate
Call for Democrats to Stop Delaying Formation of Special Investigative Committee
Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Senator Kristin Corrado, and Senator Joe Pennacchio said the Murphy Administration’s massive failures in protecting nursing homes, processing unemployment claims, and reopening Motor Vehicle Commission agencies must be investigated by the Legislature to ensure that fixes can be implemented as quickly as possible.
Senators Bucco, Corrado, and Pennacchio said the Murphy Administration’s massive failures in protecting nursing homes, processing unemployment claims, and reopening MVC agencies must be investigated by the Legislature to ensure that fixes can be implemented as quickly as possible. (SenateNJ.com)
“It’s clear to everyone in New Jersey that the Murphy Administration has failed to properly protect nursing home residents, help unemployed workers, or plan for the MVC’s reopening,” said Bucco (R-25). “What’s not clear, however, is why the governor didn’t listen to the warnings raised by so many people or why he continues to refuse to enact the common-sense solutions we’ve proposed. It’s also not clear why Senate Democrats continue to delay the bipartisan investigation we were promised to help guide our efforts to fix lingering problems and prevent a recurrence of these critical failures.”
Bucco Bill Requires State to Pay for Police at Motor Vehicle Commission Facilities
Long lines and unsafe traffic conditions at recently reopened Motor Vehicle Commission locations has been a burden on local police departments, and Senator Anthony M. Bucco wants to ensure the state picks up the tab for the increased expenses.
Long lines at the MVC location in Randolph and across New Jersey increased expenses for towns, and a bill introduced by Senator Bucco would ensure the state pays for it. (SenateNJ.com)
“It’s the right thing to do. The MVC is responsible to cover the costs for these issues,” said Bucco (R-25). “It’s their job to ensure things run smoothly, and when they drop the ball like they have done with the reopening of facilities, they can’t expect cash-strapped municipalities to take the hit.”
Doherty to Murphy: Where’s the Aid for Warren County?
Senator Michael Doherty (R-23) stood on the steps of the Warren County Court House with local leaders, freeholders, and legislators to ask one simple question of Governor Phil Murphy – “Where’s the aid for Warren County?”
Sen. Michael Doherty stood on the steps of the Warren County Court House with local leaders, freeholders, and legislators to ask one question of Gov. Murphy – ‘Where’s the aid for Warren County?’ (SenateNJ.com)
Here is Sen. Doherty’s statement:
“All of us are here today because we are concerned about the people of Warren County. We’re suffering out here, Gov. Murphy, and we have local small businesses that are being killed. So many families are involved in these small businesses. People have their entire life and their entire fortunes on the line. Unfortunately, we have a governor who’s totally tone-deaf to the needs of working New Jerseyans.
“In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Congress and the President took decisive action and sent billions to the states. New Jersey received more than $2 billion. Instead of distributing that money how it was intended by Congress, and as emphasized in a letter that the congressional delegation all signed, Governor Murphy is squirreling away this money.
10th District Legislators: ‘We Must Be Able to Vote In Person’
Legislators cite their bill to require photo ID to vote
The many issues with vote by mail during the July primary were a major concern for 10th District Legislators, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano. The lawmakers are stressing the need for in-person voting for the November general election to ensure election integrity.
Senator Holzapfel and Assemblymen McGuckin and Catalano introduced legislation calling for in-person voting and photo IDs for the November general election to ensure election integrity. (©iStock)
The lawmakers also point to their bill, S-2775/A-4490, which requires a voter to present photo identification before voting at a polling place at any election. Acceptable photo identification includes a New Jersey driver’s license, New Jersey REAL ID, a New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles “identification only” card or a United States passport.
“There were many troubling issues that resulted from the Governor’s executive order which restricted nearly everyone from voting in person, including deceased residents who were mailed ballots,” said Senator Holzapfel. “We believe in-person voting will negate these glaring inaccuracies and restore voter confidence. Our bill will require photo ID at all polling places in order to eliminate voter fraud and restore our trust in our democracy.”
Kean Measure Creating Student Advisory Commission for Higher Education Earns Senate Support
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean sponsors legislation establishing the Senate Higher Education Student Advisory Commission. The measure was approved today by the Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kean establishing the Senate Higher Education Student Advisory Commission cleared the Senate today. (SenateNJ.com)
“College students will have more influence on higher education policy under the bill,” said Kean (R-21). “Students selected to the commission can share valuable insight into the challenges and concerns facing young scholars on college campuses in a rapidly changing world.”
Testa Bill to Bring Broadband Service to Rural Communities Advances
Requires EDA to Provide Loans to Entice Telecom Providers to Expand High-Speed Networks
Residents in rural areas of the state frustrated by slow internet service could see relief under legislation sponsored by Senator Michael Testa and advanced today by the Senate.
The bill (S-1458) requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to offer loans to broadband telecom companies to expand coverage areas and bring state-of-the-art technology to currently underserved communities.
Rural areas of South Jersey could have access to broadband telecommunication services under Senator Testa’s bill, approved today by the Senate.
“Not long ago, high speed internet was a luxury, but today it is an absolute necessity, especially for small businesses and students who rely on computers for access to research, and livestreaming lessons,” said Testa (R-1). “For many local students enrolled at Rowan’s Cumberland campus, the internet at their homes is so unreliable they have no choice but to travel to school facilities to use broadband service. That is unacceptable in this day and age.”
