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Murphy Signs Order Creating Puerto Rico Relief Commission

Governor Phil Murphy

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is creating a Commission on Puerto Rico Relief to help with the continuing recovery from Hurricane Maria.

Reverend Joshua Rodriquez is chairman of the commission. He says more than 30,000 thousand Puerto Rico residents staying in New Jersey after being displaced by the hurricane still need help.

"Whether it's finding employment, getting their kids in some good public education, getting access to some good public education and registering their kids, understanding that some of them lost it all in the hurricane and they have no paperwork trail."

Murphy says they’ll get some assistance.

"The commission will ensure proper coordination among state agencies and the non-profit community so families displaced by Hurricane Maria and living in New Jersey receive the services they need. We will also ensure the evacuees in our state have access to the federal benefits for which they may qualify."

Murphy says the commission will also examine ways the state can aid Puerto Rico.

He says the federal response to the hurricane has been insufficient and it's unacceptable that five months after the storm struck, many are still struggling to recover.