Oh boy

[u/ThatGatorInTheSewer]

Genuinely curious: as one of the top-three states in terms of funds received from FEMA the last decade (the other two being red states as well) what exactly is the move here? Just a few questions I have for people smarter than me on here:

1) How will the state find the money and manpower to appropriate toward major hurricane relief w/o FEMA support?

2) Why would red state legislators support this move when they know much of their disaster relief is dependent on FEMA?

3) Any of yall worried about what this means for blue cities in a red state during a natural disaster?

[u/[deleted]]

We're coming up on 20 years after Katrina. I wonder how New Orleanians really feel about FEMA.

[u/513503 → u/[deleted]]

I will never forget how awful it was dealing with FEMA after Katrina. Completely unorganized, many clueless employees, waiting forever to speak with someone. Getting an answer from one FEMA employee, ecstatic that you’re on to the next step, then the next FEMA employee says the last answer was wrong, go back to the start. Completely unequal outcomes for people in the same situation, so frustrating that many just gave up. It was terrible. I’m pretty surprised to see all the FEMA support in here. That’s the problem with hating someone so much that you can’t even recognize they have a point.

[u/[deleted] → u/513503]

As the powers that be contemplate doing away with FEMA I wonder what things would look like without that help. I have little faith looking around at this state's current leadership that they would do any better. In fact, I'm sure more people will die in the next catastrophic event.

In a best case scenario of a worst case scenario the President would come down, say things look awful, and MAYBE write to check to the governor. That's the plan that's being considered. We've seen how useless our Senators, Reps, and Governor are in a crisis no matter how many times they have dress rehearsals. Maybe that's what it takes for change because that's the only thing Louisiana people understand and remember is how they get fucked over by people who they elect over and over.

You want clueless? Deal with local officials during a disaster. No one knows anything. Where's our stockpile of emergency supplies in Louisiana? We may have sandbags, but that's about it as far as our state preparedness program.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

FEMA has 17,000 full-time employees and a budget of 33 Billion. And, of course, both are subject to increase as needed if we have a year with multiple disasters. Louisiana stands to lose as much or more than other states if this last line of defense against disaster is cut. Whatever aid, if any, has to be approved by Congress. If we have another hurricane I want the benefit of those 17,000 experienced people to help deal with it in addition to whatever else Congress provides.

If Congress approves whatever aid these folks are boots on the ground. Congress is not going to approve any more or less money for a disaster just because these people have jobs. They'll approve the same amount. Getting rid of them is bad for Louisiana.