MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) has been honored with the prestigious “Award for Conservative Achievement” by the American Conservative Union in recognition of his legislative voting record in 2018.
“I am honored to receive this recognition by the oldest grassroots conservative organization in the United States,” Pennacchio said. “I’ve always believed that overtaxed and vulnerable New Jerseyans deserve to have a fighting voice in Trenton. This award proves it is possible to be fiscally conservative and maintain a social conscience at the same time.”
The American Conservative Union Foundation is the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots conservative organization. Pennacchio received the “Award for Conservative Achievement” for his votes on key legislation during the 2018 legislative session. To obtain this designation, a legislator must score an 80% or higher on the ACU’s scorecard. Pennacchio has a lifetime average of 92%. In order to determine who receives this award, the ACU Foundation researches voting records and compiles a rating list for every state legislature in the country.
While Senator Pennacchio has been recognized as a strong fiscal conservative, throughout his tenure in the New Jersey Legislature, Pennacchio has also been a strong advocate for homeowners, families, and the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Earlier this year, Pennacchio introduced “Mallory’s Law,” legislation that strengthens and standardizes New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws. “Mallory’s Law” is named in honor of Mallory Rose Grossman, a 12-year-old Rockaway student who committed suicide after being the victim of relentless bullying.
Pennacchio has also led the effort to create a pathway to justice for those wrongfully convicted. His bipartisan legislation would create the “New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission,” which would review all aspects of criminal cases involving wrongful conviction in New Jersey and recommend reforms to reduce the likelihood of wrongful conviction occurring in the future.
“While I am humbled to earn this honor from the ACU, representing and serving the great people of New Jersey continues to be the greatest privilege bestowed upon me,” Pennacchio added. “No matter if I am fighting the good fight to lower taxes, or sponsoring landmark legislation to give a voice to the vulnerable, I always have the best interest of New Jerseyans at heart.”
