Scalise arranges meeting with Feinberg, CPAs & Charities to discuss claims process

Discussion centers on solutions to expedite claims payment

Monday, November 8, 2010

Metairie, La. -- Congressman Steve Scalise today brought together dozens of local CPAs and non-profit organizations to meet with Ken Feinberg, head of the $20 billion BP oil spill compensation fund, to address questions about the claims process and discuss specific details of the BP compensation fund.

“I asked Mr. Feinberg to meet with the people who are assisting individuals and businesses with their BP claims so we could address some of the problems they are having,” Scalise said. “We discussed a number of solutions to these problems, and will continue working with his office to make sure people who have been affected by the BP oil spill are getting paid fairly and quickly.

“Since the $20 billion claims fund was created, we continue to receive complaints about the payment of claims, as well as a lack of transparency for claims that were denied. I am pleased we were able to bring these groups together today as we work to improve the claims formula, process, and requirements necessary to make sure people are paid fairly and quickly for their losses. The CPA’s and charitable organizations raised a number of valid issues and also provided some solutions that Mr. Feinberg was interested in, and we agreed to continue this dialogue so we can improve the claims process and help those people who were affected by the BP disaster.”

Many in attendance found the meeting helpful and worthwhile.

“I think that the most important part of the whole process is keeping the lines of communication open between Mr. Feinberg and those who are facilitating the claims process on behalf of those impacted by the spill, and I think this meeting certainly went a long way to help that process,” said Ralph Cox, a CPA and managing member of Bourgeois Bennett, LLC.

Scalise organized the meeting as a way for both sides to come to the table and discuss problems and possible solutions with the BP claims process. Scalise is specifically concerned about the speed and fairness with which legitimate claims are being paid out. The meeting took place in Kenner, La. this morning.

Scalise has met with Ken Feinberg on multiple occasions since he was named the head of the $20 billion oil compensation fund and continues to work to ensure that claims are paid fairly and quickly.

Some of the organizations represented at the meeting include: