TRENTON – Senators Nellie Pou, M. Teresa Ruiz and Nilsa Cruz-Perez issued the following statements on plans to travel to Puerto Rico tomorrow with Governor-elect Phil Murphy, future First Lady Tammy Murphy, community leaders and other elected officials from New Jersey to survey the devastation and recovery efforts on the island in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
“New Jersey is deeply connected to Puerto Rico and it is critical that we provide support to our fellow citizens as they work to recover from this natural disaster,” said Senator Pou (D-Bergen and Passaic). “I am grateful the Governor-elect is focusing on the needs of our neighbors in Puerto Rico and look forward to discussing how New Jersey can continue to provide aid and resources to the island in the weeks and months ahead.”
“The residents of Puerto Rico have experienced unprecedented devastation and are continuing to suffer from the effects of Hurricane Maria. It is imperative that New Jersey helps to provide assistance that will be necessary for recovery,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “I am proud to join Governor-elect Murphy and the New Jersey delegation to get a firsthand look at the needs of the island and to continue our work to provide relief to the victims of the recent disasters.”
“There continues to be extraordinary need on the island for basic necessities, and nearly three months after the storm some areas are still without power,” said Senator Cruz Perez (D-Camden and Gloucester). “I look forward to meeting with officials on the ground and to discussing how we can support the recovery effort on the island and help to make sure the people of Puerto Rico get the vital assistance they need.”