Clark Applauds Flood Response of Local Officials, Highlights Importance of FEMA Funding for recovery, jobs

Calls on Congressman Cravaack to clarify position on FEMA funding

For immediate release July 19th, 2012

Contact: Chris Kluthe Chris@TarrylClark.com (952) 994-9316

(Duluth, MN) – Today, 8th District Congressional Candidate Tarryl Clark held a press conference to highlight the well-coordinated response of local officials to the massive floods that hit Duluth and much of Northeast and Central Minnesota almost one month ago. She also discussed the importance of fully funding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Standing with Duluth City Councilor Linda Krug, Clark addressed gathered press in front of the severely damaged retaining wall and adjacent sinkhole where Brewery Creek broke through in the side street behind the Whole Food Co-op.

“I would like to thank Mayor Don Ness, county and city officials, and the many workers and volunteers for their tireless efforts to get Duluth and the surrounding areas back open for business,” said Clark. “Their success is a testament to what can be achieved when local, state, and Federal officials work hand-in-hand. It proves that when we come together, there is nothing we can’t do.”

“During my time in the State Senate, I was part of similar efforts to help Minnesota communities come together and recover from devastating natural disasters,” Clark continued. “After the 2007 flooding in southern Minnesota, we really laid the blueprint for the state and our communities working with the federal government, to get the assistance that our communities so desperately needed,” said Clark.

“And Congress does need consistent and unwavering leadership when it comes to disaster relief. While Congressman Cravaack has said he will help Duluth seek federal assistance since the flood, he repeatedly voted to cut funding for exactly the type of disaster relief that Duluth residents and business owners need so desperately,” said Clark. “Since his election, Congressman Cravaack has voted at least three times to cut critical funding for disaster relief. I am glad that Congressman Cravaack is now in favor of it, but it shouldn’t have taken a historic flood or an election to convince Congressman Cravaack that FEMA and disaster relief are worth funding,” Clark continued.

“That is why it is absolutely critical that Congressman Cravaack officially and publicly commit to the citizens of the 8th District that he will consistently support disaster assistance funding, not only in his speeches, but most importantly in his votes,” said Clark.

“Ultimately, emergency preparedness and disaster relief assistance are about the economic vitality of our communities – it is about our region’s ability to assure current and future employers that Duluth and northeast Minnesota are open for business and a great place to work and live. Our future depends upon it,” concluded Clark.

1. Cravaack Voted Against Providing Grants to Repair Flood-Damaged Homes. However, Cravaack voted against a motion to authorize FEMA to provide flood victims in major emergency or disaster zones, as declared by the president in 2011, grants to help with their rebuilding costs. The motion would have also allowed those people to be exempted from flood insurance premium increases for three years. The motion failed 181-244. [HR 1309, Vote #561, 7/12/11;]

2. Cravaack Voted for H.R. 1 Which Cut $1.4926 billion from FEMA. On February 19, 2011, Cravaack voted for a bill that would have cut a total of $1.4926 billion from FEMA management and administration, state and local programs, grants for firefighters, performance and mitigation, and for emergency food and shelter. [H.R. 1, Vote # 147, 2/19/11; House Appropriations Committee, HR 1 Funding Cuts]

3. Cravaack voted against disaster relief for floods. On June 6, 2012 Cravaack voted against a bill that would have ensured readiness and response (including advance measures, the provision of potable water, and the repair of flood and storm damage reduction projects) for floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters by increasing funds for the Corps of Engineers Flood Control and Coast Emergencies account by $31,600,000, and would have decreased the Corps of Engineers administrative account by the same amount. [H.R. 5325, Vote #341, 6/6/2012;]