If you missed this morning's episode of Up w/ Steve Kornacki earlier today you missed a startling, detailed account of alleged corruption within the Christie administration.
Democratic Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer (a Christiecrat), alleged that Chris Christie and his administration withheld much needed Hurricane Sandy relief aid from the city because she refused to support "a lucrative redevelopment plan favored by the governor".
Zimmer stated that Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Richard Constable, Christie’s community affairs commissioner, delivered messages on the governor's behalf saying that if she did not support a land redevelopment deal between the Rockefeller Group and the City of Hoboken then Sandy relief aid would not be forthcoming.
You have to watch it all to fully appreciate what Kornacki was reporting this morning and understand why now this may be much bigger news and more damaging to Chris Christie and his political future than anything that may be unearth in the still unfolding Bridgegate scandal.
Showing posts with label hurricane relief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hurricane relief. Show all posts
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Chrissy and Paul's Hurricane Sandy Story Is Far Too Familiar
The Buono for Governor campaign recently released a web video, "Chrissy and Paul," highlighting the Fiorenzo family's struggle to rebuild and receive assistance after Hurricane Sandy. Nearly one year after Sandy struck, the family is still living in a trailer at Baker's Acres campground in Little Egg Harbor, as they wait for essential funds to begin repairing their home. Sandy survivors, like the Fiorenzo family, have waited long enough to move back into the homes and move forward with their lives.
The Fiorenzo's story is one that is all too familiar to many in the bayshore area that are still waiting for assistance nearly a year after the storm.
The Fiorenzo's story is one that is all too familiar to many in the bayshore area that are still waiting for assistance nearly a year after the storm.
Friday, January 4, 2013
This Deal Was Done Wrong
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:
As Congress lurches from self-imposed crisis to self-imposed crisis – most recently in the debacle regarding the fiscal cliff – it is easy to understand why members of the public shake their heads in disgust at the inability of the government to do the important work of America to help Americans.
Of course, for long-term economic stability and growth, we must have greater balance between revenue and expenditures. That means Congress should pay close attention day to day, month to month, to revenue and to spending and should bring them more into line. That should always be true, though, not just whenever someone invokes a crisis.
And say what you will, there was no good reason for a crisis at the end of 2012. The “cliff” deadline was artificial, the result of a deal agreed to in August 2011 when some Congressional members who dislike government tried to prevent the U.S. from paying our bills, and the White House and Congressional leaders allowed them to hold the government hostage and then to impose automatic spending cuts and tax increases in the most thoughtless, ham-handed way.
As I see it, the big problem with the fiscal package that Congress passed earlier this week is that it was debated and negotiated on the terms set by the hostage-takers in 2011. The negotiators came up with a solution, barely acceptable, but it was a solution to the wrong problem. Instead of talking about what our government needs to do put people to work; to reduce unemployment; to educate Americans; to rebuild our roads and bridges; to stimulate vibrant and innovative industry; to tend to the nourishment, the housing, the cultural well-being of all Americans – and then doing those things – Congress and Administration spent several months neglecting all the important work in front of us. Instead they focused on such things as whether the marginal tax rate should be 36 percent or 39.6 percent for income earned above $250,000 or $450,000. The sad irony is that meeting the needs of Americans and doing things to bring about growth would do more to remove the debt problem and to make the U.S. the kind of country we can be proud of than all the tinkering with marginal tax rates.
This deal was done wrong. The postponed crisis will reappear with the debt crisis and sequestration and tax increases in March, and the President will be in a weaker, not stronger, position to deal with the crisis then.
However, it seemed to me that if the deal failed to get the approval of Congress, we would not get back to what we should be doing. Because I did not want to make the situation worse by weakening the President's hand and weakening the economy by allowing the government, so to speak, to fall off the cliff, I voted with great reluctance in favor of the McConnell-Biden deal, and Congress passed it earlier this week.
Nine Weeks of Inaction
It has now been about nine weeks since Hurricane Sandy brought winds and tidal surges. In Central New Jersey, in Connecticut, in New York, people are hurting. Towns have exhausted their emergency funds and exhausted their borrowing capacity.
