Policy

Potential FEMA changes prompt states to consider banking more disaster relief funds

‘It’s obvious that they want states to step up.’
Resident Anne Schneider, right, hugs her friend Eddy Sampson as they survey damage left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Oct. 1, 2024, in Marshall, N.C. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Lawmakers in several states want to set more money aside for disaster relief and expand disaster aid programs, as the Trump administration threatens to shrink federal spending on disaster mitigation, relief and recovery.

With extreme weather events growing more frequent and costly, supporters of the moves say states must prepare to do more to help communities hit by floods, fires, tornadoes and other emergencies.

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