The Stafford Act

The stated purpose of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is to “provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the federal government to state and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result from disasters by (1) revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster relief programs; (2) encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the states and by local governments; (3) achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief programs; (4) encouraging individuals, states, and local governments to protect themselves by obtaining insurance coverage to supplement or replace governmental assistance; (5) encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses from disasters, including development of land use and construction regulations; and (6) providing federal assistance programs for both public and private losses sustained in disasters.”

As described, the Stafford Act seems like a logical piece of legislation which allows the federal government to act swiftly and decisively during times of extreme need. However, because of bureaucratic barriers and other restrictions and inefficient policies, the Stafford Act has proven to be much more of a hindrance to effective recovery than an asset.

The Louisiana Family Recovery Corps is working with federal partners and legislators to advocate for amending the Stafford Act so that it can better serve people in the wake of disaster. It should be noted that the Stafford Act was not designed to deal with massive disasters and it has ultimately retarded recovery in Louisiana and other states. The cost reimbursement protocols, excessive delays associated with reimbursement, and lack of upfront resources associated with the legislation as it is written today are prohibitive, making it impossible for local organizations and agencies such as the Recovery Corps to deliver large-scale recovery services at a time when they can be most impactful.

Additionally, the Stafford Act aims at only rehabilitating disaster survivors back to pre-disaster conditions. This only serves to add another layer of people who will seek additional social and human services in order to survive rather than allowing those working with disaster-impacted people who may have been struggling to maintain a selfsufficient lifestyle to continue their efforts to ultimately place these citizens in a position to succeed instead of a position to once again fail.

Further, the Stafford Act is shrouded with bureaucratic red tape. There are inconsistencies related to chain of command, leading to confusion and chaos. And the inefficiencies associated with the execution of programs and delivery of services often result in those who most need assistance becoming disillusioned with the process, leading them to withdraw from the system completely.

Amending the Stafford Act seems like a logical and relatively easy way to help jump-start the recovery process for thousands of Louisiana residents impacted by disaster. However, there appears to be little motivation in Congress to make changes to the legislation. Instead, some favor the status quo. The Recovery Corps, however, will continue to advocate for amending the Stafford Act and will continue to try to educate those who have not yet seen the merits in making such legislative amendments.

Key Recovery Corps positions related to the Stafford Act:

• Amend cost-reimbursement protocols in order to make it easier for non-profits and governments to provide immediate relief and offer direct services and resources to disaster-impacted citizens
• Streamline reimbursement procedures so that organizations and governments may receive reimbursements sooner in order to further assist disaster-impacted families and individuals
• Amend provisions that disallow upfront resources for direct assistance to disaster-impacted citizens
• When practical and if resources are available, allow rebuilding to current-day norms instead of pre-disaster conditions
• Resolve inconsistencies related to chain of command and delivery of services
• Establish Stafford Act authority for a permanent rental repair program
• Amend the Stafford Act to expressly authorize rental repair in catastrophies