In other disasters, such as the disaster associated with Katrina or with wildfires or with any number of other natural disasters, Congress has acted, and aid has been provided quickly. And yet earlier this week, the 112th Congress adjourned before passing a much-needed disaster relief package. The Senate had already acted to pass a well-constructed aid package bill. The only reason that this bill is not law today is that House leadership refused to act.
There is, at least, a light at the end of the tunnel. The Speaker allowed a small flod insurance bill to pass on Friday, to be supplemented by a larger aid package in the weeks ahead. Yet the supplemental bill must now go through the Senate, which won't bring it up until after January 21 – and the same radicals in the House who refused to allow the earlier Senate package to come to a vote may yet rebel against the new deal.
This delay has gone on too long already. To say “you’re on your own” to victims of a natural disaster breaks our trust, and it hurts people.
The Oath of Office
On Thursday morning, I was honored to take the oath of office as a member of the 113th Congress.
As is only too clear to anyone who has read this far in this message, the past few weeks – indeed, the past few years – have been a time of great challenges for America. So it is worth pausing to reflect on the oath that all members of Congress take at the beginning of a new Congress:
As Jim Leach, a former Republican Congressman and the current chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, noted in remarks at my oath-of-office ceremony, it is notable that American legislators affirm their loyalty to the Constitution, a set of principles, not a person, and they mean it. Of course, other nations have constitutions, but I don't know of any that is the touchstone that ours is.
Most of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives took the oath of office on Thursday. Although our differences are stark, I am hopeful that our shared loyalty to the Constitution and to what it represents will be a point of commonality that brings us together in these trying times.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
As Congress lurches from self-imposed crisis to self-imposed crisis – most recently in the debacle regarding the fiscal cliff – it is easy to understand why members of the public shake their heads in disgust at the inability of the government to do the important work of America to help Americans.
And say what you will, there was no good reason for a crisis at the end of 2012. The “cliff” deadline was artificial, the result of a deal agreed to in August 2011 when some Congressional members who dislike government tried to prevent the U.S. from paying our bills, and the White House and Congressional leaders allowed them to hold the government hostage and then to impose automatic spending cuts and tax increases in the most thoughtless, ham-handed way.
As I see it, the big problem with the fiscal package that Congress passed earlier this week is that it was debated and negotiated on the terms set by the hostage-takers in 2011. The negotiators came up with a solution, barely acceptable, but it was a solution to the wrong problem. Instead of talking about what our government needs to do put people to work; to reduce unemployment; to educate Americans; to rebuild our roads and bridges; to stimulate vibrant and innovative industry; to tend to the nourishment, the housing, the cultural well-being of all Americans – and then doing those things – Congress and Administration spent several months neglecting all the important work in front of us. Instead they focused on such things as whether the marginal tax rate should be 36 percent or 39.6 percent for income earned above $250,000 or $450,000. The sad irony is that meeting the needs of Americans and doing things to bring about growth would do more to remove the debt problem and to make the U.S. the kind of country we can be proud of than all the tinkering with marginal tax rates.
This deal was done wrong. The postponed crisis will reappear with the debt crisis and sequestration and tax increases in March, and the President will be in a weaker, not stronger, position to deal with the crisis then.
However, it seemed to me that if the deal failed to get the approval of Congress, we would not get back to what we should be doing. Because I did not want to make the situation worse by weakening the President's hand and weakening the economy by allowing the government, so to speak, to fall off the cliff, I voted with great reluctance in favor of the McConnell-Biden deal, and Congress passed it earlier this week.
Nine Weeks of Inaction
It has now been about nine weeks since Hurricane Sandy brought winds and tidal surges. In Central New Jersey, in Connecticut, in New York, people are hurting. Towns have exhausted their emergency funds and exhausted their borrowing capacity.
In other disasters, such as the disaster associated with Katrina or with wildfires or with any number of other natural disasters, Congress has acted, and aid has been provided quickly. And yet earlier this week, the 112th Congress adjourned before passing a much-needed disaster relief package. The Senate had already acted to pass a well-constructed aid package bill. The only reason that this bill is not law today is that House leadership refused to act.
