Legislators Should Override Gov. Christie Veto, says the Network

5/22/2014

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) at a press conference today announced his intention to bring his 'Sandy Bill of Rights' to the Legislature for an override of Governor Chris Christie’s conditional veto. At the event, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey President and CEO Staci Berger issued the following statement:
 
“The ‘Sandy Bill of Rights’ was passed with strong, bi-partisan support. Our legislators should override the governor’s veto with the same level of support. This bill is based on feedback provided by New Jersey residents who encountered problems with the recovery process. We heard them loud and clear. The process needs to be fixed. The governor has chosen to ignore calls for improvement but legislators should not.
 
“The Tooles, and families around the state like them, are exactly why we need the ‘Sandy Bill of Rights.’ The Tooles were waitlisted for the RREM program but were not told why and could not receive an answer. Now here we are a year and a half after Sandy, and their home is still uninhabitable. They deserve better.
 
“Sandy survivors should have an equitable, open and fair process so they know how to get help and can determine where they stand in the long line for resources in order to plan for their future.  Our recovery has been a drawn-out and uncertain process.  Legislators who voted for the Sandy Bill of Rights can make it better for the Tooles and families like them. They should override the governor’s veto and deliver the transparency and accountability New Jerseyans and taxpayers everywhere deserve.”

The Housing and Community Development Network supports New Jersey’s community development sector, collaborating with more than 250 members including community development corporations and other organizations to create affordable homes, expand economic opportunities, and build strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information:  Nina Arce
(609) 393-3752 x1200
(609) 789-7900
Website:  hcdnnj.org
Twitter site:  twitter.com/hcdnnj
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