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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 8, 2022 04:13 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kathleen C. Tomlinson and Rep. Tina M. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Disaster Emergency Fund |
| After Bucks County homes were barraged with tornadoes, torrential storms, and historic flooding last July, 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 in order declare a federal emergency. The catastrophic flooding did not meet this monetary benchmark. As a result, the state did not receive as much funding for cleaning up and rebuilding the homes and businesses devastated by this storm. 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. With initial funding of $10 million, 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. |