There is, at least, a light at the end of the tunnel. The Speaker allowed a small flod insurance bill to pass on Friday, to be supplemented by a larger aid package in the weeks ahead. Yet the supplemental bill must now go through the Senate, which won't bring it up until after January 21 – and the same radicals in the House who refused to allow the earlier Senate package to come to a vote may yet rebel against the new deal.
This delay has gone on too long already. To say “you’re on your own” to victims of a natural disaster breaks our trust, and it hurts people.
The Oath of Office
On Thursday morning, I was honored to take the oath of office as a member of the 113th Congress.
As is only too clear to anyone who has read this far in this message, the past few weeks – indeed, the past few years – have been a time of great challenges for America. So it is worth pausing to reflect on the oath that all members of Congress take at the beginning of a new Congress:
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
As Jim Leach, a former Republican Congressman and the current chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, noted in remarks at my oath-of-office ceremony, it is notable that American legislators affirm their loyalty to the Constitution, a set of principles, not a person, and they mean it. Of course, other nations have constitutions, but I don't know of any that is the touchstone that ours is.
Most of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives took the oath of office on Thursday. Although our differences are stark, I am hopeful that our shared loyalty to the Constitution and to what it represents will be a point of commonality that brings us together in these trying times.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Pallone Rails Against Boehner Plan to Slow Sandy Recovery
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) took to the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to rail against House Speaker John Boehner’s plan to pass only a small piece of funding over a larger, comprehensive Senate passed relief package for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Pallone, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas of the Jersey Shore characterized the $9 billion Sandy funding plan as “too little, too late” and noted that the delay in passing full funding for a Sandy recovery plan in the waning days of the 112th Congress has been an impediment to New Jersey’s storm recovery efforts. Instead of passing the $60.4 billion bill already approved in the U.S. Senate, Republican Leaders in the House chose to break the funding up into three, smaller separate parts, which will not be considered in the House for weeks.
The following are Congressman Pallone’s remarks on the House Floor today:
“Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank my colleague from New York.
“This action by the House Republican Leadership is too little, too late. I have to say I'm still very upset and I think it's deplorable that the Speaker did not bring this bill up and the whole package that addresses Hurricane Sandy relief in the lame duck session in the last days of Congress. It would have been passed, we had the votes. It would have been on the President’s desk, he would have signed it, and we would have started to rebuild the shore.
“Now we have another delay. I don’t know how many weeks it has been, nine weeks, ten weeks, whatever it is. I have no idea what the Senate is going to do. My understanding is that the Senate is mired in filibuster over the next three weeks and isn't coming back until after the inauguration. That means we could be waiting another three weeks. The rest of the package which is the most important part of it, might not come up until we return after a week's break. We're going to be on recess and then we come back on the 15th and hopefully the rest of the package comes out that day. That means we have three separate votes on this package that could have been passed and signed into law over the last couple days. Three separate votes. It is not acceptable, Madam Speaker.”
Pallone, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas of the Jersey Shore characterized the $9 billion Sandy funding plan as “too little, too late” and noted that the delay in passing full funding for a Sandy recovery plan in the waning days of the 112th Congress has been an impediment to New Jersey’s storm recovery efforts. Instead of passing the $60.4 billion bill already approved in the U.S. Senate, Republican Leaders in the House chose to break the funding up into three, smaller separate parts, which will not be considered in the House for weeks.
The following are Congressman Pallone’s remarks on the House Floor today:
“Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank my colleague from New York.
“This action by the House Republican Leadership is too little, too late. I have to say I'm still very upset and I think it's deplorable that the Speaker did not bring this bill up and the whole package that addresses Hurricane Sandy relief in the lame duck session in the last days of Congress. It would have been passed, we had the votes. It would have been on the President’s desk, he would have signed it, and we would have started to rebuild the shore.
“Now we have another delay. I don’t know how many weeks it has been, nine weeks, ten weeks, whatever it is. I have no idea what the Senate is going to do. My understanding is that the Senate is mired in filibuster over the next three weeks and isn't coming back until after the inauguration. That means we could be waiting another three weeks. The rest of the package which is the most important part of it, might not come up until we return after a week's break. We're going to be on recess and then we come back on the 15th and hopefully the rest of the package comes out that day. That means we have three separate votes on this package that could have been passed and signed into law over the last couple days. Three separate votes. It is not acceptable, Madam Speaker.”
