U.S. Government Affairs

The Chair of the Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA), recently introduced a bill (HR 8616) that would require the President to establish a disaster deductible for each state to offset a portion of the federal assistance provided in response to a major disaster.  It would amend the Stafford Act to require each state to pay three times its population or the amount of federal financial assistance provided, whichever number is higher, "to ensure that the American Taxpayer is not fully on the hook for disaster relief."  Here is his press release.

Chairman Perry has indicated he wants the Committee to vote on this bill in September once Congress reconvenes after the August recess.  The GAC is reviewing the bill but feels such a major change in emergency management policy deserves a congressional hearing. The IAEM Board has voted to oppose this bill at this time, at least until it can be properly vetted with all interested stakeholders.

What do you think of the disaster deductible idea?

In theory this would be seem to be a good thing.  My big fear would be if States might back off asking for a Presidential Declaration knowing they would have to now contribute with the deducible.  Would agree this needs vetted and some more details worked out.  

The Chair of the Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA), recently introduced a bill (HR 8616) that would require the President to establish a disaster deductible for each state to offset a portion of the federal assistance provided in response to a major disaster.  It would amend the Stafford Act to require each state to pay three times its population or the amount of federal financial assistance provided, whichever number is higher, "to ensure that the American Taxpayer is not fully on the hook for disaster relief."  Here is his press release.

Chairman Perry has indicated he wants the Committee to vote on this bill in September once Congress reconvenes after the August recess.  The GAC is reviewing the bill but feels such a major change in emergency management policy deserves a congressional hearing. The IAEM Board has voted to oppose this bill at this time, at least until it can be properly vetted with all interested stakeholders.

What do you think of the disaster deductible idea?

The Chair of the Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA), recently introduced a bill (HR 8616) that would require the President to establish a disaster deductible for each state to offset a portion of the federal assistance provided in response to a major disaster.  It would amend the Stafford Act to require each state to pay three times its population or the amount of federal financial assistance provided, whichever number is higher, "to ensure that the American Taxpayer is not fully on the hook for disaster relief."  Here is his press release.

Chairman Perry has indicated he wants the Committee to vote on this bill in September once Congress reconvenes after the August recess.  The GAC is reviewing the bill but feels such a major change in emergency management policy deserves a congressional hearing. The IAEM Board has voted to oppose this bill at this time, at least until it can be properly vetted with all interested stakeholders.

What do you think of the disaster deductible idea?