One vote down, one to go.  Nearly 80 days after Sandy and much political wrangling, our residents are a step closer to possibly receiving long overdue relief and assistance.  

I mention “possibly” because I witnessed federal relief funds coming to our state back in 2009 as we received federal stimulus monies and due to the numerous conditions imposed on the way those funds were to be distributed, it made it quite impossible to allocate the relief where it was needed most.  

I have been advocating that the federal Sandy relief funds of $50.7 billion must have no conditions or strings attached to it by any governmental authority, so that those monies can truly help the people, business owners, schools, hospitals, religious institutions,  and others that need it. 

I am optimistic that once the U.S. Senate votes to approve the Sandy relief next week, the elected officials and residents can work together to identify areas requiring assistance and get the funds there in a quick manner without jeopardizing transparency and accountability.

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Judy Close, Press Secretary
NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.
15th Senate District - Satellite Office
66-85  73rd Place
Middle Village, NY   11379
Ph:  718-497-1630