Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Newest Poll: Biden Approvals Plunge Yet Again!

The latest Reuters/Ipsos Poll has Biden's popularity falling yet again -- this time to a low of 38 percent. That's another three-point drop over last week.

This does not bode well for the Democrats. And there's more: when poll respondents this week were asked to rank the nation's biggest problems, the economy topped concerns, with a third of Republicans and a quarter of Democrats pointing to it as the top issue.

The economy is the one issue the Dems are trying to avoid at all costs as the Biden economy has been a veritable disaster with record high inflation, negative growth and a sluggish stock market. Yet, it remains far and above the biggest issue for likely voters.


Bedfellows: Bidens, FBI, Facebook, Zuckerberg


 

Biden: 'Only White Guy' - The Rest Played Hoops

In PA Biden Juxtaposes Senate, Gov Candidates

"Think about doing me a favor," Biden told the audience yesterday. "Please, please elect the attorney general to the Senate (and) elect that big ole boy to be governor." Uh, sorry Joe. You don;t know what the hell you're talkin' about!

Officious Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro is the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, while oafish 6-foot-8-inch tall Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is the "big ole boy" running for U.S. Senate.

Biden on the campaign trail? As always, an accident waiting to happen!


The Erosion Of Freedom - Quicker Than You Think!


 

Here's Why They Call It 'Locals' Summer'


 





























The sweetest season imaginable is beginning right now at the seashore, especially here along the Jersey shore, or down'ashore as it's more commonly known to Philly types. It's magical!
This is the time of year when the weekly visitors, weekenders and day trippers (known as shoobies) go home, the wether delights, the ocean water is warm and the locals have the shore all to themselves. It lasts three or four weeks (sometimes longer) and is tagged "locals' summer". This is their time to enjoy it all -- to have their own uncrowded, unhurried version of summer. But you can do some snooping if you're discreet and well-behaved.
We checked things out the other day at Margate, not far from Atlantic City. What we found was absolute bliss -- plenty of room on the beach; enchantingly blue skies; a cooling breeze off the ocean and miles and miles of crystalline visibility.
And then there was the fella (shown above) who flew over us in his whirligig and waved.
The only thing missing was Mr. Margate himself. But that's a whole 'nother story . . . .  
















Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Frank Pallotta: Poised To Flip A Key Dem District?

Dan chats with New Jersey's fifth congressional district candidate Frank Pallotta who's running in a district against an incumbent who's VERY vulnerable. 
This is a seat that could flip. 
Don't miss this as Dan and Frank talk about the Big Issues that are facing New Jersey voters this November as well as what's on voters' minds right now and what are the key factors in reaching voters in 2022. You'll enjoy Frank's open, easy manner, his passion, sincerity and willingness to lay it all on the line. 


And Now, A Bit Of Financial Advice . . .


 

Monday, August 29, 2022

Don't Take Our Word For It, Listen To Rogan . . .

Don't Forget It When You Vote, America!


 

WooHoo! Murphy Cuts NJ Gas Tax By ONE Penny!

New Jersey Senator Ed Durr called for the Murphy administration to support real tax relief for New Jersey families struggling with high gas prices and inflation after the Treasury Department announced a penny reduction in the gas tax.

Sen. Ed Durr called for the Murphy administration to support real tax relief for New Jersey families struggling with high gas prices and inflation after the Treasury Department announced a penny reduction in the gas tax. (Pixabay)

“The Murphy administration is only lowering the gas tax by a penny because that’s what the law requires them to do,” said Durr (R-3). “That might save a family 15 cents a week when they fill their tank. That’s not the kind of savings that will help New Jerseyans struggling with lingering high gas prices and the highest inflation in more than 40 years.”

The Murphy administration announced today that it collected $150 million more in gas tax revenues than projected last year. As a result of that overcollection and future projections, State law requires the gas tax to be reduced for the upcoming year.

Noting the minimal impact of that reduction on consumers, Durr repeated his call for the Murphy administration to get behind his plan, S-2290, to provide millions of New Jersey families with immediate $500 rebates to offset the continuing impact of high gas prices and the highest inflation in a generation.

