Normally by now, county and municipal budgets are set. But Superstorm Sandy knocked the pins out of that plan, as many sit, anxiously awaiting the much-needed federal relief money.
The academic year is nearing an end and many school districts in New Jersey are making the necessary final adjustments to their calendars to fulfill the state-required minimum of 180 days of instructional time, a task that has been made more complicated thanks to Superstorm Sandy.
This weekend, I started a series of visits to Lowes in Monmouth and Ocean Counties as we continue to rebuild from Sandy. This past Saturday, I was at the Lowes on Route 70 in Brick.
Governor Chris Christie and President Barack Obama have each told residents and consumers across the country that the Jersey shore is open for business this summer, but that's not true everywhere along the coast.
During a visit to the Jersey Shore, President Obama promised to continue to help local residents rebuild after Superstorm Sandy caused an estimated $38 billion in damages at the end of last year.
President Barack Obama delivered an upbeat, pep-rally-like speech outside Convention Hall in rainy Asbury Park and declared, "The Jersey Shore is back in business!"