N.Y. Congresspeople: Possible Relief Ahead For Sandy Victims' Insurance Rates
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - There might be some relief coming for superstorm Sandy victims who are facing skyrocketing flood insurance rates.
The idea is to provide a little breathing room for those who are financially stretched.
Staten Island U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm says the plan would reduce the impact of soaring flood insurance premiums, in part due to the redrawn flood maps.
N.Y. Congresspeople: Possible Relief Ahead For Sandy Victims' Insurance Rates
"It's very very simple. It says that first 20% that would normally be paid in that first year would be stretched out over four years. So it would only be five percent a year for those first four years," Grimm told WCBS 880 reporter Peter Haskell.
"In stretching it out a little bit, that is the difference, in many instances, of whether people will be able to hold on to their homes or not," said Bronx and Westchester U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel.
Queens U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks said he this would make a big difference for the many people starting from scratch.
"To help put the furniture back in without worrying about the tremendous jump that it will cost them in insurance," Meeks said.
Also in support of the idea are Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney.
"It's a bill that's really just fair. It's a bill that I think just makes common sense," Meeks said.
"I would suggest that they help us get our houses set up so that we can actually avoid the flood damages," said Lindenhurst flood victim Don Werle.
Many storm victims have said the bigger issue actually getting their flood insurance claims paid.