Durr’s proposal, the “Gas Price and Inflation Tax Credit Act,” is one of a pair of “Give It Back” tax rebates proposed by Senate Republicans to return a portion of billions of tax overcollections to struggling New Jersey families.

“The immediate $500 rebate I proposed would help a lot of New Jersey families who can’t keep up as costs continue to rise,” added Durr. “It would make a much bigger difference than 15 cents.”

Oh, My! Late Breaking TV News . . .



 

Wherein Biden Makes Up ANOTHER New Word!

This is sad. And embarrassing -- especially since it happened again and again and apparently no one bothered to correct him all those times. The word ie exponentially. It means "more and more rapidly".

Lest We All Start Feeling TOO Important . . .


 

You Don't Wanna Miss This One . . .

Well, Come To Think Of It . . .


 

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Biden's China 'Policy' - A Disaster!

Is THIS What We're Teaching Our Kids?


 

Even Lifelong Dems HATE This Biden Policy!

Let A Word To The Wise Be Sufficient . . .


They Were Wrong, Wrong And WRONG Again!

Saturday, August 27, 2022

The Hour Is Late, America - Wake Up!




 

Dems: 'If You Disagree With Us, GET LOST!'

WOW! Have You Read That Redacted Report?


 

The Democrat Attack Machine Has Turned VICIOUS!

 And now, this from a facebook friend:

It’s late August and the election is about 2.5 months away . If you were paying attention this week, you got a good idea what the Democrats are planning for this election. They are attacking YOU! Republican and conservative voters. You and your family are the enemy. First , Charlie Crist in Fla (running for Gov against Gov DeSantis) said “he doesn’t want" any DeSantis voters supporting him . “They are basically bad people." Next, NY Governor Hochul said to all 5.4 million NY Republicans, “move to Fla, you are not real NYers.” How about the NJ NJEA commercials running all over TV? They are calling anyone who disagrees with their radical agenda for young kids "extremists". They call you an “ extremist". Finally, Joe Biden attacked MAGA supporters at his lame rally in Maryland as “semi-fascists". That’s right, you are a fascist if you disagree with Joe Biden. This is how you can expect this election cycle to continue . Radical Democrats have power and they know they are going to lose it because you and your family had enough of their failed policies . But they are not going to stop and they are using nasty rhetoric to try and intimidate any American who doesn’t support them . The question is, what are you going to do to help win this election and get America back on track? Are you going to be a punching bag for loud mouth politicians? Are you going to fight back and work to elect the Republican team? The power of change is in your hands!

Friday, August 26, 2022

Your Daily Devotional From Joe Biden . . .


 

Where To Watch Philly Naked Bike Ride Tomorrow!

The Philly Naked Bike Ride leaves Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park tomorrow (Saturday) at 5 PM. Then, the huge crowd of naked bikers follows the trail you see below, looping around the Art Museum, down 19th St., around Rittenhouse Square, down Locust to Broad, south on Broad to Passyunk then up 9th to South, over to 7th to Walnut, eventually moving to Market East, then to 13th to Spring Garden and down Spring Garden to 3rd and an after party at The Fillmore:




At War With An Insidious, Faceless Enemy!

We hear so much about the "deep state" and no doubt many may wonder what it is or even whether or not such a thing really exists. 

But anyone who's worked in a modern large organization can begin to fathom how such a shadow entity can develop, grow and amass pervasive power.



So, Yes -- there really is a Deep State! And it's inhabited by real people. But who are these deep staters?

Well, they're often nameless and faceless. 

They're bureaucrats and functionaries. And their jobs amount to simply keeping their jobs. Nothing more and nothing less. Their own survival and the survival of their veiled power and the system they've developed to attain and keep that power is all they really care about. That is their raison d'etré.  

What's more, they seem not to really believe in anything -- no core beliefs or grounding principles other than power and, if they are public servants, big government. All too often, it appears as if they could be working for any bureau or organization anywhere. And many of them do appear to have no particular allegiance or individuality. They are like interchangeable parts that just keep the big, ugly, oppressive power machine running and keep its potentates fat and happy.

