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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 1, 2022 09:54 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Steven J. Santarsiero |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Disaster Emergency Fund |
| Federal guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dictate that a certain monetary amount of damage must occur in order declare a federal emergency. The catastrophic flooding did not meet this monetary benchmark last July after Bucks County homes were barraged with tornadoes, torrential storms, and historic flooding. As a result, the state did not receive as much funding for cleaning up and rebuilding the homes and businesses devastated by this storm. That’s why I plan to introduce legislation 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 me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |