A Joint Resolution designating February 3rd of each year as Senator Joseph Palaia Day in the State of New Jersey.

Whereas, Senator Joseph A. "Joe" Palaia, Sr., a distinguished State legislator from Monmouth County, was born on February 3, 1927 in Neptune, New Jersey and died on August 20, 2016; and

Whereas, "Senator Joe," as he was known to all, was a graduate of Rider College where he received a B.S. in Business Administration and of Rutgers University where he was awarded a M.Ed. in Administration; and

Whereas, Before serving in local or State public office, Senator Palaia was a teacher for many years and principal of the Wanamassa Elementary School in Ocean Township (Monmouth County); and

Whereas, Early in his political career, Senator Palaia served in several different local elected offices, including as a member of the Ocean Township Municipal Council, as Mayor of Ocean Township, and as a member of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1979 to 1981; and

Whereas, Senator Palaia was elected to the General Assembly in 1981 and served as an Assistant Minority Whip and as chair of the Education Committee, and drafted legislation that became law to allow for the State takeover of failing school districts and to require 11th grade high school students to pass a standardized test (the High School Proficiency Assessment) to graduate high school; and

Whereas, Senator Palaia was first elected to the Senate in 1989 where he served in many leadership roles, including Assistant Majority Whip, and from 1994 to 2003, he was President Pro Tempore, part of which time the Senate was evenly split with 20 Republican members and 20 Democratic members; and

Whereas, As a member of the Senate, Senator Palaia sought tirelessly to expand educational and medical services for children with disabilities, and he was also one of the sponsors of the New Jersey Childproof Handgun Law that was enacted in 2002; and

Whereas, Among his colleagues in the Senate, Senator Palaia was known for his kindness and decency, and for his willingness to employ bipartisanship to achieve his legislative goals and better serve the people of New Jersey; and

Whereas, Given his record of achievement and service to Monmouth County and to this State, it is fitting and proper that the State of New Jersey honor Senator Palaia by designating February 3rd of each year as Senator Joseph Palaia Day in New Jersey; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. February 3rd of each year is designated as Senator Joseph Palaia Day in the State of New Jersey in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to this State.

2. The Governor ¹[shall] may¹ annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of this State to observe this celebration each year with appropriate events and activities.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

Designates February 3rd of each year as Senator Joseph Palaia Day in New Jersey.