Garden State Times

Senator Joe Pennacchio has once again renewed his calls for accountability within the Murphy administration following the announcement that former Governor Andrew Cuomo is set to testify before Congress regarding New York's pandemic nursing home policies. Pennacchio, a member of the Republican party representing district 26, expressed concerns about the similarities between New Jersey and New York's COVID policies, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation.

Pennacchio stated, “In 2020 and 2021, it was obvious that New Jersey’s COVID policies were shadowing New York’s. There were even multiple memos and directives that were virtually copied and pasted. Since that time, New York has had at least some sort of investigation into these harmful policies, while New Jersey has lagged behind with its bloated and overpriced McCracken Report.”

The Senator questioned the lack of accountability within the Murphy administration, emphasizing the need for officials to be held responsible for the policies that led to the deaths of over 16,000 patients in nursing and veterans’ homes. He further inquired, "When will New Jersey's former Health Commissioner testify before Congress?"

Pennacchio had previously conducted his own analysis of the Montgomery McCracken Covid Report, a $9 million project authorized by the Murphy Administration. He reiterated the importance of transparency and stated, "New Jerseyans deserve to hear testimony from officials in the Murphy Administration. Thousands of citizens, including the 16,000 who died in nursing homes, deserve that consideration."

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on June 11, 2024, further fueling calls for accountability within both the New York and New Jersey administrations.