Press releases

‘Senate addresses duplication of benefits, school districts’ penalty’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U. S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) voted today in favor of two major solutions for victims of the 2016 Louisiana flooding.  These solutions, which were attached to H.R. 302, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, include resolutions to the duplication of benefits issue for homeowners.

Duplication of Benefits: “Under the current rules, 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.  We are essentially punishing people for being diligent about rebuilding their homes after a disaster, and enough was enough.  I am hopeful that this legislation will help thousands of families who are still trying to recover from the flood.  Sen. Cassidy deserves credit for taking the lead on this issue and bringing it over the finish line.”

Much-Needed Help for Flooded Schools: “The 2016 flooding was unprecedented and hit schools in Livingston, East Baton Rouge, and Ascension especially hard.  School districts need to focus on students, not on battling bureaucracy.  This solution ensures that districts won’t be penalized for every single structure that flooded.  Instead, they'll only have to pay it one time, and one time only.  They'll take a lick and be able to move on.”

Also included in the FAA Reauthorization Act, was Sens. Kennedy and Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.)’s bill, the Welfare of Our Furry Friends (WOOFF) Act.  Their provision will make it illegal for anyone to place a live animal in an overhead storage compartment of an aircraft.

 

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