Unemployment Compensation

Section 3(f) extends the authority of Section 12 of PL 91-79 to December 31, 1972, for the payment of unemployment compensation for persons made jobless as a result of a major disaster and who would not otherwise be covered by unemployment assistance. At the present time the Department of Labor relies upon existing State unemployment compensation machinery to implement these benefits. An additional two years of experience will make possible a full evaluation of this administrative device for aiding disaster victims.

Economic Development Assistance

Section 4 permits the Economic Development Administration to provide staff support, technical advice and financial assistance to communities affected by a major disaster. This assistance as the result of a major disaster declaration would be particularly valuable in a community's long-range planning effort after initial recovery efforts had been accomplished.

Revenue Maintenance

Section 5 authorizes Federal loans to local governments which suffered a substantial loss of property tax revenue as the result of a major disaster. It also provides for a separate loan fund in the Treasury and arrangements for funding clearly delineated. We have observed communities where such disaster assistance would enable local governments to help themselves and recover more quickly.

Disaster Prevention

Section 6 is similar in purpose to Section 13 of PL 91-79 but gives broader authority to handle disaster situations other than suppression of forest and grassland fires. Discreet use of this provision should result in a savings of Federal funds when a disaster threatens and could prevent local critical situations from reaching major disaster proportions. During flooding situations such as occurred in the upper Midwest during the spring of 1969, and in the preparedness measures for powerful hurricanes like Camille, Office of Emergency Preparedness could use this authority to good advantage. A Presidential declaration is not required; thus, a specific need can be met without triggering other Federal programs.

Advisory Assistance

Section 7 recognizes that some State or local governments during a major disaster lack familiarity with disaster assistance and recovery programs. OEP can arrange for advisory personnel in such instances.

Civil Rights

Section 8 re-emphasizes the Administration's long-standing policy on civil rights. OEP policies and procedures will continue to reflect that important emphasis.

Coordination of Federal Assistance

Section 9 extends the same directive authority as the President has exercised under Public Law 81-875 to the proposed legislation. Such provision was not included in Public Laws 89-769 and 91-79 and posed some administrative problems for OEP in implementing policies and procedures.

Advisory Groups

Section 10 authorizes the President to establish advisory groups to assist in carrying out the provisions of the law relating to Federal disaster preparedness and assistance and to provide funding for such groups. With 20 or more Federal agencies cooperating with numerous State and local agencies during major disasters, such as Camille, such advisory groups are necessary. We need them to evaluate our disaster experiences while relief measures are in progress. This section enables me to give these disaster assistance and preparedness activities the emphasis they deserve.

Sections 11, 12, and 13 confirm that pertinent provisions of Public Law 81-875 are applicable to Public Law 89-769, Public Law 91-79, and this proposed legisla

tion. These provisions are necessary for sound administration and are consistent with OEP's past policies and practices in administering the President's Disaster Relief Program.

Conclusion

From a long-range standpoint, we should strive to make disaster legislation and implementing policy and procedures compatible with the needs of the communities and individuals. Only the President can effectively direct and coordinate this involved and complex program. Generally, I believe new legislation should grant broad and flexible authority to the President and any changes should be limited to those points which have not worked well in the past. The position of OEP is that H.R. 17518 adequately meets this objective.

Thank you for the opportunity to present our views on this important bill. My staff and I will endeavor to answer any questions you may have.