IDEA

Following the disastrous hurricanes of 2005 in the southern United States, it became clear that a more effective system had to be established for the delivery of emergency benefits to the victims of natural disasters, particularly those who are poor, do not have bank accounts, and are forced to leave their principal residence. For most disaster victims, recovery begins when – but not until – basic human needs (food, clothing and shelter) are met. Major disasters require a preestablished, reliable, flexible and resilient emergency benefits system to help caseworkers and volunteers get multiple benefits into the hands of those in need. Resolving large-scale, multi-jurisdictional issues requires a collaborative process convened by a neutral party.

APPROACH

The Park City Center has assembled a talented and experienced team of experts, led by former Governors Jim Geringer and John Engler, who have worked with nationally recognized EBD experts, and other state, federal, private, and non-profit organizations in a broad-based collaborative process to develop the initial plan.

The interoperable Emergency Benefits Delivery system envisioned will rely on the experience and infrastructure found in the state and national electronic benefit transfer system. This system provides a readily available infrastructure that has stood the test of time, represents a significant investment on a state and national level, and, most importantly, worked well following the Katrina disaster.

The governors of states have first and primary responsibility for response to major disasters. Therefore, it is fitting that they should play a leadership role in developing a better system for delivering emergency benefits. One step is to convene a working group to tackle the creation of the Emergency Benefits Delivery system and refine the Park City Center’s plan.

The Park City Center serves as a neutral, independent and bi-partisan convener organized to work with government agencies and private sector organizations to design and test practical policy solutions for issues facing states. We look forward to working with state leaders to serve citizens and respond to future disasters efficiently, effectively, and with improved accountability.

John Engler, Former Governor of Michigan and Member, Park City Center Governors Board

Jim Geringer, Former Governor of Wyoming, Member, Park City Center Governors Board and Board of Directors

James Souby, President and Chief Executive Officer, Park City Center for Public Policy