New analysis warns FEMA overhaul would make disaster aid harder to access, shifting costs to survivors
A new analysis warns that a proposed overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency by a Trump-appointed panel would limit access to federal disaster aid for survivors, shifting the burden to state and local governments amid hurricane season.
TL;DR
- A proposed FEMA overhaul could limit disaster aid access and shift costs to states and survivors.
- The plan suggests replacing current grant programs with formula-based payments and reducing individual assistance categories.
- Flood insurance premiums may rise sharply for low-income households and those in high-risk areas.
- The threshold for declaring major disasters could increase, excluding nearly one-third of past declarations.
- FEMA is facing staffing and financial strain as hurricane season begins.