Just a few years ago, Hurricane Ida devastated our state, causing over $100 million in public infrastructure damage and destroying hundreds of homes. These storms and other disaster events are occurring more frequently in our state, leaving many residents with damaged property. While financial assistance is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), these funds often only cover a portion of the costs associated with the damage – if the damages are even eligible for FEMA aid. This can leave many families with massive recovery bills that they simply cannot afford and could not plan for.
 
The state needs to step in and fill those gaps during the recovery of a disaster event. That is why I am re-introducing legislation that would establish the State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program. This program would provide individuals who have maximized their federal assistance grants from FEMA with supplemental grants from the state to cover recovery costs. When there is only a state disaster declaration where FEMA aid is not available, individuals and businesses who experience damage from the event would still be eligible for financial assistance from the state through this program. It will be funded through a portion of the state’s liquor tax, which its revenue was originally intended for when the Johnstown Flood Tax was enacted in 1936. This program will ensure that all victims of disaster events in Pennsylvania have adequate financial assistance to help cover the cost of the damage sustained.
 
Disaster events can strike at any time, and we need to be prepared to help those impacted. I hope you will join me in supporting this important legislation to create a road to recovery for all Pennsylvanians in the aftermath of a disaster.

Prior Co-Sponsors (HB 112): CIRESI, HILL-EVANS, PROBST, SANCHEZ, KINSEY, GUENST, MADDEN, MALAGARI, PARKER, CONKLIN, HOWARD, GILLEN, KINKEAD, NEILSON, CERRATO, D. WILLIAMS and KHAN