Ohio denied Federal Assistance for storm damage
This in from the office of Governor Ted Strickland:
Governor Statement on Denial of Federal Assistance for Storm-damaged Northwest Ohio
Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today released the following statement on the denial of assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the areas of Northwest Ohio affected by a damaging tornado that occurred on June 5 and 6.
“I am disappointed that Ohio did not receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. While we knew when we applied that there was no guarantee the region would meet the technical requirements to qualify for this aid, we wanted to pursue every option to help these communities recover as quickly as possible.
“We are currently pursuing other federal programs that may be able to offer assistance to Ohio, such as the SBA loan program. The state also committed resources to provide relief as the region rebuilds. We will continue to do everything in our power to help those Ohioans whose lives were impacted by this tornado.”
Earlier this month the state released more than $670,000 in funds to provide relief to the storm-damaged areas.
kc:
June 24th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
So our federal government bails out billionaire banks and car companies that mismanage their billions, and spends massive money on an oil spill, but can’t bail out people affected by a natural disaster? Weird.
Jeff S:
June 25th, 2010 at 5:34 am
It seems like government is so busy in everything that it doesn’t need to be involved with that it can’t properly function in things that really need its involvement.
I hope those affected can manage and stick a finger in the eye of the government.
SensorG:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:50 am
What exactly is the money needed for? Don’t the bulk of home owners have private insurance?
DeeDee Liedel:
June 25th, 2010 at 8:39 am
SensorG – it is my understanding that the federal assistance would help the local governments pay for their costs related to the disaster – payment of overtime to fire, police and road crews for example. I believe Toledo sent crews to Lake Township to help with clean up – who should pay for that? Toledo tax payers or Lake township taxpayers? And something like that would/could break the budget of Lake Township, or at the very least substantially drain their reserves.
While governments can budget a reasonable amount of overtime for storms and whatnot, you can’t predict and budget for something like this in my opinion, especially since just because they had this one devastating storm, doesn’t mean they won’t get other extreme weather for the rest of the year.
Jeff:
June 25th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Check your homeowner’s insurance. I bet it doesn’t cover tear/down and disposal. Probably not a new foundation and many won’t have replacement current cost. Policies can often only cover what’s owed to a lender and may not include contents.
Lot’s of ways for an insurance company to screw its customers.
We have a very distant connection to someone who lost their home in this storm. If it wasn’t for the volunteers that have assisted, this elderly woman would be completely devastated. We heard there were 20+ volunteers every day helping, including donating crane and a dumpster so the debris could be removed – because insurance doesn’t pay.
Those volunteers should feel very good about themselves. It has made a terrible situation more tolerable. I commend them.
Pam:
June 25th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Let’s talk about how much in aid this administration has sent to Haiti. You even had Michelle Obama doing a public service announcement for Haitian relief funds. Contributions sent were even tax deductible for 2009 returns.
Let’s see Nashville was flooded, no word from the Obama Administration, the Gulf is in chaos and now word that none of our own confiscated tax dollars will be returned to their rightful owners to help with this relief and clean up after the devasting tornado that went through Lake Township, Fulton County and Dundee. There should be major outrage from all citizens. Why are we sending our hard-earned confiscated tax dollars to other countries? I would say since this is Bob Latta’s District, the Obama Administration is playing politics here. Gov. Strickland, you need to do more than this letter. It doesn’t help to know that you are just “dissapointed.” You work for the citizens of Ohio. Do your job and take care of the state. How do you justify our tax dollars going to aid other countries but our own citizens are on their own.
This is a great example of what you can expect from government-run healthcare.
Remember November 2010
jackie:
June 25th, 2010 at 11:14 am
My step-son is a long time member of OH-1 DMAT team in NW Ohio. I do not know the rules but he said at the time he doubted FEMA would/could denote these areas for disaster relief. It has to do with percentage of county affected plus other rules and regs.
I do agree that we should appeal this case and see if someone will bend the rules. There are many costs of reconstruction that are not covered by the very best household insurance policies.
