Bill Overview
Title: Achieving Equity in Disaster Response, Recovery, and Resilience Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes an Office of Civil Rights, Equity, and Community Inclusion within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The office shall be responsible for improving underserved community access to disaster assistance and improving the quality of assistance such communities receive; reviewing FEMA preparedness, response, and recovery programs and activities to ensure the elimination of disparities in the delivery of such programs and activities to underserved communities; and carrying out responsibilities of the previous Office of Equal Rights. The bill defines underserved community to mean an historically disadvantaged community, including the Native American, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and North African, and rural communities, as well as low-income and disability communities. The bill establishes within the office a Disability Coordinator to ensure that the needs of disabled individuals are being addressed in emergency preparedness and disaster relief. The office shall develop measures to evaluate the effectiveness of its activities aimed at reducing disparities in services provided to underserved communities. During the period of time for which there is a major disaster or emergency declared by the President with respect to COVID-19, the office shall regularly consult with state, local, territorial, and tribal government officials and community-based organizations from underserved communities that it identifies as disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Sponsors: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: Underserved communities affected by disasters
Estimated Size: 150000000
- The bill targets underserved communities specifically in the context of disaster response and resilience.
- Underserved communities as defined in the bill include historically disadvantaged groups like Native American, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and North African, rural, low-income, and disability communities.
- Globally, the number of individuals living in underserved communities is significantly large, as these communities exist in many countries faced with disaster challenges.
- Natural disasters affect millions of people worldwide annually, and underserved communities often lack the infrastructure and resources to recover effectively.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to specifically address the needs and improve support for communities that have historically faced disadvantages in disaster response situations.
- The budget is substantial, but the target population is estimated to be very large, so not everyone in these communities will necessarily see a high impact from the policy immediately. It is instead expected to lift the baseline of support for these communities over time.
- Some individuals in the population might not perceive an immediate personal impact, especially if they have not recently or directly dealt with FEMA-related disasters.
- The policy has mechanisms to engage directly with underserved communities to assess and improve service delivery, which should over time lead to a more equitable distribution of resources and services and improve reported wellbeing in those communities.
- Common individuals who might not see an immediate change might nevertheless benefit indirectly from an increased focus on disaster preparedness and resilience in their broader community.
Simulated Interviews
Elementary School Teacher (Houston, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy makes a real difference when the next storm hits. We're often the last to receive help.
- Having a dedicated office could mean faster responses and better-coordinated recovery efforts for communities like mine.
- I think more needs to be done beyond disaster response, but this is a good step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Navajo Nation, Arizona)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There have been past promises that didn't come through, I'm cautious but hopeful this one sticks.
- Disaster support isn't just about immediate aid, it's about respecting our way of life during recovery.
- I want to see if they'll actually consult with us, not just say they will.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Nurse (Miami, Florida)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The healthcare in emergency situations often lacks coordination, affecting how we serve patients.
- A policy that centers around equity could really focus resources where they're needed the most.
- I believe this will increase both community resilience and awareness about disaster readiness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Farmer (Rural West Virginia)
Age: 68 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Living in a rural area, we're often overlooked when it comes to disaster support.
- If this policy works, it could mean more timely repairs to infrastructure we depend on.
- I'm too old to keep rebuilding from scratch every time a flood washes away my work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
IT Consultant (San Francisco, California)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about policies that bring technology and data into disaster response planning.
- Disaster won't wait. A proactive approach through this policy could save lives.
- We need to ensure this isn't just lip service and it incorporates data-driven methods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Community Advocate (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The legacy of Katrina looms large. We need equity to be part of the conversation at all times.
- Proper representation in FEMA would be a game-changer for our neighborhoods.
- Our communities have learned to be skeptical, but if this policy is done right, I have hope.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Urban Planner (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A well-executed policy will affirm what we already know: preparedness saves resources and lives.
- Equity has to be the cornerstone of any disaster readiness plan, but delivery is key here.
- I support the creation of this office; I just want to see consistent follow-through.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Appalachian Ohio)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies miss us too often, despite how harsh the winters can be.
- This policy could rectify historic oversights in times of disaster.
- As we age, peace of mind knowing help is accessible is invaluable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Public Health Worker (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Inclusive disaster preparedness means understanding the realities of immigrant communities.
- I'm hopeful this policy represents a shift towards more nuanced aid distribution.
- We need both policy changes and local engagement for better outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Social Worker (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The inclusion of a Disability Coordinator is crucial, and overdue.
- This policy could make a big difference for people with disabilities, who often get neglected during disasters.
- Mental health is an overlooked element of disaster recovery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $45000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $47000000 (Low: $26000000, High: $68000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $28000000, High: $72000000)
Year 10: $55000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $75000000)
Year 100: $60000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $78000000)
Key Considerations
- The office needs adequate funding and resources to effectively address disparities in disaster response and recovery.
- Coordination with state, local, and tribal governments is crucial to reach underserved communities.
- Past performance of equity initiatives within federal agencies may provide insights into expected efficacy and cost.