They are hired hands, yes. But they are not necessarily there for any one person, for a cause, for some genuine belief or principle or (perish the thought!) for some greater good. They wouldn't know from that. In Washington, they've become a new nihilistic tribe of takers who pose as policy wonks, technicians, directors, managers, schedulers, handlers, unnamed sources, paper shufflers and quick-change artists.

It's sad that our "leaders" have apparently turned themselves over to this dreary, soulless lot. 

To call these hollow lackeys "numb" would be a compliment. Most of them don't even realize how insulting and patronizing their mere presence is. After all, they can't be blamed for anything. Don't you know? They're just doing their jobs!  And when your job is simply keeping your job and perpetuating your power, this spawns an enormous amount of malice and damage because, ultimately, you're a parasite. 

These sycophants are now everywhere. They inhabit whole buildings wherever you find government, such as it is. They're an industry in Washington. They've pretty much taken over Capitol Hill but you'll also find them near government agencies throughout the country, in state capitals, amidst lobbyists and consultants, among the military, in the military-industrial complex, within think tanks, foundations and academia, in the financial community, within large corporations, within the judicial system and certainly among the media. These sorts of places are their breeding grounds.  And they feed off one another - or one another's carcasses. 

The emergence of this new elite which exists solely for the benefit of the establishment and its court, has contributed to the immense alienation of the people from their government and, indeed, from all mega entities. These vacuous apologists have helped to bring about the pervasive sense of anger and frustration that people now feel. Ordinary citizens know that they have been patronized, deceived, manipulated and effectively locked out. And the attendant cynicism in the land is epidemic. Peggy Noonan says these sorts of people spread the contagion of cynicism. Here's how she puts it: 
"Anything that increases public cynicism in America is, at this point, a very particular and damaging sin. It spreads an air of social defeatism. It saps the civic will. It makes earnest and trusting people feel like dopes and dupes. It makes trusting parents look clueless to their children.
"Cynicism is also a virus. Once everyone knows nothing is on the square, as they used to say, they too become more corrupt just to maintain their position.
"Cynicism doesn’t just make everything worse; it creates a new kind of bad. It kills, for instance, the idea of merit. You don’t rise through talent and effort; you rise through lies, connections, silence, the rules of the gang. That gives the young an unearned bitterness. That is a terrible thing for adults to do, to deprive the young of the idealism that helps them rise cleanly and with point."
Is there a more cynical, calculating, powerful elite in America today than the likes of the Obamas, the Clintons, the Bidens and their enablers in corporate America, academia and the media?

Is it any wonder then that a huge army of people are outraged?

What was surprising in 2016 was that someone actually came along and dared to give voice to what ordinary people knew; what they were thinking; what they were saying; what they were telling one another. With a refreshing disdain for the elites and their empty-suit minions, Donald Trump basically told the establishment to eff off. How did he get to this point? How did he do it? Well, he seems to be a shrewd businessman with a very keen BS detector. He knows mediocrity when he sees it. He doesn't want "I just work here" people on his staff. Apparently, he doesn't want them anywhere near him. That does not seem to be the way he built his business. That does not seem to be the way he operates.

And he's been there, he's done that. After all, Trump said this in his acceptance speech: "Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it. I have seen firsthand how the system is rigged against our citizens." And Trump nailed it again when he said this: "America is a nation of believers, dreamers, and strivers that is being led by a group of censors, critics, and cynics."

Understand, we've never viewed Donald J. Trump as a full-fledged panacea. He's been a flawed leader -- at best, a diamond-in-the-rough. But he was aptly suited to the times -- times that still make him a significant national figure commanding huge allegiance. 

Is it any wonder that all the might of federal law enforcement seems to have been marshaled against this man -- that the most powerful entities in our nation appear determined to take him down? But Trump will not go quietly and he is the master of surprise -- of defiance and disruption.

This is why Trump confounds his enemies. He's not clinical. He doesn't follow their formula. He doesn't determine what to say or do according to polls. He's resistant to handlers and suspicious of pre-prepared talking points and those who manufacture them. He never met a teleprompter he could cozy up to.  He's relentlessly unpredictable and this delights ordinary people from whom he takes his cue -- the ones he calls "the forgotten Americans."

