"AUSTIN, Texas -- "Governor Rick Perry, a Republican, has reissued his disaster proclamation nine times this wildfire season; it was originally issued on December 21, 2010. Perry, a Tea Party favorite who is campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination, cut short a campaign visit to South Carolina to return to Austin to deal with the fires. Well known for criticizing federal government spending, Perry has since April been seeking federal assistance to pay for wildfire relief and preparedness."
"In April, the governor sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a federal disaster declaration, which would have made the state eligible for direct federal assistance and emergency protective measures. The Obama administration denied this request on May 3. Governor Perry appealed the president's decision on May 26, and received partial approval of relief on July 1. Perry's request to expand the scope of federal relief is pending."
Environment News Service had the story September 5, 2011.
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