House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Over the past few years, our districts have been barraged by tornadoes, torrential storms, and historic flooding. Our residents were left pumping water out of their basements, tearing out drywall, and dragging waterlogged carpeting out of their homes. Some described their homes as actual swimming pools, with several feet of water lapping at family pictures on the walls. Homes, apartments, and businesses were drastically damaged, if not destroyed. 
 
Federal guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dictate a certain monetary amount of damage must occur to declare a federal emergency. These guidelines can be difficult to meet, and often, these catastrophic events cannot be declared disaster emergencies. As a result, the state does not receive as much funding for cleaning up and rebuilding the homes and businesses devastated by these storms. Some of our neighbors received a helping hand, but others fell through the cracks created by these federal standards. 

 
We plan to introduce a bill that would create the Disaster Emergency Fund, a non-lapsing account with funds that can only be touched to help rebuild after FEMA declines or is unable to declare an emergency. After an initial round of funds, ongoing funds would be negotiated through the budget process, giving the legislature the flexibility to increase or decrease the amount allocated as needed. 
 
The unfortunate reality is that these “hundred years storms” are becoming increasingly common. By having this fund in place, we will be proactive rather than reactive, and quicker to provide a helping hand to those who need it most. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.