FEMA provides cash aid only to citizens and ‘qualified immigrants,’ a category that doesn’t include undocumented people, many on temporary visas or DACA recipients.
A lack of investment in hardening the grid and the unfulfilled promises of a new gas plant leave regulators asking whether the utility should have done more.
The deadline for Louisiana residents impacted by Hurricane Ida to apply for Critical Needs Assistance from FEMA is Wednesday, Sept. 22. But applicants’ experiences have varied widely, leaving many to wonder what makes someone eligible for the aid.
A coalition of environmental and consumer advocates also filed a motion with the council this week calling for new accountability measures, some of which overlap with Moreno’s proposals.
Valerie Jefferson says she was fired after asking about an agreement the union inked with the agency for hurricane pay. The RTA denies she was fired for her advocacy and says RTA workers will get the extra pay.
City officials are not yet sure what will happen to the erroneously collected money.
For urgent needs following Hurricane Ida and the subsequent power outage in Louisiana, applicants must register for FEMA assistance by this Sunday, Sept 12. FEMA officials have said that extended power outages should qualify people for evacuation assistance.
A ‘Healthy Homes Ordinance’ considered by the New Orleans City Council in 2015 and 2017 went nowhere following criticism, legal concerns.
Housing advocates asked Edwards to suspend proceedings in the wake of Hurricane Ida last week.
Earlier this week, the agency said that only people with damaged homes would qualify.
