Menendez Hears from Superstorm Victims before Wednesday Funding Hearing

Before leading a briefing on federal Superstorm spending efficiencies in New Jersey, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) considers the comments he got from people who consider state oversight to be the biggest roadblocks to the resources they need.

Superstorm-ravaged homeowners say that funding access remains spotty, 17 months after Sandy ripped through the region. According to information from the Senator's office, Menendez reiterated his stand that it's already too long.

"If there's one thing that's not in short supply, it's finger pointing-the state blaming the federal government, the feds blaming the state," he said in a prepared release, "and while accountability is important, I prefer to find solutions rather than play the blame game."

Menendez's office says that a state representative opted not to attend the Wednesday hearing of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development.

Among those testifying are HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Fair Share Housing Center Associate Director Kevin Walsh, Belmar Mayor Matt Dohert, and Rutgers Associate Professor of Labor Studies Dr. Janice Fine.

Shore invitees to the roundtable at Menendez's Newark office included: Theresa Foote, Dr. Margaret Quinn, and Sandy Treibor of Toms River; Michael and Joanne Tornambe of Lavallette; Kathy Tomko of Brick; Thomas J. Largey of Sea Bright; Eileen Woodruff of Union Beach.

Also attending were Diego Arias of Linden; Kisha Baldwinand Angel Mejia of Newark; Heidi Vojt of Moonachie; and Irene Sobolov of Hoboken.