This Saturday, President Trump denied Colorado’s requests for FEMA funding to help communities rebuild from devastation fires and floods
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Governor Jared Polis called on President Trump to reverse his decision to deny Colorado’s Major Disaster Declaration requests for the Elk and Lee Fires and the flooding in Western Colorado. These federal declarations would have unlocked FEMA funding to support the recovery efforts for each of these disasters, providing critical aid to impacted Western Colorado residents and businesses.
“Coloradans are trying to rebuild their lives after fires and floods destroyed homes and communities across our state. Trump’s decision to reject our disaster requests, and therefore withhold resources as our communities continue to recover, is unacceptable. This isn’t a game. These are people’s lives,” said Hickenlooper.
“President Trump’s decision to deny Colorado’s request for critical federal assistance is unacceptable,” said Bennet. “Communities in Western Colorado are in serious need of help after the life-threatening flooding and historic wildfires earlier this year. Trump continues to use Coloradans for political games; it is malicious and obscene. A disaster is a disaster, regardless of what state in the country it took place. Together with Governor Polis and the Colorado delegation, I will take every available step to appeal this decision.”
“Coloradans impacted by the Elk and Lee fires and the flooding in Southwestern Colorado deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing. One of the most amazing things to witness as Governor has been the resilience of Coloradans following a natural disaster. Their courage, strength, and willingness to help one another is unmatched – values that President Trump seems to have forgotten. I call on the President’s better angels, and urge him to reconsider these requests. This is about the Coloradans who need this support, and we won’t stop fighting for them to get what they deserve. Colorado will be appealing this decision,” said Polis.
Hickenlooper and the entire Colorado delegation previously wrote to President Trump to support both of Governor Polis’ requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations and the activation of Public Assistance to help Colorado communities recover from the fires and the floods.
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