(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) issued the following statement on Thursday criticizing the governor’s veto of legislation (A-61) that would have ensured the transparent and efficient administration of Hurricane Sandy recovery funding:
“The purpose of this measure was to ensure that the money earmarked for Hurricane Sandy recovery in the state would be spent wisely, and that the public would be well informed about the process throughout. I understand the governor has made certain directives to make sure this goal is met, but this measure would have made it a statutory requirement. Residents devastated by this storm deserve the peace of mind that the billions in federal funds slated for the recovery will be administered efficiently and appropriately. This bill would have done that. Now all they have is a stated goal from the governor that can be broken or rescinded without the power of law. With his veto, the governor has weakened oversight and transparency of Hurricane Sandy relief funding.”