You remember those Americans, don't you?
They're the ones who actually believe in something. The ones who still think American should stand for something. The ones who still actually pray, who raise families, who pay the bills, who care about and think about and worry about the future, who take responsibility, work hard and help one another. The ones who don't "just work here."

Let's hope there are still enough of us to make a difference!

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Biden Made HIS -- Now He Gives YOURS Away!



 

This Is REALLY Big - And NOW We Discover It?

Quandry - What's Scarier: Him Or His Utterances?

Oh, Do Let These Glorious Days Of Summer Linger!

 

With Labor Day approaching some people actually believe that we're heading into the last week of summer.
Yes, they really believe this!
The perpetuation of the ridiculous myth that summer ends on Labor Day must stop. This nonsense must end.
We ask you: Does winter end as soon as March 1 arrives? We like to think that it does, but we know it does not.
And we all know that winter doesn't begin on December 1, even though by that date we're already overwhelmed by the senseless rush toward (and commercialization of) Christmas.
So, summer doesn't start at the end of May (Memorial Day) and it doesn't end at the beginning of September (Labor Day). Those artificial bookends of summer are bogus. That's why we're experiencing summer weather now and will continue to do so well into September.
Summer doesn't end till September 22nd.
Which means we still have wonderful days of summer left to enjoy. And these days are among the best of the year.
With that in mind (and in no particular order) here are 18 big reasons to hold onto summer:

1) The beach. You can really enjoy it now since the kids are gone, it's blessedly uncrowded and there are no beach fees!

2) The sun. It bathes you at a beautiful angle this time of year.

3) The evenings. Just a bit cooler and more refreshing now than at the middle of the season.

4) Outdoor athletic activities. Much more fun now!

5) Lazy afternoons. You can still sneak away for some fishin, walkin, sky-gazing or whatever.

6) Fairs and carnivals. Some of the best ones are held now.

7) Late summer blooms. These include coneflower, asters, mums, Russian sage and heliotrope.

9) Travel bargains. At many locations the cost of lodging and dining is slashed as summer winds down.

10) The ocean water temperature. It's generally warmer now and much more enjoyable.

11) Late summer vegetables: corn, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, melons (even some peaches) and plums, all still available.

12) Baseball. The grand finale as we run up to the playoffs and World Series. 

13) Quietness. Most of your favorite open-air spots are quieter now so you can really listen to the sound of nature.

14) Fewer bugs buzzing. Except for those damned yellow jacks, you won't have to worry as much about insects.

15) Energy savings. Go ahead, open the window.

16) Al fresco dining. As nice this time of year as it's ever gonna be.

17) That deep, deep, green. Catch it before the trees begin to turn.

18) Summer's endless spirit. That spirit is still here and the moments and memories your savor during these final days of summer will warm you all the way through till next year

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

We Officially Have An ABSENTEE President!

Watch Sen. Warren Make A Fool Of Herself!

Well, Just In Case You Didn't Know . . .


 

POLITICS: How The Media Ignore The Facts!

In a new NBC News poll, when asked if the Inflation Reduction Act would positively impact their lives, 71 percent said NO -- that it would either have no impact or would negatively impact them. When asked if the country is on the right track just 21 percent said yes while 74 percent said NO. That "wrong track" number has been over 70 percent for the longest time ever recorded.

Meanwhile, the media would have you believe that, heading into the November elections, Democrats are surging. What a joke!

The latest generic congressional poll shows Republicans with a five point lead -- AND, remember this: In 2010, President Obama, polling higher at the time than Biden is today, lost 63 seats when congressional ballot polling showed a 2-point edge for the GOP in the summer of that year.

Don't be fooled!

But don't take anything for granted. Work like hell between now and November and don't forget to vote!

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

The Video: Christine Flowers/Dan Cirucci LIVE!


It's been awhile but the drought has ended!
Here are Dan Cirucci and Christine Flowers wrapping up the summer with a live video full of their always scintillating and provocative views on politics and the popular culture.
In a word: "KABOOM!"

Once Upon A Time . . . Carports?




 

Do They Know ANYTHING At All? Well . . .

Not Exactly The Best Publicity For Philly!