MissDeeJay:
June 25th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Pam#6
I get it, you don’t like PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, what he thinks,what he does or what he stands for.! That Is Your Right.
If the counties that were devasted by this tornadoe don’t meet the criteria for how these judgements are decided,what was Mr. Andrew Velasquez III, Reg. Admin., Fema Reg.5, Chicago,Ill. supposed to do. He is the guy who made the decision.
Maybe Mr. Latta should send those pictures that he was talking about along with the Appeal.He said that pictures would probably help FEMA to decide. I am sure that if FEMA needed pictures they were and are available.Mr. Latta is trying to get elected. right.
I’ll be watching for that major outrage that you mentioned. I won’t hold my breath.
I wonder if Mr. Latta already had info on this denial when he held a recent Town meeting. You know the one where one of our fellow Ohioans felt that ” they should all be shot in the head”!![was he referring to the President and all politicians?] Mr. Latta also publicly has questioned where President Obama was born? He’s playing politics with you and all people that are disatisfied with the current admin.
I think that if the FLOTUS felt that the need in these three counties was so great that she should do a public service announcement,She would.
In so far as aid that OUR country sent to Haiti, Our country has always been in the forefront in sending aid where ever it is needed,In the World, I am 66 years old and this has been Our practice as a nation for as long as I can remember.
Although it is heartbreaking to see any Fellow Human being devasted by extremes of the weather, it’s apart of life and WE have to help each other. I commend all of the volunteer’s who gave of themselves to help our fellow Ohioans, they didn’t wait too see what the government was going to do. I think that says a lot about America and Ohio.
I don’t think that your description is an example of what we can expect from goverment-run healthcare is correct. I think that we have to wait and see what the changes in health care really are and how they will affect us Personally. I am sure that there will be problems and somethings that I won’t like either, but we have to wait and see. I am sure that we can work it out as a nation. Change is hard but we are still here,in spite of Ourselves!!!
Like you said remember November 2010.
Pam:
June 25th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Miss Dee Jay,
Stop right there with the not liking the President crap. This has to do with helping American citizens affected by a tragedy. Don’t even try playing that game with me.
Why don’t you tell me why American citizens are denyed the very tax dollars that are confiscated from them? Why should our tax dollars go to foreign countries and not our own citizens.
It’s the Governor that needs to appeal this. Mr. Latta is strongly urging him to do so. Why don’t you help out your fellow citizens and neighbors and put a call into the Governor’s office telling him he needs to do all he can to help out those areas. From what you posted you don’t have much sympathy for all those whose lives were devasted. Six people lost their lives. One little girl lost her entire family.
Maybe you need to open your ears and listen to the outrage, it’s happening. I’m sure your eyes will be opened come November, 2010.
truthseeker:
June 25th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Pam, you read my mind (#6). The first 2 things I thought were “Haiti” and Michelle Obama’s commercial for Americans to send their personal discretionary dollars over on top of their (as you say) confiscated tax dollars. Mrs. Obama’s commercial, as of last night, is STILL running on tv.
Out here in the real world, the anger that our tax dollars are sent hand over fist to every country that has a disaster (other than our own) is growing. I hear this complaint from just as many dems as repubs. Citizens are SICK of this.
But – there is an even more interesting thing going on here, and it is Obama hiding behind the skirts of “FEMA” in this case. He doesn’t accept responsibility/blame for not declaring our area a disaster area – FEMA – for the first time in my memory gets blamed. Huh???? When EVER (prior to Ohio’s tornado-wrecked area) have you heard that FEMA declares a disaster? It is always the PRESIDENT who declares a disaster (or declines to do so). I can’t believe my eyes and ears – and the script saying FEMA denies disaster relief to our area is being read by every national news person, Gov. Strickland, you name it. They are ALL saying FEMA is denying the relief. Talk about orchestrated hogwash, this takes the cake. FEMA is an agency that administers relief where they are instructed to. The PRESIDENT issues such instructions.
