Louisiana supports Mississippi in flood insurance lawsuit

Louisiana supports Mississippi in flood insurance lawsuit

Louisiana has filed a legal brief supporting Mississippi’s lawsuit against the federal government over the large increases in national flood insurance premiums that threaten to make many people’s homes unaffordable and unsellable.

“I think the lawsuit can only help bring Congress’ attention to just how serious the states are about this problem,” said Jim Donelon, Commissioner of Louisiana’s Department of Insurance.

Donelon’s counterpart, Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, claims the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) erred when it failed to complete an affordability study before raising the National Flood Insurance Program’s rates on homeowners and businesses. The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 calls for the affordability study to take place before the new rates go into effect, according to the Mississippi lawsuit.

Louisiana is the fifth state to file a “friend of the court” brief in support of Mississippi’s efforts. Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and Massachusetts have taken similar action in support of the lawsuit.

Nola.com
11/27