FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 20, 2018

Speaker Heastie Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Hurricane Maria


One year ago today, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria after it battered the U.S. Virgin Islands. The storm destroyed the electrical grid, leaving most of the 3.6 million residents of the islands without power for months. It decimated the water and transportation infrastructure, leaving thousands without access to clean, potable water or medical help. In the end, Hurricane Maria resulted in the deaths of almost 3,000 of our fellow Americans, and the displacement of thousands more.

One year later, the American citizens of both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands continue the recovery effort, despite the lack of leadership and the insufficient support from the federal government. I saw first hand the devastation that Hurricane Maria caused, as well as the courage, dignity and resilience of the people on these islands. My colleagues and I in the Assembly Majority will continue to do all we can at the state level to support those that are struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.