Friends,

I'm hearing from many South Mississippians who have begun to see flood insurance rate increases because of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW12). While the legislation was intended to put the flood insurance program on solid financial ground, these rate hikes were unintended and unforeseeable.

Over the last several months, I've been working hard to delay the rate increases and provide relief to homeowners. I co-authored an amendment that would delay rate increases for a year, which passed the House overwhelmingly. I also helped form the Home Protection Caucus in order to find a compassionate solution to the rate increases and keep flood insurance affordable.

In August, I invited FEMA Associate Administrator David Miller to our district so he could see firsthand what these rate increases will do to homeowners and communities in Mississippi.  I showed him how Mississippi homeowners followed the rules and built back in compliance with the flood maps at that time, but they are still being punished with rate increases.

It is wrong to move the goal posts on these residents who did everything they were told to do. That's why flood insurance reform is one of my top priorities, and I will continue to push for reforms that make flood insurance affordable and available to all those who need it.

In the meantime, I'd like to hear your story on how these flood rate increases are affecting you directly. Being able to share personal stories with my colleagues in Congress will go a long way in convincing them to fix this issue now. If you would like to share your story, please email MSfloodstories@mail.house.gov . 

As always, I encourage you to connect with me using my website, twitter, and facebook.  

In Your Service, 

Congressman Steven Palazzo