Padilla, Lara Host Forum on Federal Resources Available to Californians Recovering from Natural Disasters
News: 2023 Press Release
Watch the webinar hosted by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla highlighting resources available to Californians recovering from recent winter storms.
CALIFORNIA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara hosted a virtual winter storm recovery forum to highlight state and federal resources available to Californians recovering from recent natural disasters. The conversation featured representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to share the assistance that is currently available through the federal agencies.
“Californians have battled relentless rainstorms, flooding, and landslides that damaged infrastructure and property in communities throughout the state, and most tragically, cost 22 people their lives,” said Senator Padilla. “That’s why it’s important for Californians to know that after this winter’s storms, assistance is available to help them recover. This week, I will introduce two bills to give the federal government more flexibility to pick up the tab for federal disaster aid. I will continue to fight for more support to help our communities combat future extreme weather and natural disasters.”
“Communities across our state are still picking up the pieces, reclaiming the sense of safety they lost in the storms – and the reality is that recovering from a natural disaster is a marathon, not a sprint,” said California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “My Department of Insurance fights for consumers, and we can help you make the most of your benefits so you can recover more quickly.”
Californians looking for more information on resources available to help during the recovery process can visit Senator Padilla’s Disaster Resources page for more information. Visit the California Department of Insurance winter storm recovery page for insurance help.
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Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
