Sylvia Garcia Requests Help For "Texas Storm Recovery"

The efficiency of, or lack thereof, the Texas power grid during weather crises has been a recent topic of discussion. Texans have been highly critical of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) handling of the issue, despite his claims to be fixing the problem. Texas Representative Sylvia Garcia (D) recently wrote a letter to President Biden (D).

In the letter shared on Twitter, she states, “Recently, I sent a letter to @POTUS urging him to declare a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Harris County and Southeast Texas due to the devastating damage that was left from recent storms. Together we will rebuild our community.”

Rep. Garcia’s statement briefly references the past natural disasters Texas, specifically Houston, has faced. In 2017, a category 4 storm, Hurricane Harvey, flooded the city causing extensive damage to the region. “We in the Houston region are no stranger to storm recovery, and the support of the Federal Government in the past has allowed my constituents to rebuild their lives. These funds will be vital to people who lost their homes, cars, and businesses during the January storms.” states Garcia.

Gov. Greg Abbott recently declared a state of emergency for Texas. In January, he stated, “NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby declare a state of disaster in the previously listed counties based on the existence of such threat.”

Though the storms seem to have subsided in the state, the cleanup is all but over for Texas residents. Furthermore, there are some lingering effects from the storm that have had a major impact on the community. Garcia states, “I understand that the decision to declare a major disaster is complex, but I cannot understate my support for this decision. My region needs the support of FEMA, SBA, and other federal agencies as we begin to recover, and I urge you to approve the request of the State of Texas for a Presidential Disaster Declaration.”

Texas needs a lot of help recovering from the harsh weather conditions it’s been facing. This request for help could be returned with a quick response and legislative action.