Urges Congress and the President of the United States to increase subsidies for federal flood insurance.
Summary
SCR85 is a New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges Congress and the President of the United States to increase subsidies for flood insurance premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The resolution is framed around the impact of Hurricane Sandy and other flooding events on New Jersey residents, especially homeowners in shore communities and other flood-prone areas. It argues that private flood insurance is often unavailable or unaffordable, making the NFIP essential for many property owners.
The resolution specifically responds to federal flood insurance changes under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, which phased out certain premium subsidies. It warns that some homeowners could face dramatic premium increases, including increases of 500% or more, due to FEMA floodplain map and base flood elevation changes. The measure also emphasizes that many affected homeowners have already suffered repeated losses and delays in federal disaster relief, particularly after Hurricane Sandy.
Impact
SCR85 does not change New Jersey statutes or create a state regulatory program; instead, it is an advisory concurrent resolution expressing the Legislature’s position on federal policy. Its practical effect is to formally communicate New Jersey’s request that Congress, the President, and FEMA take action to preserve or expand flood insurance subsidies, especially for repeat-loss properties. The resolution is directed to federal officials and is intended to influence NFIP policy affecting homeowners in flood-prone areas, insurers, and disaster-affected communities.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment is strongly supportive of increasing flood insurance subsidies and sympathetic to homeowners facing rising premiums after major storms. The resolution reflects concern about the financial burden on residents, especially those still recovering from Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene. Because there is no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided, there is no evidence of formal opposition in the available materials; the tone of the bill itself is urgent and advocacy-oriented.
Contention
The main point of contention is the federal policy choice to reduce or eliminate NFIP subsidies versus the need to keep premiums affordable for coastal and flood-prone homeowners. Supporters of the resolution argue that subsidy reductions and FEMA mapping changes would impose severe costs on New Jersey residents, including repeat-loss property owners. The resolution also implicitly criticizes the pace and consistency of federal disaster relief after Hurricane Sandy, suggesting that New Jersey victims were treated less favorably than victims of other major disasters. No specific in-state opponents are identified in the available record.