State Senator James Skoufis is behind a piece of critical new legislation that may help New Yorkers get help following flood recovery. 

New Law Aims to Expedite Disaster Insurance Claims in New York

According to the New York State Hazard Mitigation Plan, flooding is the primary natural hazard in NYS and can impact any corner of the state including inland communities and waterfront communities that are home to 90% of NYS residents. NYS experiences flooding at a rate of 83 flooding episodes per year resulting in $135.7 million in annualized losses. 

State Senator James Skoufis is behind a piece of critical new legislation that may help New Yorkers get help following flood recovery. Governor Hochul recently signed Senate Bill S8004 which calls for the prompt investigation of claims arising from states of emergencies and disasters. The new law requires insurance companies to respond to disaster or emergency claims within 15 business days of closing an investigation and pay within three business days of a claim settlement.

 

Skoufis first sponsored the bill in 2013 after Superstorm Sandy. “This is going to be an ongoing, very important issue. And honestly, it's unfortunately increasingly important as we have more and more of these storms seemingly each year,” Skoufis said. The law goes into effect immediately as New Yorkers brace for the potential of major storms in the future.

About New York State Senator James Skoufis

Skoufis moved to the Town of Woodbury from Queens in 1995. He is a graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School, and earned a Bachelor's Degree from The George Washington University and Master's Degree from Columbia University. Skoufis currently lives in Cornwall and has a loving daughter Ava, who was born in 2021.

During his six years in the State Assembly, James fought for the Hudson Valley's working- and middle-classes. He's been a champion of better schools, stronger infrastructure, leveling the playing field, and fighting corruption. James was first elected to the State Senate in 2018, and soon took over chairmanship of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee, where he continues to deliver results for his Hudson Valley constituents while serving with integrity.

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