 

Biden White House Knew About, Facilitated Raid!

From John Solomon at the New York Post, a very revealing story about the Trump Mar-a-Lago raid and how the Biden White House not only knew about it but helped bring it about:

Long before it professed no prior knowledge of the raid on Donald Trump's estate, the Biden White House worked directly with the Justice Department and National Archives to instigate the criminal probe into alleged mishandling of documents, allowing the FBI to review evidence retrieved from Mar-a-Lago this spring and eliminating the 45th president's claims to executive privilege, according to contemporaneous government documents reviewed by Just the News.

The memos show then-White House Deputy Counsel Jonathan Su was engaged in conversations with the FBI, DOJ and National Archives as early as April, shortly after 15 boxes of classified and other materials were voluntarily returned to the federal historical agency from Trump's Florida home.

By May, Su conveyed to the Archives that President Joe Biden would not object to waiving his predecessor's claims to executive privilege, a decision that opened the door for DOJ to get a grand jury to issue a subpoena compelling Trump to turn over any remaining materials he possessed from his presidency.

Click here to read more! 

Monday, August 22, 2022

Trump Fights Back, Files Motion On Raid!

- August 22, 2022 - 

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America, Re: Break-In of Mar-a-Lago

We have just filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida strongly asserting my rights, including under the Fourth Amendment of our Constitution, regarding the unnecessary, unwarranted, and unAmerican Break-In by dozens of FBI agents, and others, of my home, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida.

 

They demanded that the security cameras be turned off, a request we rightfully denied. They prevented my attorneys from observing what was being taken in the raid, saying “absolutely not.” They took documents covered by attorney-client and executive privilege, which is not allowed. They took my passports. They even brought a “safe cracker” and successfully broke into my personal safe, which revealed…nothing!

 

We are now demanding that the Department of “Justice” be instructed to immediately STOP the review of documents illegally seized from my home. ALL documents have been previously declassified.

 

We are demanding the appointment of a SPECIAL MASTER to oversee the handling of the materials taken in the raid.

 

We are further demanding that the DOJ be forced to turn over a REAL, without “plants,” inventory of my property that was taken and disclose where that property is now located. We are demanding that all items wrongfully taken from my home be IMMEDIATELY returned.

 

The wrongful, overbroad warrant was signed by a Magistrate Judge who recused himself just two months ago, from a MAJOR civil suit that I filed, because of his bias and animus toward me.

 

This Mar-a-Lago Break-In, Search, and Seizure was illegal and unconstitutional, and we are taking all actions necessary to get the documents back, which we would have given to them without the necessity of the despicable raid of my home, so that I can give them to the National Archives until they are required for the future Donald J. Trump Presidential Library and Museum.

 

I will never stop fighting for the American people, our Country, and the Rule of Law.

 

Make America Great Again!

Dan And Christine: LIVE Tuesday On Facebook!

It's been awhile but the drought has ended!

Dan Cirucci and Christine Flowers wrap up the summer with a live video tomorrow, Tuesday (8/23) at 8 PM on Facebook. They'll be full of their always scintillating and provocative views on politics and the popular culture.

In a word: "KABOOM!"

Don't miss it.

Now THIS Is Really Scary! Beware, America!




 

A TEACHERS Association Abandons Parents, Kids

Here is my response to this ad in the form or an e-mail that I sent to the NJEA's Director of Communication, Steven Baker:

Mr. Baker:
I write as a public relations professional, a former NJEA member and a former inner-city elementary school teacher. 
I've seen the new NJEA "We don't agree on everything in New Jersey" ad and all I can do is scratch my head and wonder how much lower the NJEA can stoop.
This is one of the most condescending, contemptuous and divisive campaigns I've ever seen. To think that a teachers' organization would tell parents who are concerned about their children's education that they "should take that somewhere else" just defies all human sensibility. The parents are the taxpayers; they pay the bills; the schools belong to them.
Your ad also proclaims "that's not who we are."  Yes, I would like to believe this defamatory ad is not who you are, Mr. Baker. But sadly, it appears the NJEA has become so misguided, so baldly political, so dogmatic and so adrift from the everyday concerns of actual parents and taxpayers that this really is who you are. What a shame!
Sincerely,
Daniel A. Cirucci

Note: If you wish to write to Steven Baker about this ad, his e-mail address is sbaker@njea.org. 

