Vermont Joint Fiscal Committee approves streamlined grant process for Hurricane Irene relief

The unprecedented level of devastation sustained by Vermont as a result of tropical storm Irene has captured the hearts of Americans.
Donations of food, emergency equipment and money have been received from all parts of the nation and will be distributed by way of grants.
Today the Vermont Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committee (JFC) voted to provide a one day approval process for these grants in order to hasten hurricane relief efforts.
‘Our actions today will ensure that donations of assistance and materials, which have come from across the street and across the nation, will get to those who need it now, not a month from now’, stated Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell. ‘Speaker Smith and I are committed to provide assistance to those Vermonters whose lives have been seriously affected by this storm.’
Normally, the Governor’s Administration submits grants to the JFC which then has up to 30 days to review the material before voting on the matter. The steps taken today shorten the review period to 24 hours for all grants of up to $100,000 directly related to hurricane relief.
"The last thing we want is for red tape to stand between flood victims and the aid they need’ stated Chair of the Joint Fiscal Committee Senator Ann Cummings. ‘We are committed to helping victims of the recent flood to return to their normal lives as quickly as possible.’