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FIX THE HERMIT’S PEAK CLAIMS PROCESS NOW!
Senators Heinrich, Luján, and Representative Leger-Fernández:
Victims of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire are still waiting for fair compensation over two years after the disaster. You are fighting to put more money into the trust fund, but more money won’t fix the real problem: FEMA’s broken claims process.
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TODAY
Demand real fixes to FEMA’s broken system and hold them accountable to make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to without further delays or confusion.
Senator
Martin Heinrich:
(505)-988-6647
Senator
BEN RAY LUJAN:
(505)-230-7040
REPRESENTATIVE
TERESA LEGER-FERNANDEZ:
(505)-428-4680
CONSTITUENT MESSAGE:
Dear Senator Heinrich, Senator Luján, and Representative Leger-Fernández,
As a concerned constituent, I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to fix the broken FEMA claims process for victims of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. Over two years after the disaster, fire victims are still waiting for the compensation they deserve. While I appreciate your efforts to secure more money for the trust fund, more money will not solve the real problem: FEMA’s mishandling of claims.
Here are the urgent issues that need your leadership:
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Non-Economic Damages Must Be Paid. FEMA is refusing to compensate victims for certain pain and suffering, despite the fact that New Mexico law allows for it. Although Judge Browning is expected to rule in favor of these claims, FEMA may appeal or delay payments. I need you to push FEMA to resolve this and stop dragging their feet.
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Qualified Experts Are a Must. FEMA has ignored repeated calls to bring in qualified experts who understand fire-related claims. Instead, they’ve relied on untrained personnel who have caused delays and confusion in the process. You must demand FEMA bring in experienced professionals who can manage these claims efficiently and fairly.
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Slow Payments, Wrong Priorities. As of now, FEMA has paid out only 34% of the total compensation fund. Meanwhile, they’ve overpaid for minor damages like soot and ash, while offering far too little to victims who are suffering from flooding and erosion—which are among the most serious issues facing survivors. Some offers cover less than 20% of repair costs. You must demand that FEMA prioritize real damages and fix their broken payout system.
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Total Loss Victims Are Being Left Behind. Many victims who lost their homes completely are still stuck in FEMA’s red tape. Their needs are urgent, and FEMA’s failure to address them is unacceptable. You must ensure FEMA prioritizes these victims and gives them the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
We need your leadership to fix FEMA’s claims process. Please do more than just add money to the fund – demand that FEMA address these serious issues and hold them accountable for their failures. Fire victims can no longer wait for fair treatment and timely compensation.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your prompt action.
Sincerely,