Gov. Jeff Landry reduced funding for a popular roof fortification program, from $30 million in the current fiscal year to $5 million in his proposed state budget that could take effect July 1, Louisiana Illuminator reports.
The Louisiana Fortify Homes program began in earnest last fall, when the state insurance agency first started accepting grant applications. Lawmakers sought to help approximately 3,000 households strengthen their primary residences.
The program is expected to lower homeowners’ insurance costs by reducing the risk of natural disaster damage. Households were eligible to receive up to $10,000 each to help cover roof fortification costs.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance asked for an additional $15 million for roof fortification grants in the next budget cycle, but the governor provided only one-third of that request, according to a report from the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office.
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said last week that he wanted to continue giving out the grants with $15 million in the next budget cycle.
State lawmakers, who convene for their regular, three-month session Monday, could increase the allocation beyond the $5 million Landry has budgeted. The governor and legislators aren’t expected to finalize the next spending plan until early June.
