Obama Denies FEMA Funds to GOP-Leaning Virginia

In case anyone needed more proof that Barack Obama governs to support his base constituencies and make war on others, the Obama administration has denied federal funds to the GOP-leaning state of Virginia to assist with rebuilding efforts following the 5.8-magnitude earthquake that shook the entire region on August 23. The quake, which was centered in Louisa County, did an estimated $15 million of property damage to the state.


FEMA’s Individual Assistance program would have provided loans, grants, and even Nancy Pelosi’s favorite “job creator,” unemployment assistance. Yet with these inducements, the president denied emergency assistance to Virginia for the second time this year.

Governor Bob McDonnell stated, “Disaster relief and public safety are core functions of the federal government.” But they are core functions the Obama administration is unconcerned about providing. Nor is this a partisan sentiment. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, who considered a presidential run himself in 2008, has said, “If damage from a once-in-a-generation, 5.8 magnitude earthquake does not qualify for federal disaster relief, then I don’t know what does.” Earlier this month, the former governor cited the “enormous frustration” Virginians feel over “the lack of collaborative action in Washington.”

The cut-off of federal dollars seems to coincide with McDonnell’s election as governor on November 3, 2009 — the same day Chris Christie was elected governor of New Jersey. (McDonnell won his usually Republican state by a more decisive margin.)

http://floydreports.com/obama-denies-fema-funds-to-gop-leaning-virginia/