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Residents find higher insurance rates devastating to family budgets

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JERSEY SHORE – “Stop messing with my home and my town.”

That’s what Jersey Shore resident Jean Larson told U.S. Rep. Thomas A. Marino, R-Cogan Station, and the county commissioners at the town-hall meeting at the Robert Wheeland Community Center, 1201 Locust St., to discuss the effects the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 is having on their lives, causing skyrocketing flood insurance prices.

More than 100 people showed up to back up that sentiment. Other residents pointed out if anyone would break into their homes and steal $100,000, it’d be criminal – but that’s exactly what they said they think the government is doing by upping these flood insurance prices to help bail out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is more than $24 billion in debt.

“Who did the math,” questioned Beth Brown, certified housing counselor. Then she did the math: The average median income in Lycoming County is $54,800. Deducting living expense costs that she detailed leaves about $5,612 – not including transportation-related costs, and more.

“The average median-income resident (here) is already living in deficit, and many have lost jobs and some their homes, because of this economy,” Brown said. ” … My faith continues to be shaken that they didn’t foresee the effects of this act – and it’s just simple math.”

Brad Meixel, of Jersey Shore, said, “A home for the working man is what he strives for his whole life” – and despite on-time payments and a lifetime of hard work, that’s about to be taken away because of one foul move by FEMA and Congress.

Jason Clarke, of Jersey Shore, said when he tucks in his two little girls at night, he can’t give them any answers. He said he responsibly bought an affordable home at $40,000 and has paid on his mortgage faithfully, and in 10 years, it’ll be paid off – now, to seemingly no avail. He won’t be able to afford the flood insurance.

A disabled veteran said his disability paid his modest mortgage, but no more.

Those there showed great loyalty and love for their small town. “I love this town. This is my town. I don’t want to leave,” one resident said.

But another darkly predicted, “This town’s going to be a ghost town.”

There may be a saving grace, if the law is not repealed: Josh Eli, three-year Jersey Shore resident, said Lloyd’s of London private flood insurance company at privatemarketflood.com now is offering private flood insurance to Pennsylvanians at relatively the same price before the higher rates hit – only for residences at low risk, however. The Pennsylvania Finance Housing Agency is working on approving it, he said.

Eli also started an online petition at moveon.org to repeal the law, and before the meeting, had 331 signatures.

Marino noted a full study was not done with the legislation, and he wants that to be done -and the law repealed.

When he returns to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, he said he’s going to do everything he can to convince the House leaders to put the repeal bill on the floor for a vote – but he cannot do it alone, he said.

“Call your representatives, call your senators, call the White House,” Marino urged.

State Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Williamsport, also urged residents to talk to their neighbors to get them on board to make the calls, too, as the resulting taxes will affect all. He said there is a state House bill that if passed, would make up what FEMA funded.

The next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Old Lycoming Township Fire Hall, 1600 Dewey Ave.

From www.sungazette.com


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