A joint resolution honoring the late Senator Joseph Palaia introduced by Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey gained approval from both houses of the New Jersey State Legislature on Monday and will now head to the Governor’s desk. The Joint Resolution to the New Jersey Legislature would designate February 3 of each year as “Senator Joseph Palaia Day” in the State of New Jersey, commemorating the former Senator from Monmouth County.
“Joe served the people of Monmouth County for so many years, and he always put his constituents first. That’s what I admired most about him,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), “We’re both originally from Neptune, we have that common bond, and everyone always had a kind word to say about him.”
Palaia, often called “Senator Joe,” was known for his affable personality and embrace of bipartisanship. Palaia was elected to the General Assembly in 1981 before being elected to the State Senate in 1989, where he served as President Pro Tempore from 1994 to 2003. A fierce advocate for the children of New Jersey, Palaia south tirelessly to expand educational and medical services for children with disabilities, and was a sponsor of the New Jersey Childproof Handgun Law that was enacted in 2002.
“Senator Palaia set a shining example for elected officials when it came to working hard and working together to find the best path forward for our state,” said Downey (D-Monmouth).