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Rep. Pallone: Boehner doesn't care about blue states NY, NJ
Early this morning Frank Pallone appeared on CNN's Early Start show to talk about why a comprehensive Sandy relief bill is needed now.
From the CNN Pressroom blog
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) criticizes Speaker John Boehner for not bringing a Hurricane Sandy relief bill up for a vote on Tuesday because he thinks Boehner wanted to avoid too much spending at one time, opting for a more “obscure” piecemeal plan of lesser payments.
Rep. Pallone says, “I really think that the speaker doesn't care about New York and New Jersey. In other words, we're blue states. The fact of the matter is that he was afraid to bring this up yesterday, in my opinion, because the Tea Party and the right wing did not want to vote for the spending bill for New York or primarily for New York and New Jersey.”
From the CNN Pressroom blog
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) criticizes Speaker John Boehner for not bringing a Hurricane Sandy relief bill up for a vote on Tuesday because he thinks Boehner wanted to avoid too much spending at one time, opting for a more “obscure” piecemeal plan of lesser payments.
Rep. Pallone says, “I really think that the speaker doesn't care about New York and New Jersey. In other words, we're blue states. The fact of the matter is that he was afraid to bring this up yesterday, in my opinion, because the Tea Party and the right wing did not want to vote for the spending bill for New York or primarily for New York and New Jersey.”
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Pallone States On The House Floor: NJ Can't Wait for Sandy Aid Funding
As the debate continues, Congressman Pallone took to the House Floor a short while ago to express his dismay that the House will not vote on emergency funding to help affected states recover from Superstorm Sandy's devastation during the 112th Congress.
His address on the House floor to his colleagues, is the most fiery i've seen Pallone in a very long time. His frustration with the proceedings and his passion for all those affected by the storm are evident.
His address on the House floor to his colleagues, is the most fiery i've seen Pallone in a very long time. His frustration with the proceedings and his passion for all those affected by the storm are evident.
Friday, December 28, 2012
MONMOUTHUNITED: A Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert Celebrating Unity & Bipartisanship 12/30/12
On October 29, New Jerseyans, and the people of Monmouth County, faced an unprecedented natural disaster. Super-storm Sandy’s impact on our County was devastating, ravaging our famous shoreline from Sandy Hook down through Cape May, while wreaking havoc to the interior of our county, downing thousands of trees, power lines, and damaging communities throughout Monmouth. On November 23, Governor Chris Christie announced that the estimated damage amounted to a staggering $29.4 billion.
In the weeks ensuing Sandy, we have begun our comeback. Numerous efforts -- great and small -- have commenced to provide shelter, food, personal care and clothing as well as physical cleaning and construction, the singular goal of which is to "restore and rebuild."
Equally unprecedented is the MonmouthUnited for Hurricane Sandy Relief Benefit Concert, to be held on Sunday, December 30 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm, at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Featuring such esteemed artists as The B Street Band, Back-Up Jackson, Pat Guadagno Band and the Paul Roddy Band, funds raised will support the New Jersey Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.
This unprecedented event is the first time the Monmouth County Democratic and Republican Parties have joined forces for a benefit concert. Graciously co-hosted by Chairman Vin Gopal of the Monmouth County Democratic Organization and Chairman John O. Bennett of the Monmouth County Republican Committee, in coordination with the New Leaders Council, New Jersey Young Republicans Chair Tony Howley, and New Jersey Young Democrats President Chris James, the pivotal need right now in our great State is bigger than politics, and demands a spirit much deeper and higher than partisanship
We are inviting you to join us by purchasing tickets, enjoying the music and one another. If you cannot make it, please demonstrate your unwavering support to bringing back New Jersey --our residents, our businesses, our infrastructure and our indomitable spirit -- better than ever, with your donation.