This Saturday, Philly Goes Completely NAKED!


 

Three New Polls: Bad News For Biden, Dems . . .

There are some new polls out today with some very revealing and intriguing information.

From a new NBC News poll: 

  • Nearly three-quarters of voters (74%) now feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. Barely one in five voters (21%) now think we're going in the right direction.
  • More than half the respondents (58%) now say they feel “more worried that America’s best years may already be behind us."
  • Barely a third (36%) said they think things will get better in America over the next five years.
  • Biden's approval rating remains at a low 42%. He's been stuck in the low 40s or high 30s for a long time. Nearly half of all voters (48%) have a negative view of Biden.
The bottom line of this poll: People are not happy with the present state of the country or its leadership; they think we are headed in the wrong direction; they don't have a lot of confidence in Biden and they don't see things improving, even over the long term. They're very pessimistic.

Then there's this new NPR/Ipsos poll that shows us people are increasingly concerned about the growing border crisis under Biden. here are some highlights:

  • More than half (53%) of poll respondents would characterize what is occurring on America's southern border as an "invasion".
  • Support for a wall or fence along the southern border is also growing, with 46 percent in the latest poll in favor of such barriers, up slightly from 45 percent in May 2021, but a big jump from the 38 percent who agreed in February 2018.
  • The poll also shows that support for the so-called "Dreamers" (children of illegal immigrants born here) has also dropped from 61% in 2018 to barely half now (51%).
  • Finally, more and more Americans polled (39%) are linking illegal immigrant with the nation's increasing crime problem and the amount of fentanyl and other drugs entering the country and this includes 38% or independents and 60% of Republicans.
On top of all this, there's the latest Rasmussen Poll which has more bad news for Biden and the Democrats:

  • Rasmussen finds that the issues most important to American voters haven’t changed all year, as inflation and violent crime remain atop the list. 
  • The survey shows that 85% of likely U.S. voters are at least somewhat concerned about inflation, including 57% who are very concerned. That’s almost unchanged since May. And crime is also high in their concerns.

  • Also, if the elections for Congress were held today, 46% of likely U.S. voters would vote for the Republican candidate, while only 41% would vote for the Democrat. Republicans have held this lead in the Rasmussen survey all year.



Sunday, August 21, 2022

Some Of Us Had VERY Lucky Childhoods . . .


 

He's Still Got A Sense Of Humor; SNL? Not So Much!

Oh, The $imple Realities Of Life . . .




 

ALMOST as Embarrassing As Her Boss . . .

No Matter What You Do, Don't Ever Forget This!


 

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Wake Up! Way, WAY Too Crazy For Pennsylvania

By Their Record, You Will Know Them . . .

 


Watch Out, PA: Criminals WILL Be Let Loose!

Hmmm . . .Now Here's Something To Think About




 

It's Not Getting Any Better: It's Getting WORSE!

Friday, August 19, 2022

Oh, That Weird PA Democrat Gov/Sen Ticket: UGH!








 

Murphy Reinforces NJ's Rep As Anti-Business

In a state notorious for its worst-in-the-nation business climate, the Murphy Administration timidly unveiled a $300 million New Jersey tax increase for employers this week, a move Senate Republicans are calling unforgiveable.

In a state notorious for its worst-in-the-nation business climate, the Murphy Administration timidly unveiled a $300 million tax increase for employers this week, a move Senate Republicans are calling unforgiveable. (Pixabay)

Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho and Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon criticized Murphy for failing to utilize some of the state’s federal COVID funds to avoid the 20 percent increase.

The escalated rates took effect July 1, but the Department of Labor and Workforce Development failed to provide specifics to businesses until its website was updated this week, more than six weeks later.

“Many New Jersey businesses are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and Murphy’s mandates,” said Oroho (R-24). “These increases, which will cost job creators anywhere from $40 to $200 per employee, are callous and irresponsible. The Governor had options. The Senate Republicans presented him with solutions, but he just couldn’t resist another tax increase.”

