Rep. Sharon Chung’s Flood Insurance Bill Unanimously Passes House

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, is working to protect taxpayers from the high cost of flood damage to critical infrastructure by passing bipartisan legislation through the Illinois House of Representatives to make sure Illinois state properties receive federal assistance for floods.

“We know that natural disasters are a matter of when, not if,” said Chung. “When our state buildings and infrastructure are damaged without proper insurance, we risk extended loss of services to Illinoisans, and sudden financial burdens. This legislation will make sure we minimize the impact that flooding can cause on our infrastructure, and save taxpayer money.”

Chung earned unanimous bipartisan support for House Bill 4207 in a House floor vote. The bill reduces liability for taxpayers by requiring state agencies comply with rules set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program allows states to receive federal funding for damage caused by flooding, rather than passing the entire cost on to Illinois taxpayers. The bill moves to the Senate for a vote.

“We could all use one less thing to worry about,” said Chung. “Making sure our state has the support it needs in the event of flooding will allow us to feel confident about what our response will be when disaster strikes.”