Suggested donation is $25 a ticket and all proceeds will go directly to the NJ Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. Sponsorships are available starting at $500. Tickets are available at the door of the Stone Pony. For more information, email Joe Grillo at rsvp@monmouthdems.org, or Justin Braz at justinbraz@gmail.com.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
MONMOUTHUNITED A Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert Celebrating Unity & Bipartisanship
For Immediate Release:
December 6, 2012
Monmouth United: Democrats, Republicans, New Leaders Council Unite for Sandy Relief Bi-Partisan Event Concert to Bridge Divide, Raise Money, Collect Clothing, Food Supplies
On Sunday, December 30th, the New Leaders Council - New Jersey will partner with the Monmouth County Republicans, Monmouth County Democrats, New Jersey Young Republicans and New Jersey Young Democrats sponsoring a bi-partisan Hurricane Sandy relief concert at the Stone Pony from 1 - 7 PM.
“Keeping with the goals of the New Leaders Council, we wanted to bridge the political divide by bringing people together to help make a difference for those in need,” said Justin Braz, President of the New Leaders Council - New Jersey.
NJ 101.5 has agreed to help with promoting the event and Kevin McArdle will serve as emcee for the event. The event will feature multiple bands with a speaking program in between each set featuring elected officials and dignitaries. Confirmed bands for the event will include the B Street band, The Pat Roddy Band, Joe Orlando and the Cryers, Vinny Pastore and the Crazy Horse Band and Back Up Jackson.
“This is an excellent opportunity for putting aside partisan differences to help our friends and neighbors begin putting their lives back together,” said John Bennett, Chairman of the Monmouth County Republicans.
“We look forward to working with Chairman Bennett and Monmouth County Republicans to assist all of our neighbors across Monmouth County who were affected by this horrible storm. Monmouth Democrats and Republicans share the hope and determination to rebuild and restore our great County and State,” said Vin Gopal, Chairman of the Monmouth County Democrats.
Attendees can also bring Food and Cleaning Supplies for donation to the Monmouth Ocean County Food Bank.
“This is a great chance for our organizations to combine efforts for a worthy cause that will benefit our community,” said Tony Howley, Chairman of the New Jersey Young Republicans.
All proceeds raised at the event will be donated to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.
“We are proud to be a part of this effort raising awareness and funds to rebuild the Jersey shore and surrounding communities,” said Chris James, President of the New Jersey Young Democrats.
December 6, 2012
Monmouth United: Democrats, Republicans, New Leaders Council Unite for Sandy Relief Bi-Partisan Event Concert to Bridge Divide, Raise Money, Collect Clothing, Food Supplies
On Sunday, December 30th, the New Leaders Council - New Jersey will partner with the Monmouth County Republicans, Monmouth County Democrats, New Jersey Young Republicans and New Jersey Young Democrats sponsoring a bi-partisan Hurricane Sandy relief concert at the Stone Pony from 1 - 7 PM.
“Keeping with the goals of the New Leaders Council, we wanted to bridge the political divide by bringing people together to help make a difference for those in need,” said Justin Braz, President of the New Leaders Council - New Jersey.
NJ 101.5 has agreed to help with promoting the event and Kevin McArdle will serve as emcee for the event. The event will feature multiple bands with a speaking program in between each set featuring elected officials and dignitaries. Confirmed bands for the event will include the B Street band, The Pat Roddy Band, Joe Orlando and the Cryers, Vinny Pastore and the Crazy Horse Band and Back Up Jackson.
“This is an excellent opportunity for putting aside partisan differences to help our friends and neighbors begin putting their lives back together,” said John Bennett, Chairman of the Monmouth County Republicans.
“We look forward to working with Chairman Bennett and Monmouth County Republicans to assist all of our neighbors across Monmouth County who were affected by this horrible storm. Monmouth Democrats and Republicans share the hope and determination to rebuild and restore our great County and State,” said Vin Gopal, Chairman of the Monmouth County Democrats.
Attendees can also bring Food and Cleaning Supplies for donation to the Monmouth Ocean County Food Bank.
“This is a great chance for our organizations to combine efforts for a worthy cause that will benefit our community,” said Tony Howley, Chairman of the New Jersey Young Republicans.
All proceeds raised at the event will be donated to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.
“We are proud to be a part of this effort raising awareness and funds to rebuild the Jersey shore and surrounding communities,” said Chris James, President of the New Jersey Young Democrats.
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