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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 28, 2023 07:42 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund |
| In July of this year, severe storms made their way through Pennsylvania, causing flash floods and millions in damages to Berks, Bucks, and Northampton Counties. Following such disasters, residents are forced to pick up the pieces and rebuild. During this time, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) steps in to provide relief, offering financial and personnel resources to assist disaster-stricken communities. However, there is always more that can be done to help. It is for this reason that I will be introducing legislation to expand upon the financial resources available to PEMA. This legislation will establish the Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund, a non-lapsing account specifically designed to be utilized by PEMA in the wake of a state disaster declaration or local disaster emergency. Under this legislation, individuals living outside of flood zones, and therefore not required to have a flood insurance policy, would be eligible for assistance. Retroactive assistance would be available to provide relief for those recently affected by natural disasters prior to the effective date of this provision. 2023 has already been a historic year for natural disasters in the United States, with as many as 15 weather-related disasters exceeding one billion dollars in damages having occurred thus far. It is vitally important that we are better prepared for future events. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania residents have access to support when they need it most. |
Introduced as HB1887