New TEMA bill in TN could streamline reimbursement process for local governments

State Senator Rusty Crowe and Representative Rebecca Alexander have been working on legislation to streamline the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reimbursement process to make it easier for local governments to get the money quicker. TEMA’s process requires many of the same steps FEMA already does and that extends the time it takes to get the money where it needs to go by months. The bill eliminates duplication and lets TEMA distribute the money to municipalities in a more efficient and timely manner. The bill just passed the Senate and will now need to pass muster in the House before heading to the Governor for consideration.