Following devastating storms and floods in Arkansas from April 2-22, Governor Sanders again requested a major disaster declaration from President Trump on May 3. This request, encompassing widespread flood damage, power outages affecting 25,000 households, and three fatalities, follows a previous denied request for aid related to March storms. The cumulative impact of numerous recent disasters in Arkansas has severely strained state resources and caused widespread disaster fatigue, necessitating federal individual and public assistance, hazard mitigation funds, and small business loans. The governor’s request highlights the compounding challenges faced by Arkansans in recovering from repeated natural disasters.
Read More
Following a devastating tornado outbreak in Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders requested federal disaster aid, a standard procedure. President Trump denied the request, citing insufficient damage, reflecting his broader efforts to dismantle FEMA and limit federal aid. This decision, despite Arkansas being a strong Republican state and Sanders a Trump ally, highlights the president’s increasing use of federal funds as a political weapon. The denial underscores the potential for states, particularly those with limited resources, to face severe challenges in recovering from future disasters without federal assistance.
Read More
Following deadly tornadoes in Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee requested federal disaster aid, a request subsequently denied by the Trump administration despite the significant loss of life and widespread destruction. This denial prompted appeals from Governor Huckabee and Arkansas legislators, who emphasized the catastrophic damage and the vital need for federal assistance in rebuilding efforts. The decision comes amidst Trump’s ongoing efforts to reduce FEMA’s role and shift greater responsibility for disaster relief to state and local governments. Critics argue that this approach weakens national disaster preparedness and jeopardizes crucial federal funding for affected states.
Read More
Following Governor Newsom’s request, President Biden swiftly declared a major disaster in response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This declaration unlocks federal funding for state, tribal, and local governments to cover emergency response costs. Individual assistance programs offering temporary housing and financial aid are also available to impacted residents and businesses. Furthermore, substantial federal support, including significant air and ground firefighting resources from the U.S. Forest Service, has been deployed.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker