Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) confirmed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that the state of Kansas will still have the ability to access disaster assistance and other federal aid during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of whether or not the State Finance Council extends the Kansas State of Emergency Declaration. 

"For months, we've seen Kansans' lives devastated by the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19," said Rep. Estes. "As Kansas begins to reopen and we start our economy again, it's critical that we continue to have access to FEMA's disaster assistance. FEMA has provided strong support for our state, including PPE shipments and reimbursements. I have confirmed with FEMA that this assistance will not end even if the Kansas State of Emergency Declaration expires because it is independent of the Presidential Disaster Declaration." 

This confirmation from FEMA and Rep. Estes comes on the heels of the State Finance Council's anticipated meeting Wednesday, May 13, where an extension of the Kansas State of Emergency Declaration will be discussed. 

FEMA reimbursement is not tied to an individual state's emergency status. Allowing Governor Kelly's executive order declaring a state of emergency to expire would not affect the state's eligibility to receive FEMA reimbursement. Reimbursement under Category B of FEMA's Public Assistance program for eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency, and not funded by another federal agency, is tied to the direction or guidance of public health officials. This public health guidance can be from local, state, or federal health officials, i.e., Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar's Public Health Emergency declared on January 31, 2020. 

Additionally, on May 8, 2020, the White House released a memorandum to extend the 100% federal cost share for governors' use of the National Guard to respond to COVID-19 and to facilitate economic recovery for orders of any length authorizing duty through June 24, 2020. Such orders include duty necessary to comply with health protection protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other health protection measures agreed to by FEMA and the Department of Defense. 

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.