And everybody poised to run to google to split hairs on this: type in “President declares disaster” and you will get items such as this one:
http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=47796
This is the first time I have ever heard the tv newscasters tell me that FEMA – not the President – declares or declines to declare disaster areas.
Pam:
June 25th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Miss DeeJay says:
“Mr. Latta also publicly has questioned where President Obama was born?”
You need to site Mr. Latta ever doing this. At this town hall you speak of, it was reported Mr. Latta ignored that question. You should edit that statement. It’s called defamation.
Do you also condemn all the hateful things said against President Bush and death threats made to him? Do you chastise the death threats Ohio Congressman Jean Schmidt received after her no vote on healthcare? Or are you only outraged at threats to democrats?
http://www.thenews-messenger.com/article/20100622/NEWS01/6220303/Locals-tell-Latta-what-s-on-their-minds
Pam:
June 25th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Great post Truth!!!!!!
LisaRenee:
June 25th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
I hope we manage to stay on topic and not rehash topics that are not related to this post. That written, Strickland is appealing the FEMA denial. I’d also point out that sometimes appeals do work. One recent example – Connecticut. Arizona was also recently denied Federal disaster relief money – (link).
Assistance to other nations does not go through the FEMA process.
No matter what pictures Latta or anyone comes up with, there is a certain dollar amount of damage that has to be met. Unless in the appeal they identify more damage as was the case with Connecticut, the appeal probably will be denied.
jackie:
June 25th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
One of the reasons I am proud to be an American is we quickly respond to disasters all over the world. And the people of America respond as well. If we are angry about our aid to those in a midst of crisis only a small percentage of people complain, most do not.
Most Americans give what they can to these disasters. Isn’t that what charity is about – helping those in need? And isn’t that we in NW Ohio did to those unfortunate people who were in the path of the tornado.
Pam:
June 25th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Yes we Americans are a very giving people. That is our nature. But, I am asking why this administration will give aid to foreign countries over citizens of the United States of America that pay the taxes. I disagree that only a small percentage complain. A lot of people complain about the money we give to other countries that could be used to help our own citizens.
You only have to look at Nashville, the Gulf and our region, the federal government has totally ignored the needs of these Americans.
LisaRenee:
June 25th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
The answers appear to be rather simple ones, the process is clear – link to FEMA.
Our area did not meet the qualifications set for the money that every area has to meet:
Federal law provides that a finding must be made that an incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond state and local capabilities and that Federal assistance is necessary. In addition, Federal law restricts the use of arithmetical formulas or sliding scales based on income or population as the sole basis for determining the need for federal disaster supplemental aid.
A number of factors are evaluated in reviewing a Governor’s request. The primary factors considered include:
Amount and type of damage (number of homes destroyed or with major damage);
Impact on the infrastructure of affected areas or critical facilities;
Imminent threats to public health and safety;
Impacts to essential government services and functions;
Unique capability of Federal government;
Dispersion or concentration of damage;
Level of insurance coverage in place for homeowners and public facilities;
Assistance available from other sources (Federal, State, local, voluntary organizations);
State and local resource commitments from previous, undeclared events; and
Frequency of disaster events over recent time period.
For Public Assistance only — Per-capita impact for FY2008 – $1.24 for States; $3.11 for Counties
SensorG:
June 25th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
While I feel for the tornado victims, it’s nothing like the devastation in Hatti in which 250,000 people died, 300,0000 were injured and over 1,000,000 were left homeless.
jackie:
June 25th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
You know there are people who stand on a soap box and proclaim I want the government out of my business. And those same people when in a world of hurt complain where is my government aid.
If you could just strike a balance between the two and see both sides of problems……..
truthseeker:
June 25th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Pam – first of all, I think you are one of the most balanced posters on this blog. That said, I know that at least you noticed that my link was, of course from the FEMA website. And it makes clear that the President is the one who declares disaster areas – at least up to this point. Now I’m assuming, from the way they are playing this, that Obama will never again be able to say, “I am declaring _________________ a disaster area.” I think he painted himself into a corner with this game playing with Ohio tornado storm victims.
