Friday, May 05, 2006

Washington Post Reports Correct Hurricane Spending Numbers

Hooray for them!
Appropriations for last year's hurricanes would now total about $96 billion.
That squares with my numbers (although they have changed a little since that post). So, don’t let any pundit or news outlet get away with saying “over $100 billion” unless you didn’t plan on receiving money for your flood insurance.

If you still think flood insurance claim payments should be included as “hurricane relief” because it all comes from the U.S. Treasury, I ask you to read FEMA’s top ten reasons to buy flood insurance, specifically reason number eight:
You can depend on being reimbursed for flood damages because NFIP flood insurance is backed by the federal government, even if the President does not declare a federal disaster.
Flood insurance is guaranteed. It is coming to you whether or not any “hurricane relief” or any special bill is passed by Congress. It is no more than what you are due if you have flood insurance. And, believe me, if you are undercovered, they surely don't give you any more than what you are due.

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