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Senator Joe Pennacchio said today he plans to introduce a resolution calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the disturbing revelation of the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative groups.
“The actions of the IRS were a direct breach of the public’s trust and to the fundamental principals of our democracy,” said Pennacchio (R-Morris). “We can not allow a heavy-handed government to squash Constitutional rights.”
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean discussed important legislative initiatives and other unfinished business that majority Democrats in the Legislature have failed to act upon at a New Jersey State House press conference on May 20, 2013.
The General Assembly approved today bipartisan legislation sponsored by the 16th District delegation Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman and Assembly members Jack M. Ciattarelli and Donna Simon to dedicate the U.S. Route 206 bypass in Hillsborough to the late Assemblyman Peter J. Biondi.
“Peter Biondi lived the life of a true public servant, dedicating his life to work for the residents of Somerset County and Hillsborough,” said Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman, R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex. “From serving as a volunteer firefighter, to mentoring young political candidates to serving in the Assembly, Biondi worked tirelessly to better the lives of others.”
Expects a Thorough Investigation of All Involved
Senator Jennifer Beck expressed concern over the recent IRS scandal that has sent shockwaves through the federal government. It was recently revealed that the IRS was specifically targeting certain conservative groups who applied for non-profit status.
“It is exactly this type of practice that gives many pause when it comes to the breadth of governmental authority. The IRS’s actions scream of partisan politics which is not only unacceptable, it is illegal. These hearings must be incredibly thorough, leaving no rock unturned,” said Beck. “The American public deserves to know who gave the orders, what was done with the culled information and how high up the chain of command does this scandal go? We should not be intimidated by our government. No one has the right to use the power given to them by the people to take advantage of those very same people. Needless to say, I will be watching these hearings with great interest as they proceed. We all should.”
Obama Administration Must Be Held Accountable
The 13th District legislators today went on the record taking the Obama administration to task over the Internal Revenue Service’s actions targeting conservative groups. It has come to light in recent weeks that IRS investigators were singling out Tea Party groups for intense scrutiny when those groups applied for tax exempt status. IRS officials learned of the actions last year but said nothing.
“The outrageous actions of the IRS warrant a thorough, immediate investigation,” Senator Joseph Kyrillos said. “The resignation of an acting director does nothing to address a form of political spying at the taxpayers’ expense that does not belong in American democracy. I urge the President, Congress and the media to reveal who was targeted, why they were targeted and who directed the targeting. It would be naive to think that these decisions were made by civilian employees. Government must be held wholly accountable when it fails the people.”
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. and Senate Budget Committee Member Joe Pennacchio stated the following in response to today’s announcement of New Jersey’s continued private-sector job growth and state revenue gains:
“Each month we are welcoming the good news for New Jersey families that we’re continuing to add private-sector jobs and the state’s revenues are rallying now beyond projections,” Kean said. “Members of this legislature should be inspired to act on more Republican reforms that can enhance jobs and revenue growth. Those who want to get things done should join Senate Republicans to enact more bipartisan reforms to improve the quality of life for New Jerseyans.”
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. and Senator Steven Oroho, who both represent portions of Morris County, joined today hundreds of local residents and officials who are urging Democratic leaders not to cancel Monday’s vote to close the dangerous Fenimore Landfill in Roxbury Township, Morris County.
Hundreds of families and school children near the landfill face serious health risks due to the improper, overdue closure by the site’s private ownership group. Kean and Oroho sent a letter today to Senator Richard Codey, urging him to support legislative remedy S2617, sponsored by fellow Morris County Senators Anthony Bucco and Joe Pennacchio.
Senators Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) and Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) urged Senate Democrat leaders on Thursday to reinstate vital Superstorm Sandy recovery legislation to Monday’s Community and Urban Affairs Committee agenda.
“It is appalling that Senate Democrats have decided to punish towns and residents devastated by the worst storm in our state’s history for personal, political motives,” said Singer. “Instead of choosing to work together to provide critical assistance to our residents and businesses, Senate Democrats have decided instead to hold them captive as political pawns.”
Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris) urges Senate President Steven Sweeney to immediately reconsider his political order made yesterday to cancel Monday’s hearing on S2617 to properly close and seal the hazardous Fenimore Landfill in Roxbury Township.
“Yesterday’s order by the Senate President directly keeps dozens of suffering local families and hundreds of area school students at risk,” Bucco said. “I’m concerned with protecting the people of this area from this hazardous situation.”
Senator Bucco noted that so far more than 150 residents and local officials have reached out to Democratic leaders in outrage over their horrific decision. Senator Bucco and co-prime sponsor of S2617 Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris) sent this letter today to Senator Sweeney, highlighting health issues and urging that this legislation receive its due hearing on Monday.
The Senate President has decided to eliminate all Republican-sponsored bills from Monday’s Senate committee agendas. If you were planning to attend the May 20 committee meetings, please be advised that the following legislation is no longer up for consideration:
S1071, permitting conversion of fines for violation of certain municipal ordinances into tax liens; S1726, requiring municipalities to comply with state audit prior to receiving state aid; S1852, authorizing municipalities to deliver property tax bills, construction permits and receipts for payment via email; S2494, permitting municipalities to use beach fees to improve tourist areas; S2617, properly closing the hazardous Fenimore Landfill; S2618, concerning valuation of properties condemned for dune construction or beach replenishment; and S2457, making discretionary driver’s license suspension for first offense of driving without motor vehicle liability insurance.
