Hurricane Sandy victims who aren’t helped by the $9.7 billion flood insurance funds (H.R. 41) approved by the House on Jan. 4, 2013 include: 

1. Homeowners who don’t have flood insurance.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) estimated that there are “hundreds of thousands” of homeowners in the New York and New Jersey area who don’t have flood insurance. Those uninsured homeowners will have a hard time repairing damages caused by Hurricane Sandy unless the House approves the remaining $50 billion disaster relief package.

Read more: House passes $9.7 billion Hurricane Sandy funding, a fraction of the $60 billion aid sought

“They cannot sign contracts for repairs until the contractor or the bank that’s making the construction loan knows that there’s money to reimburse them. Right now, they know nothing of this sort because the money isn’t there,” said Schumer. “The [Community Development Block Grant] account which would pay for that is dry.”

2. Small businesses, particularly those that have been forced to shut down due to Hurricane Sandy.

Many of the small businesses affected do not have the sufficient funds to repair damaged equipments or replace their lost inventory. And because these businesses are not able to re-open, they also can’t generate the income necessary to pay for repairs or their employees’ wages.

3. Local towns and communities forced to repair hurricane damages to roads, sewers, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Traditionally, the federal government has reimbursed towns and local governments for most of the repair costs incurred by natural disasters. Schumer said he’s worried that local taxes in New York and New Jersey will “skyrocket” if the federal government refuses to help cities cover those costs.

Learn More:

• WhatTheFolly.com: House passes $9.7 billion Hurricane Sandy funding, a fraction of the $60 billion aid sought
• WhatTheFolly.com: List of 67 House Republicans who voted against the $9.7 billion flood insurance funding for Hurricane Sandy victims
• WhatTheFolly.com: Transcript of press briefing Q&A with Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand on the $9.7 billion National Flood Insurance Program funding for Hurricane Sandy victims
• WhatTheFolly.com: Transcript of Sen. Chuck Schumer on the $9.7 billion National Flood Insurance Program funding for Hurricane Sandy victims
• FloodSmart.gov: Coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program
• FloodSmart.gov: Policy rates for homeowner
• WhatTheFolly.com: Transcript: NJ Gov. Chris Christie blames Boehner & House GOP for blocking Hurricane Sandy disaster relief funding
• WhatTheFolly.com: Analysis: FEMA & federal disaster assistance funding threatened by sequestration, GOP budget cuts
• Thomas.LOC.gov: H.R.41 — To temporarily increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for carrying out the National Flood Insurance Program. (Introduced in House – IH)
• C-Span.org: Sens. Schumer (D-NY), Gillibrand (D-NY) on Sandy Aid
• Clerk.House.gov: Roll call vote for H.R. 41 To temporarily increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for carrying out the National Flood Insurance Program
• Speaker.gov: Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor Statement on Hurricane Sandy Relief