A state senator has a bill that would provide an alternative to the fortified roof grant program.
Sen. Kirk Talbot (R-River Ridge) says grant program is popular – perhaps a bit too popular.
“There’s just never enough money to put into that program,” says Sen. Talbot. “As soon as the program opens, it sells out quicker than a Taylor Swift concert.”
Talbot’s proposal is geared towards people who want to take advantage of the grants but have the financial means to install the fortified roof.
“For people that can front the money, go ahead and put the roof on, then we’ll give you a non-refundable state tax credit for $10,000,” says Talbot. “This would be like a credit towards your tax liability with the state for $10,000. And we’ll let you roll that over for three years, since some people may not have $10,000 in liability.”
To be clear – Talbot’s bill would not replace the fortified roof grant program; it would be in addition to it.
“The people that have the means don’t have to wait around for the lottery,” Talbot says, “and they can just go ahead and get the fortified roof on before hurricane season.”
Talbot says his bill is another way to make it easier for people to put a fortified roof on their homes to give them peace of mind living in the state during severe storms.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend a state’s money on a state tax credit then giving it to people’s homes, and that will enable us to stay here and live here,” says Talbot.
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