American Hero Awards Announced

ProtectingAmerica.org conferred the American Hero Award to the following U.S. Congressmen for their tireless efforts in preparing for and protecting communities in the case of a natural catastrophe:

• Robert Andrews [D-NJ]
• Wm. Lacy Clay [D-MO]
• Elijah Cummings [D-MD]
• Travis Childers [D-MS]
• Jesse Jackson, Jr. [D-IL]
• Loretta Sanchez [D-CA]
• Heath Shuler [D-NC]
• Lynn Woolsey [D-CA]
• Donald Payne [D-NJ]
• Anthony Weiner [D-NY]

The recipients demonstrated initiative in the promotion of better land use, enhanced preparation and mitigation to help minimize the loss of property and lives when catastrophe strikes through his ongoing support of Homeowners’ Defense Act by way of co-sponsoring the bill.

Previous designees have included Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Gov. C. Crist (FL), Gov. Bobby Jindal (LA), David Jones, the head of the NJ State Troopers Fraternal Association, and 50 other members of Congress.

“The American Hero Award is one way for us to thank and recognize the recipients for their ongoing commitment and dedication to preparing families for the unthinkable,” said James Lee Witt, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and also a co-chair of ProtectingAmerica.org. “Their efforts will ultimately save lives and protect property when massive natural catastrophes strike.”

Minorities and Poor Americans Most Vulnerable to Hurricanes: A Demographic Analysis of Catastrophe-Prone Areas

A recent demographic study of the areas previously ravaged by massive hurricanes found that the people most likely to be affected by catastrophe tend to be poorer minority persons with household income and median home value well below state or regional averages.

“The data were conclusive; the people most likely to be affected by catastrophe in the regions we studied were disproportionately minorities, poor and living in housing that is substantially below regional or national averages,” said Peter J. McDonough, an adjunct professor at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, who conducted the study. The report was commissioned by ProtectingAmerica.org.

A full copy of the report may be viewed by clicking here

To view the entire release, click here

Jonathan Orszag-penned Op-ed featured in The Hill

ProtectingAmerica.org member and former Clinton economic policy adviser Jonathan Orszag recently signed an opinion-editorial featured in Washington political newspaper The Hill.

Orszag wrote:

Although the 2009 hurricane season was a reasonably quiet one, the question still remains: Are we prepared as a nation for the next mega-catastrophe that will inevitably strike our country?

In one key respect, we are better prepared than when Hurricane Katrina roared through the Gulf states. We remember all too well the fumbling among the governmental entities involved with coordinating a response to the aftermath of Katrina. Fortunately, improvements have been made that will help the various levels of government more effectively work together following the next major natural catastrophe.

To view the entire op-ed, click here

ProtectingAmerica.org member Louisiana Family Recovery Corps Testified before Legislature

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, President and CEO of the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, and Dorothy Thomas, General Counsel, testified before a joint meeting of the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs and the Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs.

Both Dr. Sizer and Ms. Thomas shared with the Joint Committee Meeting their insights into long-term recovery solutions for the state, and the impact that continued delays will have on Louisiana’s people and its financial health.

View entire release by clicking here

Please have a safe and happy holiday.

Signed,
James Lee Witt, co-chair
Adm. James M. Loy, co-chair