Here’s a Blade link where Strickland asks the PRESIDENT, not FEMA for assistance, because THAT – by FEMA’s own tacit admission – is the chain of command. I also am an over-60 boomer, and any President in the office at the time is the one who declares disaster areas – and it has always previously been that way. Obama is now passing the buck, but if you read the early June Blade article here:
http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100608/NEWS16/6080421/0/NEWS02
the Governor had not yet gotten the “memo”, and they were not yet all singing from the “FEMA denied aid” song sheet yet. The thing is, before I saw that Strickland had begun to blame FEMA and using the word “disappointed” – before that my sympathies were with him for a short period. I thought maybe Obama was giving him a hard time for some unknown reason. If, however, he is going to keep pretending that FEMA, not a sitting President, declares disaster areas, and play along with Obama shifting responsibility… well I have no sympathy for game players.
I’m an insomniac, and was up into the wee hours last night watching various newscasts. Added to the regular-hours local newscasts, it was FEMA FEMA FEMA FEMA FEMA… I have NEVER heard the likes of it. Presidents declare disasters. FEMA does not declare disasters.
Pam, and this comment is strictly for you – you can’t argue this type of thing in die hard democrat land… it’s a waste of time. Especially on a message board that is not reflective of what the wider U.S. public thinks. But pointing out what is going on is crucial, and you do a good job of it. Many more people read posting boards than ever post. That’s the audience I aim for. And as you and I know, regarding charity, Christian missions are the ones actually getting help to the people in need in Haiti. The Red Cross is holding lots of cash back, while Haitians sit in the mud and rubble. That’s why I prefer Christian missions in disasters. And I prefer it to giving so much of our tax dollars as well, for the same reason. Most bureaucrats use crises to grab tax money, which they then generally waste. Otherwise, why are Haitians still unhoused and unfed?
MissDeeJay:
June 25th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
LissaRenee#16
Thank you for the info on Disasters. I felt that that was the reason it was denied but maybe they will reconsider on appeal. I hope so. I am sure that those affected will be helped by it.
Pam,
If Mr. Latta never said or questioned President Obama’s birth place. I stand corrected. In the world that I live in if you stay silent when you know that someone has said something that you may or may not agree with, then you agree. Thats the way politicians play us. The statement sticks to Mr. Latta regardless. Thats why he should have turned around from the blackboard and denounced the gentleman’s statement, who said [they should be shot in the head] I don’t know who the gentleman was speaking of but that is against the law isn’t it?
For the record, this is ALL in my humble opinion.
Foreign Aid has always been a pet peeve of mine and I agree with you on that issue.
Jeff S:
June 26th, 2010 at 8:25 am
>> While I feel for the tornado victims, it’s nothing like the devastation in Hatti in which 250,000 people died, 300,0000 were injured and over 1,000,000 were left homeless.
I understand this and I also understand the point about having government involvement both ways.
But it is concerning when tax-paying citizens need help, no matter how wide-spread or not the destruction was, and they don’t get the help when others do.
I appreciate the “guidelines” that Lisa pointed out. But telling that to those homeless and suffering – a tough pill to swallow.
Now I am going to turn my attention to a real serious issue – the issue of whether the government should allow their free welfare cash cards to be redeemed in a casino while real taxpayers continue to clean up what’s left of their property…
Pam:
June 26th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Thanks Truth. You are totally correct about the President is the one that declares an area a disaster. You are doing a great job exposing this. We both know liberals don’t let a little things like facts get in the way of their agenda. Keep driving home the facts and the truth, Truth!!!!
