SWEENEY: MOTHER NATURE SHOWED HER WORST, JERSEYANS SHOW THEIR BEST

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem) released the following statement today regarding President Barack Obama’s visit to New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Earlier today, the Senate President toured storm-ravaged parts of Sayreville and Perth Amboy with Governor Christie and state and local officials:

“I thank President Obama for coming to New Jersey to look at Sandy’s impacts first-hand, to thank the first-responders for their dedicated service, and for providing federal resources to help alleviate the strain on our own. I thank Gov. Christie for his stewardship throughout this crisis, and all the state, county and local officials who have put aside everything for the past several days and the days to come. This is truly a national disaster and a time when Americans pull together to help our fellow citizens through the toughest of times.

“I urge residents impacted by Sandy to apply for FEMA assistance. I urge New Jerseyans who wish to volunteer or contribute in some way to help others to call 1-800-JERSEY-7 to learn where help is most needed.

“While Mother Nature showed us her worst, New Jerseyans are showing their best. They have sheltered friends and family left homeless by the devastation. All across the state, communities have banded together to clean up and begin the process of getting their lives back to normal.

“And make no mistake -- it will take time, but we will rebuild our communities and our beloved Jersey Shore.”