June 13th, 2013
08:32 AM ET
8 years ago
To Texans' dismay, feds deny additional aid after fertilizer plant explosions
(CNN) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied additional aid tied to deadly explosions at a Texas fertilizer plant, a decision ripped Wednesday by local and state officials who accused President Barack Obama of having "gone against his word."
FEMA's administrator informed Gov. Rick Perry in a letter Monday that it was denying a request to declare West, Texas - the small town where an April 17 fire led to simultaneous blasts at a fertilizer distribution facility, killing 15 and decimating homes, businesses and more within 37 blocks - a "major disaster" area. The letter noted Obama had previously issued an emergency declaration and other measures that paved the way for some direct federal assistance.
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I thought Rick Perry believed disasters were a state and local problem.
They want to get rid of government, but not when they need it ?
They want small government, but not when they need it ?
TX is a Republican state. Obama punishes Republican states, that do not support him.
The West disaster was a localized industrial accident, not a natural disaster, and should be paid for through the company's insurance. Fiscal conservative Texans understand that over burdened taxpayers can't pay for every misfortune.
bp had to pay for their mess.
Like the wild fires from two years ago, Gov. Perry just wants the federal government to foot the entire bill. I don't have any numbers on this disaster, but the federal government had already picked up 75% off the cost of fighting the wild fires when Gov. Perry began complaining that we was NOT getting any aid. Not enough aid, but that he was not getting any.
Texas`s elected EXECUTIVE LEADER, Rick Perry is responsible.
1.) He allowed the laxed regulations around workplace safety [he BRAGGED about them] which had a causal effect on this MAN-MADE event.
2.) Rick Perry has dissed "Big Government" as a Presidential candidate and Tea Party pandering Governor. Perry said Texas should seceed from the US; he declared that it had the LEGAL RIGHT to do so. Why then is he now asking for goverment handouts [that`s what HE and other Republicans call it when someone else gets Federal assistance].
3.) Surely Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal, Rick Scott, Sen Inofe, Colburn will all be supportive of the FEDs not spending more "tax payer" money on Texas. Surely they`l advocate cutting Texas`s Oil subsidies to pay for this Fertilizer plant aid, right?
Look, Mr. Obama kept his word. Rick Perry should now be made to eat his. FIRE him Texas.
NOT ANOTHER PENNY. This disaster was caused by private enterprise. The Governor of Texas is against "big government,' always tout states rights, and says that the free market does a better job. Well here is your chance to prove it Rick. Let the management of the fertilizer plant rebuild those destroyed homes and compensate families for the loss of life. NO MORE BIG GOVERNMENT AID.
In the shadow of the Boston bombing, Texas tragedy was all but overlooked by the media & public.
This was more tragic and devastating.Responsibility is far from fixed.
1 its an industrial "accident". The owners of the plant should be liable
2 I thought R Perry already said TX didn't need the feds help.
Wasn't this an industrial accident. Should that company not be paying for this from their insurance friends??
oh poor Oboma it sounds like his administration isn't doing it's job again just like BengaZi and the irs. he's going to play dumb like he's doing everything he can. did anyone expect a democratic administration to help texas
This should certainly make the Texas secessionists happy! And we know how much Perry despises that big "ol federal guvment" anyway.
The fertilizer company needs to be the one to pay, and the only ones to make them do it are the people of Texas. Perhaps now they will realize why government regulations are necessary; not to prohibit growth, but to prevent accidents like this one
Rick Perry / Sarah Palin 2016
who cares ?