News Release 1/24/14

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney today called on the Christie administration to disclose how it plans to proceed with the critical task of getting Sandy victims back into their homes now that it has cancelled a contract with the Louisiana firm Hammerman and Gainer (HGI).

The Christie administration awarded a multi-million dollar contract to HGI last year to help victims of Hurricane Sandy return to their homes, but during legislative hearings we heard from victims who complained about the firm losing their applications and failing to answer the simplest of questions.

The administration reportedly cancelled the firm’s contract in December, but failed to disclose the action despite testifying at legislative hearings. The decision was ultimately disclosed by New Jersey Public Radio.

“This is exactly why we need to provide transparency, honesty and answers to the thousands of New Jersey residents who continue to suffer from Hurricane Sandy well over a year later. It’s troubling that the administration was silent on the move and I can only hope that the wave of news that is plaguing this administration does not adversely affect the needs of New Jersey’s residents,” Sweeney said.

The administration refused to answer questions from multiple media outlets about who is now taking over this task.

“The victims and the public need to know who to hold accountable, not in three weeks or three months, but today,” Sweeney said. “Last week I announced that I am currently drafting a Hurricane Sandy Bill of Rights that would help victims get the information and answers they desperately need and clearly deserve. Today’s news reiterates the importance of getting answers for our residents.”