Texas needs an immediate disaster declaration from President Barack Obama allowing access to heavy equipment and other assistance to help battle wildfires burning across the state, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said.
The White House has not responded to the state's previous request, Dewhurst contends, and "we need help yesterday."
There was no immediate response from the White House.
A disaster declaration would give the state access to heavy equipment, personnel, supplies and other support that would help it respond after nearly 300 consecutive days of wildfires, Dewhurst said.
Obama has approved a limited disaster declaration for fires in April and May.
"But this problem has been ongoing since January," Dewhurst said. "And if anything it's gotten worse."
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Sorry Angel but my information came from an actual newspaper(April 18th) not a political organization's site and the article clearly stated that Perry asked Obama to declare 240 plus counties in Texas a natural disaster. I don't know anything about the stimulus so maybe they did receive some money that they opted not to take a couple of years ago.
He asked also that they declare the whole state a disaster ares. They did refuse rto declare the whole state.
For a state that rattles the secessionist sabre, let 'em burn.
For the Tea Party types that say "shut 'er down" this is payback
Let em burn? Seriosly??? Do you want to tell that to the people who lived in the 1400 homes that burned in one city alone. Wow!
Dave The dems do not have majority in congress OR YOU TALKING ABOUT THE SENATE?
So, I guess it is ok to have some government in your life after all. I agree with Matt: aren't there any "free market" companies with tankers? Oh, that's right, you'd have to PAY them wouldn't you? Lot easier to go with the TAX FUNDED options, eh? Hard core right wingers are the worst kind of hypocrites: less or no government until they need it; then government can't move fast enough. Tell Perry to PRAY ON IT. That worked so well the last time. Judging from the fire, heat, destruction and lack of rain, its clear who he prayed to.
He cut the forest service by 1/3 this past year.
As Dewhurst stated, the fires have raged since January, but Perry didn't impose a no burn ban til March & didn't ask for help til April, when we promptly got an allocation! This time Perry didn't return to Texas til half of Bastrop Co. was destroyed, so to blame Obama, his administration or the federal government is very disingenious! Perry is in charge of my state, but he's busy now, with his presidential bid! As far as the stimulus, he refused it for months, made his infamous secession speech, but in the end had to accept the $$, due in large to insistence of other lawmakers & the sorry state of Tx. economy ! That's it in a pecan shell! I live in Austin & keep up with what politicians do do my state & its citizens! Perry's not doing much!!
I previously lived in Texas while Perry was governor. I keep telling people that Perry is extremely overrated. I do not understand the national media sensation over this guy.
Star chron.com says the same thing I have been saying. he wanted the whole state and fema did all but 2.
Hi Fernace. Thank you.
That should be "to" my state! Perhaps a Freudian slip!??
Bend over.
How come Governor Rick Perry did not publicly announce the need for disaster assistance?
Hey Angel & thanks back! You're setting records straight, but Obama haters & teabag lovers refuse to hear it! Many are enamored with Perry & think he's presidential material! Sure he is, on planet Gorgon!
Here's another of his recent moves! He cut funding for emergency services, specifically fire dep.s, in particular volunteer departments of small towns! This in the middle of the worst wildfire season in Texas History! All hat & no cattle!!
Hey fernace, You live there and Dave apparently does not, although he was holding a paper from there. You would know the ins and outs of TX. you live there. Maybe he would believe a Texan resident.
Hey Perry! RICK PERRY! How's that (very public) prayer thing workin out for ya potna?
@ Pchontas, you need to read my 5:07 post! In it you will find a timeline for the non-help the governor has given his state! Then read my 5:23 post to find out what he did while the state was burning uncontrollably! I don't know if you're a Texan, but youre obviously a Perry appologist! The feds aren't gonna give you help unless you ask for it, & with a natural disaster season like this years, the sooner you ask the quicker the response! Perry is not a quick responder & would rather do without the federal gov't!!
@Jim; Democrats hold control of the Senate, Republicans hold control of the House of Representatives, neither party holds control of Congress thought I made that plain enough for a child to understand I guess I didn't. Well you know now. Learn a little about how our Government works-please.
Obama signed a disaster declaration for Texas on June 1st. Is it stupid to ask why he has to sign another one?
Source: http://weareaustin.com/fulltext?nxd_id=158196