NJ lawmaker proposes state DOGE committee to emulate Elon's creation: "It's necessary"

A New Jersey lawmaker is proposing a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the state, modeled after the one being formed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at the federal level.

According to Washington, Senate Minority Whip Joe Pennacchio, R-Boonton, we need it more.

"We are reflecting the actions of the federal government and those two gentlemen."

Pennacchio, who previously worked under former Republican Gov. Donald DiFrancesco on economic development, stated that NJDOGE will assume a state budget that has grown by 60% in the past seven fiscal years.

During the COVID pandemic, many increases were one-time borrowings, which will not be repaid. Although they have not yet spent all of the borrowed money, those one-time increases have already been used up.

"The upcoming governor's race will result in a new governor, and it would be beneficial to have a committee in place to provide a blueprint for the incoming governor, regardless of their political affiliation."

The "red tape" commission established by former Gov. Chris Christie to reduce regulations has not produced the desired results, according to him.

"Every dollar saved is one less dollar Trenton has to increase taxes," Pennacchio stated.

If approved, Pennacchio's committee would have one representative from the state Treasury, one from the Chamber of Commerce, the top Republicans and Democrats from the Senate and General Assembly, and a public member appointed by the governor.

Pennacchio stated that we can address our affordability crisis by reducing unnecessary spending, improving efficiency, and lowering taxes and fees for our constituents in New Jersey.

Another state senator is considering endorsing the bill but has not yet made it public. Planet Chronicle Digital contacted members of the General Assembly for their response to the senator's legislation.

Although traditionally considered a "blue" state, New Jersey nearly elected Donald Trump instead of Kamala Harris by just four points. Political analysts used the election results as proof of a shift in public opinion on government spending and other issues.

In 2024, Trump won Morris County and flipped Passaic County, which are represented by parts of Pennacchio. The lawmaker stated that his constituents support his NJDOGE proposal and have recognized disparities in the funding support they receive from Trenton.

The Trump Transition was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment on the plan.

"While schools in other districts are not seeing cuts, schools in my district are facing reductions," Pennacchio stated.

If the legislature chooses to continue subsidizing this nonsense, they will be recorded.

"Outlining cost-saving measures and areas for elimination for the next governor will stimulate the economy and potentially decrease taxes for the people."

The 2025 governor's race is highly competitive, with many prominent candidates running in both the Democratic and Republican primaries.

The Democratic candidates for the upcoming election include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, former Senate Leader Steve Sweeney, and representatives Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer.

The top Republican names in the 2021 gubernatorial race include truck driver Ed Durr, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, conservative journalist Bill Spadea, and gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli.

Sen. Robert Singer, R-Lakewood, also endorsed Pennacchio's proposal for a NJDOGE.

Singer stated that with President Trump's plan to revive business in the U.S., New Jersey has the opportunity to take the lead. The state can once again regain its manufacturing prominence and create well-paying jobs.

"New Jersey can serve as the blueprint for the Make America Work Again movement, beginning with a statewide DOGE."

In recent news, drones of significant size have been sighted in Pennacchio's district, garnering national attention.

Pennacchio criticized the feds for not providing Jerseyans with clear information about the aircraft, stating that government officials were aware of the perpetrator's identity following the 2001 World Trade Center attacks.

"The Department of Homeland Security's drones were useless, and they should be ashamed of themselves. The FBI director, Christopher Wray, has already announced that he's leaving. So, who is currently in charge?"