Next Time, a Better FEMA

In September Congress passed several reforms to the notorious agency known as FEMA, though it comes far too late for the victims of its pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina bungling. The amount of financial relief for households is still limited to $26,000, but in future disasters the agency will lift caps on how much can be used for repair of a damaged unit or for its replacement. People will also be able to use cash relief for security deposits and utility bills. (NLIHC)