Wisconsin representatives at all levels of government expressed disappointment at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Friday decision to deny aid to Wisconsin communities affected by tornadoes in August.
In a letter to Gov. Jim Doyle, R. David Paulison, the acting undersecretary of FEMA, told the AP, \It has been determined that the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments.""
Doyle called on FEMA to reconsider its rejection of aid to the affected communities.
""I'm dismayed by this decision, having seen firsthand the damage these tornadoes caused,"" Gov. Doyle said in a statement. He called on Congress and President Bush to set priorities and added, ""the country shouldn't be in the position of having to choose between victims of one disaster and victims of another.""
Two U.S. representatives from Wisconsin weighed in against the decision. Ron Kind, (D-Wis.) said he would join Wisconsin's delegation to ""vigorously"" appeal FEMA's decision.
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin placed blame for the decision at the feet of the Bush Administration.
""These families have spent a month in limbo waiting for the federal government to act,"" Baldwin said in a statement. ""This is another disturbing example of this administration failing to effectively respond to the needs of Americans following a disaster.""
Gov. Doyle asked FEMA to declare parts of Dane, Richland and Vernon counties a disaster area on Aug. 25. The areas suffered 67 destroyed homes, 400 damaged homes and one death according to the governor's office.
U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl also spoke against the decision, registering his disappointment and calling for an appeal.
The governor said federal assistance would allow ""the federal government to provide disaster aid to individuals, businesses and local governments impacted by the tornadoes.""
Requests for aid are usually processed within a few weeks but Hurricane Katrina may have caused the long delay from FEMA, according to the governor's office.
