Disaster relief advocate calls for 'urgency' in Congress over tax relief legislation

Disaster Relief Efforts: A Personal Plea for Urgency

Joining me now is Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting communities affected by wildfires. Thompson has been leading delegations to meet with senators, urging them to pass critical legislation before the end of the year. She shares her concerns about the political process and the impact on disaster relief efforts.

Sense of Urgency

Thompson reports that senators from both sides of the aisle have expressed support for the legislation, but the process is convoluted and slow. "We’ve been on this journey for three years, and our bill expires at the end of this session," she said. "We need to see action, not just words."

Tax Bills and Priorities

Thompson is concerned that if the legislation doesn’t pass by the end of the year, it will be lost in the shuffle of new priorities and tax bills. "We’ve been paying taxes for three years, and we can’t deduct our attorney’s fees," she explained. "We feel like we deserve better, and we know we’ve done the work."

Disaster Relief and Resilience

Thompson emphasizes the importance of rebuilding in a way that’s more resilient, citing the devastation caused by hurricanes and wildfires. "We can’t just rebuild back the way we were before," she said. "We need to do better, and we need to do it now."

Impact of Social Media

Thompson notes that social media can have a significant impact on the political process, often distorting the reality of disaster relief efforts. "Most legislators have disaster victims in their homes, but when they get in front of social media, it changes the landscape," she said.

Retaliation and Politics

Thompson is concerned about the potential for retaliation from the White House, citing the example of President Trump’s initial refusal to approve aid for California after the 2018 wildfires. "We cannot have politics enter into disaster," she emphasized. "It’s unacceptable, inhumane, and un-American."

Personal Perspective

Thompson shares her personal experience as a disaster survivor, highlighting the ongoing trauma and recovery process. "These monster disasters get attention in the immediate aftermath, but the reality is that the trauma and experience still linger years later," she said.

Conclusion

Thompson’s plea for urgency and action is a powerful reminder of the importance of disaster relief efforts. As the nation continues to face devastating disasters, it’s essential to prioritize the needs of those affected and ensure that politics do not get in the way of relief and recovery.