JSA2026 Commonwealth Budget: Volume XVII

Emergency Management and Disaster Response Reform

Jason S. Arnold for Governor of New York
Published: May 12, 2025
Contact: jaysarnold@icloud.com | (516) 586-0660 | https://jsa2026.com/

Introduction

Volume XVII addresses the critical flaws in New York’s disaster response infrastructure. COVID exposed our weaknesses; hurricane seasons and climate instability will continue testing them. It’s not just about FEMA trailers and press conferences. It’s about building a state-level system that can respond rapidly, locally, and transparently.

Key Reform Areas

• Total Estimated FY2026 Spending: $3.6 Billion
• Focus: OEM overhaul, supply chain resilience, rural response, flood mapping, emergency alerts, and mobile unit coordination

1. State Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

Spending: $1.2 Billion

• Issue: Bureaucratic delays, no county-level surge capacity, outdated command protocols
• Recommendation: Decentralize OEM into 10 regional rapid-response units with mobile bases and local hiring authority

2. Rural & Small-Town Emergency Infrastructure

Spending: $740 Million

• Issue: Most rural counties have no disaster shelters or communication command posts
• Recommendation: Build multi-use shelter and comms sites in 42 counties lacking fixed response infrastructure

3. Emergency Stockpile, Logistics & Fuel Resilience

Spending: $880 Million

• Issue: Supply chain collapse risk during power outages or transit failures
• Recommendation: Develop 8 regional depots for food, water, meds, fuel, and solar generators. Create fuel-sharing MOUs with gas companies

4. Flood Mapping, Alerts & Recovery Readiness

Spending: $780 Million

• Issue: Dozens of at-risk areas still use pre-2010 flood maps and lack recovery protocols
• Recommendation: Update all NY flood zones with satellite data. Deploy automated multilingual alerts via text, radio, and air siren systems

Closing Statement

Preparedness isn’t about predictions. It’s about readiness. Volume XVII ensures every New Yorker—rural, urban, or suburban—has a safety net that works when it matters most.

We don’t need more political pressers during floods. We need boots on the ground before the storm hits.

Jason S. Arnold
Candidate for Governor, New York
https://jsa2026.com/
(516) 586-0660 | jaysarnold@icloud.com
#JSA2026 #CommonwealthBudget #FixNewYork