This current increase comes on the heels of a hike last July of more than $250 million. Unless something changes in Trenton, another bump, likely more than $300 million, is scheduled for next year.

“The Governor has been all too comfortable using small business, the job creators our economy depends on, as punching bags,” said O’Scanlon (R-13). “So many businesses in our state continue to struggle through fiscal challenges through no fault of their own, and Trenton clobbers them with another tax increase. And to rub salt in the wounds, it took a month and a half for them to publicly acknowledge the new rates. Companies need adequate time to plan and budget, but the Department of Labor couldn’t even deliver that courtesy.”

The Administration contends the increases are necessary to replenish the Unemployment Insurance fund, depleted by massive statewide layoffs in the peak of the pandemic. For more than a year, months before last year’s increase, the Republican Senators have been calling on Murphy to avoid burdening employers and use some of the federal COVID relief money to restore the UI account.

“Other states have done it to protect their economies, and there’s no reason Murphy hasn’t done the same thing here,” O’Scanlon said. “Two years in a row he has stood his ground and resisted the pleas of the business community, and he has ignored Republican proposals to make New Jersey more affordable and reduce taxes, including this payroll tax debacle.”

As Our Children Return To School . . .


 

A New Form Of Racism Threatens Our Schools!

 

NJ: It's A Coverup, And We're Paying The Price!

An out-of-court settlement of almost $16 million with the families of more than 70 seniors who died in state-run veterans facilities was confirmed by the Governor’s Administration today, and New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio warned that more similar announcements may be forthcoming.

A settlement of almost $16 million with the families of 71 seniors who died in state-run veterans facilities was confirmed by the Administration, and Sen. Joe Pennacchio warned that more similar announcements may be forthcoming. (Pixabay)

“The Administration just continues to pay out taxpayer money for nursing home deaths without any public scrutiny,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “How many more secret settlements will they try to hide from taxpayers?”

Pennacchio questioned why the Administration would agree to millions of dollars in payments “if they don’t accept that decisions made played a significant role in the loss of life? They know they messed up. They are trying to make it go away with taxpayer money.”

This was the second settlement the state reached with the loved ones of veterans home victims. The initial $53 million deal was announced hours before Christmas and included 119 families.

“This Administration is being protected by political allies in the Legislature,” Pennacchio said. “Nursing home victims deserve better, and the taxpayers have the right to know the details of these settlements.”

In May of 2020, Pennacchio exposed deadly orders issued by the Administration that forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients from hospitals. The directives from the Department of Health prohibited long-term care facilities from testing patients for COVID-19 prior to admission.

To understand why those and other disastrous orders were issued, Pennacchio introduced a resolution that, if adopted, would have convene an investigative Senate Select Committee on the Executive Branch’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Senate Democrats blocked his efforts to bring the resolution, SR-68, up for a vote by the New Jersey Senate on five separate occasions over 19 months.

“Sadly, Democrats in the Legislature have been fully complicit in this cover-up,” said a frustrated Pennacchio in December. “The Democrats initially agreed to join us in a bipartisan investigation, but that quickly changed when the Administration pressured them not to start digging. It’s disappointing Democrats showed none of the courage of the veterans whose deaths they refuse to investigate.”

Following the first settlement in December, Pennacchio and Senator Steven Oroho filed an Open Public Records Act request for the details behind the agreement to learn what went wrong in the early days of the pandemic.

After weeks of delays, the OPRA request was denied.

“This is what we have come to expect from an Administration that continues to obfuscate the facts, details and rationale behind pandemic-related decisions,” said Pennacchio at the time. “They have consistently denied access to what should be public information. This most recent rejection reinforces the need for a Legislative Oversight Committee with subpoena power.

“It is clear this information will never be forthcoming unless the Administration is forced.”

Pennacchio emphasized the need for transparency, stating that details to the settlements are crucial.

“Without the information of what the settlements were based on we have no idea what role the state guidelines played in the tragedies. This information is vital,” Pennacchio said. “State public policy applied to all state nursing homes – almost 500 of them. How much affect did policy have on the loss of 10,000 poor souls in senior facilities.”