Kenya Smith Slams Helena Mareno

When candidates for 2nd Congressional District held debates at Tulane University, Kenya Smith asked Helena Mareno, "As part of our platform of proposed changes and overhauling of the Stafford Act, would you agree that the Stafford Act needs to be overhauled, and if you do agree, would you give your top three recommendations"

NOW, what was seen as a simple question, resulted in a slam dunk, as she fumble on her answer. She never answered it. She sighted her need to look into it fully.

The problem is...

Our country is facing some very serious issues, many which we are experiencing right here in Louisiana, moreover, New Orleans.
Our congress person cannot fumble on what is one of our most precious rights and intents of laws designed to benefit our region.
Campaigning on reform is great, when you at least know, what to reform.

Our region cannot take the risk at making elementary mistakes, that have profound consequences.

All was needed to answer this question, was a basic understanding of FEMA's role. For 3 years, that's all we heard was FEMA's flaws, certainly, she had time to look into what's best for this disaster region regarding the Stafford Act.

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288) as amended

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL 100-707, signed into law November 23, 1988; amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, PL 93-288. This Act constitutes the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs.
Title I -- Findings, Declarations and Definitions
Sec. 101. Congressional Findings and Declarations (42 U.S.C. 5121)
(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that -
(1) because disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, loss of income,
and property loss and damage; and
(2) because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning of governments and
communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great
severity; special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected
States in expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and emergency
services, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of devastated areas, are
necessary.

(b) It is the intent of the Congress, by this Act, 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 such 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