Gov. Branstad Designates Jan. 22-28 Hazardous Materials Awareness Week
Jan 20, 2012 - Governor Terry Branstad has designated the week of Jan. 22-28, 2012, as Hazardous Materials Awareness Week in Iowa.
The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and the Iowa Emergency Response Commission (IERC) for the first time will recognize the fourth week in January as Hazardous Materials Awareness Week. The goal is to provide Iowans a better understanding about hazardous materials, their proper use, storage, and disposal, and the emergency response actions that can help minimize unnecessary accidents and exposure.
“Iowans work and live around hazardous materials every day,” said HSEMD Administrator Mark Schouten. “It only makes sense that we better prepare ourselves for possible accidents involving these materials, and learn how to prevent such accidents altogether.” MORE...
Disaster Aid Recipients Do Not Pay Additional Taxes
Jan. 4, 2012 - This tax season, there is some good news for those impacted by disaster in 2011: recipients of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance grants do not pay additional taxes, lose their Social Security or disability benefits, or face a reduction in benefits from any other income-based program.
FEMA grants do not add to taxable income, as long as a grant is given as assistance to recover from a disaster. (FEMA disaster aid is not considered additional income by the Internal Revenue Service.)
Receiving a FEMA grant will not affect Social Security or disability benefits. In addition, disaster grants will not cause a recipient to become ineligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps, or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
Page last updated: Jan. 20, 2012
