The process to get Texas's coast cleaned up and it's citizens in a live-able situation is taking FEMA an unreasonable amount of time. I could not agree more with Governor Rick Perry when he said, “Such a pace is unacceptable when we have Texans sleeping in cars next door to trailers with locks on them.” It has been almost three months since hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast and there are still people without homes and debris everywhere. Although they did make some quick response efforts, it may be out numbered by the stagnant relief for Texas citizens. Mike Synder of Houston Chronicle, covers a story of Edna Barlow who is diabetic along with heart and lung problems. Edna goes out to her car to get relief from the temperature of a house that has no power. This seems to be a widespread problem but, why are they not in some form of a live-able home?
When Katrina hit I think they threw a lot of money out where now it is being withheld. Mike mentioned that "some advocates for the poor said FEMA has overreacted to reports of fraud in the aftermath of Katrina, imposing rigorous requirements that delay assistance to people who desperately need it." There was a lot of wasted spending with the Katrina aftermath. FEMA needs be cautious but not overprotective. If they are going to try to be more restrictive of funds they need to do it in a timely manner. People are trying to get their counties up and running but lack of money is delaying the process. After three months going by I would think things would at least be cleaned up. Although not all blame can be placed on the federal government. Texas could learn from this Ike situation there were a lot of problems in the shelter arrangements, although they seemed to have fixed them in an efficient amount of time. I think this is a good time for Rick to step up and figure out a way to get people in stable situations. He could bank on this for his political campaigns if he does it right. Maybe Texas should have it's own permanent relief program, Rick could sponsor the program. What if people get so frustrated that they don't go back. That area is very rich in resources and a large part of Texas economic income. If there are no workers there is no refineries.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I completely agree with this blog post about relief efforts on the coast. It is appalling to me to see the devastation that is still prevalent after Hurricane Ike, the debris and lack of resources that are available to the citizens of the devastated area is not acceptable. You are absolutely right that now is the time for Rick Perry to sponsor a permanent relief program and also ensure that the Texas Department of Insurance is regulating the Insurance Companies on the payment of claims.
I am not sure which one is more appalling, the fact that these people are still living in FEMA trailers months after the event or that they are getting $8,000 for their hurricane ravaged homes that were insured for much more. The Insurance companies play upon their policy holders and the lack of their understanding of insurance laws and requirements so they can get away underpayments of claims, delayed payments and sometimes even denying the claim.
Disaster relief needs an overhaul on a state and national level, until these issues get reformed; citizens living on the coast will continue to be at risk of not having adequate resources when disaster strikes.
Wow.. I knew there were problems in this area to say the least but not to this extent. My aunt lived right on the water in Baytown, after over 6 months of completely remodeling their house, the hurricane came and took everything away right down to her walls. If we have to pay taxes that goes to our government each year, you would think they would be quicker in taking better care of their citizens and helping them get back on their feet faster. The hurricane victims have already been through so much, losing so many precious memories, the last thing they need is to put their life on hold, just to get back to where they once were. If the government reacted faster and more efficient in fixing what was damaged this would also help our economy run smoother, people could go back to their life and jobs.
Post a Comment