WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced today that he has signed on to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s (R-Wis.) bill, S.3041, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018.  This legislation addresses the duplication of benefits’ problem for the 2016 flood victims, improves mitigation activities and ensures that multi-structure campuses such as schools and hospitals only have to meet one $500,000 deductible.  The duplication of benefits’ fix is especially important to the victims of the historic 2016 floods in Louisiana who are still struggling to rebuild.

Sen. Kennedy also has separate legislation S.2547, the Consolidating Losses Associated to Severe Storms Act of 2018 (CLASS Act), to relieve the financial stress that Louisiana school districts are suffering because of the 2016 floods.  S.3041 builds on Sen. Kennedy’s previous efforts to spare school districts from millions of dollars in penalties on flood-damaged buildings.

“Under the current rules, we are essentially punishing people for being diligent about rebuilding their homes after a disaster, and that has to stop.  This legislation makes some long-awaited, common sense reforms to our disaster recovery programs, including duplication of benefits,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “Currently, the federal government treats a loan from the Small Business Administration like a disaster benefit which then often prevents people from qualifying for disaster grants down the road.  I am proud to be a part of this legislation that helps Louisiana families recover from the 2016 floods.”