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Lawmakers endorse drafting language for $45 million revolving fund to speed disaster match payments to communities
Summary
Budget leaders signaled support for creating a revolving fund (roughly $45 million discussed) to provide upfront state match money for municipalities hit by disasters so they can access federal funding quickly; negotiators requested language and expedited posting so JCAP or a JCAF bill can move next week.
Legislative leaders and budget chairs discussed creating a revolving liquidity fund in the Office of Emergency Management to front local match dollars for federally declared disasters. Multiple speakers said they supported a roughly $45,000,000 authorization to allow OEM to enter memoranda of understanding and advance cash to eligible local governments so they can maintain cash flow while waiting on FEMA reimbursements.
Why it matters: Local governments often lack the immediate cash flow to meet the local share required by federal programs after disasters; a revolving fund would enable quicker response and recovery while providing mechanisms for payback and guardrails. Speakers emphasized the need for statutory guardrails and payback sources and asked OEM’s new director to advise on statutory impediments.
Next steps: Leaders asked for draft language and agreed to expedite posting so the measure can be considered next week (JCAP or other procedural route); they emphasized intent to act swiftly should communities need money before formal bill adoption.
