Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SCR83

Introduced
5/8/17  
Introduced
5/8/17  
Refer
5/9/17  
Report Pass
5/15/17  
Report Pass
5/15/17  
Passed
5/16/17  
Passed
5/16/17  
Engrossed
5/16/17  
Engrossed
5/16/17  
Refer
5/17/17  
Refer
5/17/17  
Report Pass
5/30/17  

Caption

Requests that CDBG--Disaster Recovery Program funds received by Louisiana relative to damages caused by the flooding in the state during 2016 be subject to legislative oversight.

Impact

The adoption of SCR83 would lead to increased scrutiny of how disaster recovery funds are allocated and spent, potentially influencing the development and implementation of recovery programs for the affected communities. It aims to ensure that the citizens of Louisiana receive necessary support and resources in the aftermath of a natural disaster, thereby fostering a more structured approach towards disaster recovery similar to historical precedents set by earlier disaster recovery efforts, particularly post-Katrina. It seeks to instill confidence in taxpayers that such substantial funds will be managed properly and directed effectively towards rebuilding efforts.

Summary

SCR83 is a concurrent resolution urging the Louisiana legislature to ensure that federal funds received through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) for damages caused by the significant flooding events in 2016 are treated with the same level of legislative oversight as those allocated after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This bill highlights the importance of transparent and accountable use of disaster recovery funding, which has been a concern in past relief efforts. The resolution calls for proactive measures to monitor the distribution and utilization of funds received for recovery from the recent floods, reinforcing the legislative function of oversight in such emergencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR83 appears to be largely supportive, as legislators recognize the critical need for oversight in the handling of federal disaster relief funds. The unanimous approval in a House vote suggests a consensus on the urgency of ensuring adequate legislative review of fund allocation and expenditure. However, the sentiment also carries an undercurrent of concern regarding the complexity and the enormity of the recovery effort required to address the damages inflicted by the flooding, reflecting the broader challenges in efficiently managing disaster recovery initiatives.

Contention

While there are no notable points of contention publicly contested in the discussions or the voting history, the implications of the resolution may spur debate over the effectiveness and efficiency of established oversight mechanisms. Questions could arise regarding the adequacy of the recovery funding in relation to the scale of the damage experienced during the flooding events. Furthermore, there could be discussions surrounding the balance between legislative oversight and the need for swift action in disaster situations, as well as the implications of legislative measures on the speed of recovery efforts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.