Nellie Pou

TRENTON – As New Jersey struggles to rebound from the economic recession, a resolution, sponsored by Senators Kevin O’Toole and Nellie Pou, encouraging the federal government to waive a federal provision requiring New Jersey to foot a minimum of 25 percent of Hurricane Sandy cleanup – which would save the state more than $7 billion – was approved today by the full Senate.

“New Jerseyans continue paying a substantially high investment in America, while receiving a proportionately low return, as other states reap more benefits,” said Senator O’Toole, R-Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic. “Now, far too many New Jersey residents remain displaced from their homes and businesses, as communities try desperately to rebuild. It is only right for the federal government to repay New Jersey all necessary funds to fully recover from our worst natural disaster.”

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy is still being felt across New Jersey, as many people remain out of their homes,” said Pou, D-Passaic and Bergen. “We are looking at approximately $30 billion in damage to the state. Even paying a small percentage of that would have a burdensome impact on New Jersey taxpayers. During these difficult times, raising taxes on New Jersey’s working families is not an option and neither is reducing aid for education, health care or other much needed services. The federal government should step in with their greater resources and provide relief. After all, we are all in this together.”

TRENTON – As New Jersey struggles to rebound from the economic recession, a resolution sponsored by Senator Nellie Pou encouraging the federal government to waive a federal provision requiring New Jersey to foot a minimum of 25 percent of Hurricane Sandy cleanup – saving the state more than $7 billion – was unanimously approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

“Hurricane Sandy was one of the worst storms to ever hit New Jersey’s shores and the financial impact could be upwards of $30 billion,” said Senator Pou, D-Passaic and Bergen. “Even only paying 25 percent of the costs could have a massive effect on our state’s finances and since the state is required to balance our budget each year, these funds will have to come from somewhere. Raising taxes on New Jersey’s working families is not an option and neither is reducing aid for education, health care or other much needed services. As state and local governments continue to recover from the recession, we cannot ask our taxpayers to carry this burden. Instead, the federal government should step in with their greater resources and provide relief.”