In this weeks FORUM....FEMA Editorial

SCHUMER SAYS NO WAY FEMA….

VOWS TO KEEP FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUMS DOWN

Last week we advised readers of the newspapers intention to formally request a coordinated effort from our United States Senators to protect the victims of Hurricane Sandy from further devastation at the hands of FEMA and insurance companies.  Both entities are likely looking to put a bounty on the heads of homeowners throughout the communities affected by the impending release of the revised FEMA flood maps.

It seems that Sen. Charles Schumer, as well as Sen. Kirsten Gillebrand have signed into the school of thought that enough FEMA is enough. The senators have taken a step in the support of a movement, growing rapidly across this state and many others, to combat the modifications to flood maps that will send premiums soaring and concurrently force residents to do costly physical renovations and alterations to their homes.

Both Schumer and Gillebrand have signed on to back an amendment  to a bill currently before the senate introduced by Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.

The amendment would immediately stop and premium increase before FEMA holds an affordability study and also affords the necessary time to act in accordance or legitimately challenge any results.

It is true that FEMA is presently required to conduct such a study in conjunction with the passage of the Biggert-Waters bill, however there is nothing to stop the rate hikes before the study is completed . The proposed amendment would turn that provision around, mandating the completion of the study prior to any consideration of rate hikes.

Prior to the enactment of the legislation, the senator from Louisiana tried to request a delay from FEMA but the agency apparently deliberate failure to act prompted the creation of the amendment.

Schumer and Gillebrand loaned their immediate support to the measure and in a statement, Schumer declared his staunch support for the measure which “staves off massive looming flood insurance hikes.”

Schemer also acknowledged in his statement that he not only supports Landreiu’s amendment with his vote but with his “assistance in the effort to pass it.”

Schumer went to bat for the amendment on the floor of the senate. Speaking to his colleagues he said: It’s unfair to hit homeowners with massive new flood insurance premiums without any plans to address the needs of those who cant afford these out of control premiums. People are upset and they should be.”

More and more groups are calling for the support of elected officials in battling back against the potential crippling measures which could come as a result of the passage of the Biggert-Waters Act and the revisions to FEMA flood maps.

Residents are urged to call their senators and encourage the continued and full support of legislative measures that target the elimination of the possibility of astronomical premiums.

Watch for our continued coverage as we near the release of the revised flood maps at the end of this month.

By Patricia Adams