The Housing & Community Development Network of NJ is working with Senate President Sweeney on legislation for a Sandy bill of rights. As part of that effort we are coordinating visits of three communities. All events are open to the public. Please help us spread the word. Let me know if there is someone who has a compelling story of their unmet needs from Sandy and wants to speak to the Senate President. Congressman Pascrell will be at the Moonachie event and Congressman Pallone at the Perth Amboy one. The press advisory below is also attached. There will be legislative hearings on the bill and anyone with concerns should address them to the bill’s sponsor at anytime. Here is a link to the current bill as it was just introduced:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/A3000/2568_I1.PDF
SWEENEY TO CONDUCT ‘SANDY BILL OF RIGHTS’ TOUR IN PERTH AMBOY, TOMS RIVER & MOONACHIE
Residents Who Have Failed To Get Sandy Aid Answers Or Assistance Encouraged To Attend
TRENTON – In an effort to bring the thousands of victims of Superstorm Sandy the answers, assistance and results they deserve, Senate President Steve Sweeney will be conducting a "Sandy Bill of Rights" tour, with stops in Perth Amboy, Toms River and Moonachie. Information regarding these stops is below. Residents who believe they have wrongly been denied Sandy aid and/or have failed to get answers from the administration as to why they were denied are encouraged to attend and share their stories with the media and Senate President Sweeney.
Wednesday, February 19
11:00 a.m.
Perth Amboy City Hall; 260 High Street in Perth Amboy
Press conference with the Senate President, Mayor and other officials to discuss Sandy aid problems
Friday, February 21
11:00 a.m.
Toms River Elks Lodge #1875; 600 Washington Street in Toms River
A town hall style meeting where residents will be able to share their stories on the difficulties of getting Sandy aid
Saturday, February 22
12:30 p.m.
Moonachie Borough Hall; 70 Moonachie Road, Moonachie
Press conference with the Senate President, Mayor and other officials to discuss Sandy aid problems
Two weeks ago, Senate President Sweeney introduced legislation that would establish a “Sandy Bill of Rights.” The bill of rights would do several things, including requiring a plain language explanation of what is needed to be eligible and to apply for Sandy recovery programs; the right to know where your relief application stands and what additional information is needed; the right to know why your application was rejected or why you were placed on a waiting list and the right to appeal a denial of funding.
Arnold Cohen, Senior Policy Coordinator
Housing & Community Development Network of NJ
145 W Hanover St.
Trenton, NJ 08618
609-393-3752, X1600