Sen. Cornyn Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Extend Critical Disaster Recovery Funding

Statement

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has introduced bipartisan legislation to extend a federal grant program that supports the recovery efforts of residents impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters. As it stands, Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funding is set to expire on September 30, 2010, and impacted states could lose millions if it is allowed to expire. Sen. Cornyn's legislation, cosponsored by Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, Mary Landrieu, D-La., Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Kit Bond, R-Mo., would extend the SSBG expenditure deadline an additional two years--to September 30, 2012.

"Hurricanes Ike and Dolly delivered devastating blows to thousands of Texas homes and businesses, and today, many of these Texans are still struggling to rebuild and recover from the storms' damage. SSBG funds play an important role in helping these Texans rebuild and recover, and the program should be extended to see that a full recovery is achieved," Sen. Cornyn said.

"With hurricane season upon us, we are especially mindful of the destruction and disruption Hurricanes Ike and Dolly inflicted upon our coastal communities," Senator Hutchison said. "Recovery efforts from these natural disasters are still ongoing in many areas of Texas. As our communities work to rebuild, it is critically important we extend the Social Services Block Grant program in order to ensure the victims have adequate time to utilize this funding to aid in the recovery."

"SSBG funds are vital to Louisianians, who are still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike," said Sen. Landrieu. "An extension of SSBG funds will provide approximately $10 million to Louisiana, which will be used to strengthen its infrastructure of essential health and child welfare services. With the funding, the Louisiana Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Juvenile Justice and Department of Education will collaborate to develop a Coordinated System of Care -- an integrated approach to providing services for youth with significant behavioral health needs. Getting these children the help they need is an important part of Louisiana's recovery efforts, and these funds will play a significant role in making sure that help is provided in a coordinated and organized way."

"This is much-needed funding that can help to rebuild Missouri communities struggling following our 2008 natural disasters," Sen. McCaskill said. "I hope for the sake of these communities that we can quickly pass this legislation."

Background:

* Entities that received SSBG funding must spend the funds by September 30th of this year or the dollars will be de-obligated and returned to the U.S. Treasury.
o The legislation extends the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) expenditure deadline an additional two years to September 30, 2012.
o It ensures that states, communities, and organizations are able to utilize this funding to aid in disaster recovery efforts.
o A similar extension was granted for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita SSGB disaster recovery funds in 2007.
o According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would not add to the deficit.

Source