Miss DeeJay,
I was at a recent Tea Party Rally in Bowling Green State University. A group of student anarchists were hold a huge bed sheet and written on it was “Feed the poor with the corpse of every politician.” Many of us asked the police to have this sign removed. These students were trying to blend in with those of us there in support of the rally. The police made them move back but could do nothing about removing the sign. Now these were students at BGSU, is the university responsible for their vile and violent message. Should we call on the University for their allowing students to display this disgusting sign? If you are being consistent then you must hold the university responsible. We are all responsible for our own actions. Like I said before, a supporter of March Kaptur waved a pipe wrench at members of the Children of Liberty. I didn’t hear Marcy condemn this in any way. This woman had an actual weapon and was ready to use it. Lucky thing that the police were there and moved right on this woman who then started to argue with them. They made her get rid of the wrench. What was this woman doing bringing a weapon? If you are consistent, you need to condemn Marcy Kaptur for allowing her supporters to threaten people with weapons.
LisaRenee:
June 26th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
The president is not the one who decides, the policy is set, it’s been shared and that is the plain facts. You can ignore truth if you want to, but it doesn’t change the facts. Who announces the approval is one thing and it’s separate from the set procedures in place.
LisaRenee:
June 27th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I’d also point out that Kaptur was not present at the event where it was claimed a supporter waived a pipe wrench, nor was there any video, audio or a police report filed that I’m aware of. Nor did any credible media source report or or ask Kaptur for a comment as was the case with the Latta situation. I’m fairly certain Kaptur would have made a comment stating she did not support threats.
Brian Maxson:
June 27th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Lisa, there’s no point in dealing with these zealots. Just because a tornado ripped through the entitlement just HAS to be there.
From a story about 20 people that were killed in a tornado onslaught in Orlando Florida:
“The official explanation for the aid denial was “because assessed damage to uninsured property in Volusia [County] wasn’t high enough for the federal government to step in.” Republican Congressman John Mica added, “We’re not hanging our hopes on the appeals; some of those homes were old and don’t qualify for assistance to repair them.” To this reporter’s knowledge, no one followed up by asking if there would be federal assistance in the event of uninsured country clubs being wiped out.”
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2007/feb2007/flor-f10.shtml
Please note it was a REPUBLICAN that made that comment.
Brian Maxson:
June 27th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Somehow this was ommitted from the above posting, which belongs above the quoted paragraph:
“Three tornadoes lashed through central Florida in the early morning hours on February 2 (2007), killing 20 people. Separate twisters touched down between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. local time, the first in the rural community of Lady Lake, killing six people, and a few minutes later a second one swept through the small town of Paisley, claiming another 13 lives. Most of the victims were asleep and unaware of any impending danger. It is estimated that over 1,500 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged and that the cost of the storms will exceed $100 million.”
Then the story continues…
“A clear indicator that no check will be forthcoming for many residents was given one week before the killer tornadoes, when FEMA denied a request for aid for victims of a tornado strike over a month earlier. On Christmas in Volusia County, 59 mobile homes in three different parks were demolished and another 133 mobile homes, 22 houses, and three apartment buildings were badly damaged. As of six weeks later, no FEMA housing trailers have been dispatched for those left homeless.
The official explanation for the aid denial was “because assessed damage to uninsured property in Volusia [County] wasn’t high enough for the federal government to step in.” Republican Congressman John Mica added, “We’re not hanging our hopes on the appeals; some of those homes were old and don’t qualify for assistance to repair them.” To this reporter’s knowledge, no one followed up by asking if there would be federal assistance in the event of uninsured country clubs being wiped out.”
Who was President back in 2007 in case it matters?
Pam:
June 28th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Lisa,
My comment was really for MissDeeJay and my point was asking her to be consistent in her outrage of any display of violent behavior.
I notified Ms. Kaptur’s office the day after this happened. This thank your Marcy rally was held in the parking lot across from the building where her office is located. I told Ms. Kaptur’s staff the Toledo Police responded to this woman’s actions right away. Ms. Kaptur’s office could have contacted the police to verify this incident. Marcy was not at this rally but it was a representation of her. One of her supporters thought she needed to bring a pipe wrench? It was the Marcy supporter that threatened others with violence. I question what kind of supporters Marcy has. Her office didn’t seem to concerned when I brought this incident to their attention. I told them they may want to caution their base not to bring weapons of any kind or threaten others that have a difference of opinion.
