*** FRIDAY DEC. 21 ***

Assembly Members to Tour Superstorm Sandy Devastation in Middlesex & Monmouth Counties

Friday Tour Will Follow Recent Ocean County Assembly Tour & Eight Assembly Hearings on Sandy Impact

(TRENTON) – Assembly leadership on Monday announced New Jersey General Assembly members on Friday, Dec. 21 will tour parts of Middlesex and Monmouth counties that have been devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

The tour will be second taken by Assembly members to see Sandy damage and hear first-hand from residents, business owners and local officials on what needs to be done to rebuild. The Assembly toured Ocean County damage in late November. Assembly committees have also held legislative hearings on Sandy’s impact on the insurance, higher education, education, utilities, the economy, legal services, transportation and human services.

“The Assembly tour of Ocean County was an invaluable experience, allowing the members to witness first-hand what needs to be done to recover from this devastating storm,” said Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). “I expect the tour of Middlesex and Monmouth counties to be no different. We’ll meet directly with residents and business owners impacted by the storm and get a look at the challenges we face together as we ready a legislative response.”

"The trip legislators took to Ocean County was emotional, but very informative,” said Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union, Morris and Somerset). “Speaking with local officials and residents provided an insight as to what challenges they face in their recovery effort. I am sure our visit to Monmouth and Middlesex Counties will be just as productive in helping legislators understand the needs of the affected communities. The Legislature is unified in helping towns rebuild from this catastrophe."