Legislative Leaders Hope to Use Information as They Chart Next Steps to Help in Recovery
Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver and Majority Leader Louis Greenwald hosted a briefing on Monday between FEMA officials and the Assembly Democratic Caucus to relay constituent concerns and hear first hand what the federal agency is doing to expedite the post-Sandy recovery process.
During the meeting, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer William Vogel briefed the caucus on the efforts the agency has undertaken, both leading up to Sandy’s arrival and in the devastating aftermath, and then fielded questions from lawmakers on an array of pressing matters facing their districts.
“This was a great opportunity for our caucus members to get answers first hand for their constituents,” said Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). “It is reassuring to know that FEMA is committed to helping New Jersey get back up on its feet and running again. This was also a great opportunity to gain additional insight as we work on legislative remedies to help mitigate future storm-related problems.”
“It’s comforting to know that FEMA seems committed to staying as long as it takes to ensure New Jersey’s recovery,” said Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington). “The Assembly is ready to take whatever legislative action is necessary to make sure New Jersey comes back even stronger. As we continue to work on solutions, our next step will hopefully be meeting face-to-face with residents who have been hit the hardest by Sandy.”