Congressman Garcia Invites FEMA Senior Leadership Team to His District for a Conversation on the National Flood Insurance Program
MIAMI, FL – October 10, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Over the last two days, Congressman Joe Garcia hosted senior leaders from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) in his district for a discussion on the future of the the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Florida, and the implementation of H.R. 3370 – the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act. In total, three meetings were held across Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, where various elected officials, industry representatives, business associations, watchdog organizations, and concerned and active citizens were in attendance.
“Over the last two years, I’ve made it a priority to ensure the people of my district, homeowners and business owners alike, can remain in the homes and businesses they’ve put their money, hearts, and lives into” said Garcia. “Having FEMA visit our district to listen, answer questions, and engage in debate with the people of Florida’s 26th district – many of whose lives have been effected by dramatic flood insurance rate increases – offers an opportunity to bring this conversation back down to the people and together, work towards finding common sense, long-term solutions.”
These meetings provided federal, state, and local partners an opportunity for extended discussion regarding what additional changes can be made to the National Flood Insurance Program in order to better serve coastal communities throughout Florida, and across the country.
Early Monday morning, the group held meetings with members of the Florida Congressional Delegation and Statewide association representatives at Florida International University in Kendall. Later that afternoon, the group met with elected/appointed officials from across the Florida Keys. Tuesday morning rounded out the trip with a Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe County (FIRM) board meeting that included representatives from a cross section of the Florida Keys demographics and industries.
In July of 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters law which, by overhauling the National Flood Insurance Program, brought dramatic premium rate increases to Florida families and threatened to undermine the State’s housing market and economic recovery. In response, Congressman Garcia worked with colleagues across the aisle to pass H.R. 3370 – the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act.
While this is a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done. It is critical to build upon the progress made and continue to fight for further NFIP reform until every home and business owner is guaranteed a fair, stable, and affordable flood insurance premium.
Contact: Nicole Cueto (202) 480-7274
