Texas Government Lobby News: Gov. Perry Files Formal Appeal
On July 9th of 2013, Governor Rick Perry filed a formal appeal against President Obama’s decision to deny more federal financial assistance to the city of West, Texas. Governor Perry is quoted as saying: “The scope of damage caused by April’s explosion has devastated this small community, and further inaction by the Obama Administration to deny additional federal aid is simply unacceptable.” The fertilizer plant explosion of April 17th 2013 damaged and destroyed countless homes and buildings. It left over 160 people hospitalized, and 15 killed. Governor Perry’s appeal letter asks for more federal funding for the people of West. This would include individualized assistance such as disaster legal assistance, unemployment, case management, counseling, and hazard mitigation support. FEMA contacted the State in May and denied assistance, although the fertilizer explosion did meet federal guidelines to qualify for assistance.
Original article here.