Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2017 (HR 2405) and Equity for Disaster Victims Act of 2017 (HR 3674)
Rep.
"Superstorm Sandy taught us tough lessons--in the preparation for a storm and its aftermath, it showed us some significant flaws in our federal assistance programs," said Smith, whose constituents in coastal areas in Monmouth and Ocean counties were hit hard by the Superstorm Sandy in 2012. "The Equity for Disaster Victims Act of 2017 (H.R. 3674) and the Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2017 (H.R. 2405) address injustices in our disaster recovery programs and both bills are desperately needed," he said.
Smith's original bill, the Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R. 592), passed the
Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2017
The Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2017 (H.R. 2405) is bipartisan legislation that would put houses of worship on an even playing field with other private non-profit organizations seeking disaster assistance. In the last 8 years, here have been many nonprofit religious organizations, churches, synagogues and other religious centers that were completely shut out of getting federal assistance despite damage they sustained and the essential services they provide in the wake of a disaster.
"Faith-based organizations are hit just as hard as other private non-profits when natural disasters strike," Smith said. "They don't need or want special treatment--but to be totally excluded from recovery programs is unjust and unfair. It's ironic that houses of worship are among the first to open their doors and serve victims of natural disasters--but also the first to be turned away from disaster assistance.
Smith's new bill, cosponsored by lead Democrat Rep.
Last week, lawmakers were encouraged by messaging from
The Equity for Disaster Victims Act of 2017
Smith's second bill, The Equity for Disaster Victims Act of 2017 (H.R. 3674), would reform the federal government's disaster relief programs to allow homeowners, small businesses and nonprofits that accepted
"Homeowners who were encouraged--and in many cases pressured--to move quickly and apply for loans through the SBA only to learn later that such loans make them ineligible for subsequent grant programs," Smith explained. "The current misguided rule is designed to eliminate a duplication of benefits, but instead it punishes those who follow federal advice and rewards those who procrastinate. My bill restores fairness to the equation and enables victims to qualify on equal footing for grant programs that are by nature available later in the process."
In July of 2015, Smith testified before the
After liquidating their retirement savings and incurring a substantial tax penalty as a result, the family applied for relief through
"To qualify for the SBA loans, victims tap other assets, company pension plans, IRAs, college saving accounts--all to take on new debt so they can rebuild," said Smith. "Allowing them access to grants to help pay back that debt helps them get back on their feet and ensures that they are not penalized for working diligently towards recovery."
Smith noted that not only is the policy unfair, but it is not clearly explained to people desperate after a disaster. "Homeowners, from the Jersey Shore to the
Read this original document at: https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400597
The bill encourages financial institutions to report suspected instances of fraud targeting seniors
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