Today, during the New Jersey State Senate session, Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) introduced a hostile amendment on the Senate floor to strengthen S-3156 and protect parental rights.
Read Sen. Pennacchio’s full speech below:
Why are we expanding the scope of education with this bill?
The issue is not if we support these centers but where they are being placed.
Our educational efforts and money should be directed at our children’s lost years of learning because of Covid and our States response to it. At a time when many of our children cannot read and write at grade level, why we are diverting our attention away from education.
A recent Harvard study showed that New Jersey math scores were lower in 2023 than in 2019. Our answer – “start a new program.”
At a time when State aid to school districts is being cut, forcing some districts to raise taxes up to 10% to make up the difference, the answer is “start a new program.”
We know the game plan. First allow federally qualified health care centers. Then seek and expand their funding.
By the way, the irony does not escape me when Gov. Chris Christie wanted to expand and fund these centers the majority party fought him because they wanted money and efforts directed at Planned Parenthood so as to allow unfettered taxpayer abortions.
The irony does not escape me that as this bill seeks to expand student choices on Health Care, this body has consistently fought against those same students being given a choice to leave their failing school systems.
Most importantly, I fear that this bill continues the State’s march toward the substitution of parental rights with state-imposed jurisdiction and indoctrination over our children.
Parents have an absolute right to determine what is or isn’t in their child’s best interest. That right must be guaranteed. The amendment I propose would require parental consent for and medical consultation or service directed at a child at school.
Click here to watch Sen. Pennacchio’s speech.
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