Provides relative to the creation of a legislative disaster assistance and relief fund (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
If implemented, the resolution would not directly create a disaster relief fund but rather open the door for the Legislative Budgetary Control Council to study and propose its creation. Currently, disaster assistance is primarily managed at the federal level under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The exploration of this fund is viewed as a step toward better equipping the state in handling the financial fallout from natural disasters, potentially improving recovery times and reducing the burden on local governments.
Summary
HCR124 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the Legislative Budgetary Control Council to investigate the feasibility of establishing a disaster and assistance relief fund managed by the legislature. This resolution is prompted by the significant damages caused by hurricanes in Louisiana over the years, most notably Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Laura, and Hurricane Ida, which collectively resulted in over two hundred billion dollars in damages. The goal of the resolution is to create a systematic approach for disaster assistance that would better support state and local governments during times of crisis.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR124 appears to be largely supportive, as the need for enhanced disaster relief mechanisms is a common concern among legislators. There seems to be a general agreement that a state-managed fund could augment federal assistance and provide more tailored support for Louisiana's unique challenges with frequent natural disasters. However, discussions around the practicality and funding of such a program may spur differing opinions among members of the legislature.
Contention
While the resolution itself is fairly straightforward in its intent, there may be notable points of contention regarding how such a fund would be financed and administered. Legislators might debate the implications of establishing a new fund against the backdrop of existing budgetary constraints and state financial priorities. It's essential for the Legislative Budgetary Control Council to evaluate feasible options that ensure effective utilization of resources while meeting the pressing needs of disaster response and recovery.
Memorializes congress and the Louisiana congressional delegation to take such actions as are necessary to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to grant Louisiana full federal funding for disaster expenses associated with Hurricane Laura or to grant Louisiana the ability to utilize alternative sources of federal funds as any needed match if full funding is not provided
Directs the Legislative Budgetary Control Council to review the compensation of legislative assistants and to establish a salary schedule for legislative assistants that is competitive with the marketplace (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
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.
Urges and requests the La. Housing Corporation to consider emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency characteristics when implementing design criteria for housing developments competing for funding in programs administered by the corporation office and to explore sources of federal funds to retrofit existing buildings with these same design criteria