MORRIS COUNTY — Senate Republican Whip Joe Pennacchio (R-26) condemned the mad dash to legalize marijuana in New Jersey, citing the drastic increase in weed-related traffic fatalities in states that have enacted full legalization.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio condemned the mad dash to legalize marijuana in New Jersey, citing the drastic increase in weed-related traffic fatalities in states that have enacted full legalization.

In Colorado, marijuana-related traffic fatalities rose 48-percent since the state legalized the drug in 2014. Pennacchio also noted that many police departments in New Jersey – the most densely populated state in the nation – do not have enough resources or accurate tools to spot and effectively prosecute stoned drivers.

“Governor-elect Murphy sees a $300 million tax revenue windfall. I see a mass of heartache and trouble,” Senator Pennacchio said. “New Jersey’s roadways are extremely congested and we don’t have a full-proof weed sobriety test. A mad dash to legalization, without taking the time to examine the consequences, is a recipe for disaster.”

Governor-elect Murphy promised New Jersey voters that he would legalize marijuana for recreational use within the first 100 days of his administration. Officials have noted that years after legalization, states like Colorado are still struggling to address related traffic safety concerns. Studies have shown that unlike alcohol, cannabis can stay in a person’s system for days.

Multiple report have shown that it is much more difficult and much more expensive to spot, test and effectively prosecute people who drive while under the influence of marijuana. If full legalization is enacted, New Jersey police departments would likely need to increase the number of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) on their taxpayer-funded payroll. However, DRE officers’ observations are still subjective. Contested cases could lead to a backlog in municipal courts and an increase in the need for costly toxicology reports to close each case. Pennacchio also expressed concerns regarding how the state would evaluate law enforcement officials charged with protecting the public from impaired drivers.

“The reality is that legalizing weed won’t solve New Jersey’s affordability crisis, especially when you consider how much money we are going to have to spend just to make sure law enforcement officials have the resources to handle a massive increase in drugged driving,” Senator Pennacchio said. “Governor-elect Murphy will be putting the lives of New Jersey citizens at risk, just so he can call himself an ‘activist governor.’ I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to put the brakes on legalization before it’s too late.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Family Promise of Morris County (FPMC), is celebrating November as Homelessness Awareness Month by receiving a Proclamation from Assemblyman Bucco acknowledging its work to end homelessness in the county.

At the request of Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, the proclamation is bestowed to commemorate Homeless Awareness month, raise awareness of the issue and to recognize FPMC for their positive contributions to the County of Morris and it’s residents.  Assemblyman Bucco urged all citizens to recognize and raise awareness of the issue of homelessness in our community.

“The recognition of National Homeless Awareness month provides an opportunity for us to tell the story of each and every person we help and the impact that has on our community,” said Joann Bjornson, Executive Director, Family Promise of Morris County.  “Regardless of age, race or religion, we work to ensure dignity and a path to self-sufficiency is provided to all those who seek it. I have to thank our volunteers and community members who give their time, talent and resources to support our shared mission of ending homelessness.”

In 2016 Family Promise of Morris County mobilized a volunteer workforce of over 1600 from 76 congregations to provide services to the county’s most vulnerable citizens with funding from grants, foundations and primarily private donors. 93% of FPMC donations go directly to support families in programs.

Last year, The Family Promise of Morris County organization provided:

• 4,438 bed nights
• A 94% Success rate of clients getting and keeping housing
• Provided over 6,000 hours of Case Management
• Through Our Promise Drop-In Center we served 667 individuals and managed over 6,000 pieces of mail.
• Our Keys to Housing Program has permanently placed 17 families, with 7 more currently in process of obtaining homes through successful application of voucher programs.

Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness faced by Morris County residents by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations and community volunteers to provide shelter, case management and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency.

In 2016, FPMC had a 94% success rate of clients getting and maintaining housing. 93% of every dollar FPMC receives directly supports children and their families.  FPMC is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To donate or support FPMC click here.