The "Sandy Bill of Rights" — pushed by the Legislature’s top Democrat, Senate President Stephen Sweeney — called for changes aimed at addressing problems that residents and housing advocates raised about state-administered recovery grants, including providing a clear explanation of how to apply for programs and allowing applicants to find online where they stand on waiting lists.
In a conditional veto, Christie, a Republican, removed entire sections of the bill (S1306). The governor said while he shared a desire for transparency and fairness in handing out recovery funding, the bill proposed a "series of new administrative procedures and spending requirements accompanied by a raft of partisan political findings, all styled as ‘rights’ ready to be pursued by lawyers."
The action drew a swift and angry response from Sweeney (D-Gloucester), who since February has touted the legislation at meetings in storm-damaged municipalities where residents talked about struggling to rebuild.
Sweeney said the governor’s action "lacks common sense."
