MEDIA ADVISORY SENATE TO HOLD FOURTH HEARING ON SANDY IN HIGHLANDS

Public Encouraged To Sign Up To Participate

TRENTON – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will hold its fourth hearing regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy this Tuesday in Highlands. While the first three hearings featured testimony from public officials, utility company representatives and first responders, this hearing will feature testimony solely from members of the public, who are encouraged to sign up to participate.

“The first three hearings have provided us with a tremendous amount of feedback and ideas from those who were on the ground during the storm,” said Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen, Passaic), chairman of the Committee. “What we really need now though is to hear directly from those affected by the storm. We can’t move forward in this process without direct input from the public. While I know it may be difficult given individual circumstances, we wanted to present an opportunity for people to come and share their experiences, so that we can learn from them.”

“We are further driven to immediately help our state recover as we connect with our small business owners, first responders and residents fighting to overcome devastation from Sandy,” added ranking committee member Senator Tony Bucco, (R-Morris). “An integral step toward revitalizing New Jersey is fully grasping the struggles and needs of those in Highlands and the surrounding area.”

The first hearing, held on November 26, took place in Toms River and featured testimony from local mayors and county officials. The second hearing, held on December 3, took place in East Rutherford and featured testimony from the commissioners of the Department of Environmental Protection and Education, as well as mayors and other local officials. The third hearing, held on December 5, featured testimony from the heads of New Jersey utility companies.

The hearing will take place on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Genevieve M. Hawley Cafetorium at the Henry Hudson Regional School, One Grand Tour, Highlands, New Jersey 07732.

Members of the public wishing to testify can register by emailing OLSAideSBA@njleg.org, faxing (609) 943-5995, or calling the SBA Committee staff at (609) 847-3835. Those persons presenting written testimony are asked to provide 20 copies on the day of the hearing.