Davis' FEMA Reform Bill Signed Into Law
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after his bill to reform the FEMA funding formula was signed into law today as part of the FAA reauthorization package.
"This change is long overdue and it is one I have fought tirelessly for since my first term in Congress," Davis said. "My legislation will help level the playing field and ensure rural areas, like my district, are treated fairly when a disaster happens and help is needed. I am very happy to see this finally signed into law and that my constituents, who pay into the Disaster Relief Fund, will receive more fairness when seeking federal assistance following a major disaster." Davis’ bill, the Disaster Declaration Improvement Act, requires FEMA to place greater consideration on the severe localized impact of damage following a disaster. Under current law, FEMA takes into account several factors when determining the need for assistance, but there is no standard to determine which factor is more important than another. This provision will help level the playing field for rural communities in downstate Illinois when disasters happen. FEMA’s Formula Currently, FEMA uses a per-capita formula to determine the need for public assistance. They multiply the state’s population with $1.39 then use this number as a threshold for determining the state’s need for public assistance. Illinois compared to surrounding states: Illinois $18 million Indiana $9.1 million Missouri $8.4 million Wisconsin $8 million Kentucky $6.1 million Iowa $4.3 million FEMA can also take into account damage done in a specific county but whether they take this into account and how much this will impact their decision is highly subjective. The formula used to determine this is $3.50 per capita in infrastructure damage in a county. Latest Example Illinois sustained $15 million in flood damage in 2015/2016. Governor Rauner requested public assistance for 16 counties. In one county, damages were assessed at $4 million, which was $486.00 per capita for that county. Illinois was still denied public assistance. Davis has been working to bring fairness within in the disaster declaration process since his first term. Related: 2018 House Passes FAA Reauthorization, Includes Davis' FEMA Reform Legislation House Passes Long-term Aviation Reauthorization Bill 2017 Davis Pressures FEMA for Disaster Declaration Fairness Davis, Bustos Bill to Bring Fairness to Disaster Declarations Passes House, Heads to Senate Illinois Delegation Urges FEMA to Make Disaster Deductible Concept Fair to States and Localities Davis Bill to Bring Fairness to Disaster Declarations Passes Committee 2016 Davis Meets With FEMA Administrator, Urges Change to Disaster Declaration Process Davis Requests Meeting With FEMA Administrator Davis Supports Governor’s Appeal for Federal Disaster Assistance, Urges FEMA to Consider Localized Impact Davis Statement on FEMA Denial of Illinois Disaster Assistance Request Davis Urges FEMA to Consider Local Impact When Determining Latest Illinois Disaster Request Davis, Bost, & Shimkus Urge FEMA to Weigh Localized Impact When Considering Governor's Request for Federal Assistance 2015 Illinois Members Renew Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Bring Fairness to FEMA Disaster Declaration Process Illinois Members Continue Fight to Bring Fairness in Disaster Declaration Process 2014 Reps. Davis, Shimkus, Schock, Kinzinger, Bustos, Enyart Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Fairness to FEMA Disaster Declaration Process |