Funny how I never see pipe wrenches at any Tea Party gatherings.
LisaRenee:
June 28th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Pam, you notifying Kaptur’s office is not quite the same as media or other outside sources verifying it took place. Not long ago you were one of those who did not believe any spitting took place in DC since there was no video of it and stated more than once there was a $100,000 reward for evidence. Video did surface that demonstrated the incident was not totally exaggerated.
Consistency would dictate if you are going to take that kind of a position that more would be needed for a pipe wrench. Not to mention a police report should have been filed if someone was demonstrating that type of violent behavior.
The only reason Latta was asked about this was because media reported it. Fair or unfair, some of your previous stances towards Kaptur’s office could have created a scenario where they did not take your claim as seriously as they would have a non-biased attendee. I did ask some of those I knew attended the event if they witnessed what you reported, they did not.
truthseeker:
June 28th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
#23 – just flat out wrong. FEMA was created under Carter (I believe) and Presidents were declaring disaster areas looooong before the creation of this agency. My my, how was that even possible if FEMA has more power than the current (or any) president??? How could Eisenhower or any other former prez declare disaster areas, without the permission of a then non-existent agency. And all these agencies and many presidents tend to forget that IT’S OUR MONEY AND THEY WORK FOR US.
Most thinking Americans have not yet forgotten this, and those who know even a little of our history know that Republics are bottom up, not top down, so to speak. We people are the bosses and we supply the money that temp office holders and agency workers “distribute” (for lack of a better word). Never in the Constitution or by our founders was it envisioned that we would become a dictatorship.
Anybody want to bow to FEMA in an attempt to excuse Obama – knock yourself out. But it is neither constitutional, nor true that FEMA is the boss.
I could always post a link to a copy of the Constitution, just for a reminder for the history-weak. I’ve read the toledotalk comments – most of them agree with Pam and I, and much more forcefully. Of course, JR doesn’t try to knock down everybody who might disagree with him.
P.S. I’ll even go out on a limb and make a prediction. The FEMA finding will be reversed… the politicos didn’t foresee the level of anger over this, with even public officials in the storm-damaged area locally voicing on television that citizens do not understand the U.S. sending money everywhere else and not helping the very taxpayers who pay not getting help when in need.
LisaRenee:
June 28th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
You might want to actually take the time to read the linked material, it’s very clear what the FEMA process is despite the fact that the president announces disaster relief. We aren’t talking history we are talking the present system which was created under the Stafford Act.
Ryan:
June 29th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Jeff #5 “Lot’s of ways for an insurance company to screw its customers.”
How about the customer actually look at their policy and see what is covered or not? Or talk to their insurance agent. If something was promised by that agent, the insured can sue the agen for Error and Omission. If the customer wants something covered, they should pay for it. The insurance company has a duty to pay claims out by the issued policy. If you don’t like that policy, go find another one.
Lisa – do you know of any grants or low interest loans Lake Township could apply for to help pay for all of the safety/infrastructure costs that have gone into this?
SensorG:
June 29th, 2010 at 10:44 am
“Lot’s of ways for an insurance company to screw its customers.”
I missed that…so the federal government needs to step in because companies are screwing their customers? Hmmm…
Brian Maxson:
June 30th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
#29 try reading #26 thank you.
In case you want to just brush over it again, seeing Bush was in office and failed to declare the area:
“The official explanation for the aid denial was “because assessed damage to uninsured property in Volusia [County] wasn’t high enough for the federal government to step in.”
And that was with 20 people killed by the tornado.
GEORGE BUSH, truthseeker. Your fellow REPUBLICAN left 1500 families high and dry.
“It is estimated that over 1,500 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged”
I swear, you Obama haters just crack me up lol