We are very excited to announce the endorsement of Senator Tom Harkin!

"We are already seeing increasing intensity and frequency of storms, droughts, and heat events caused by climate change, and that trend is just beginning," said Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). "The Great March for Climate Action may be just what's needed at this time to wake-up America to the urgency of climate change, and I commend Ed Fallon for getting the ball rolling. I wish the Climate March every success and hope it helps spur the Congress into action to address this critical challenge to the planet."

Which brings me to this week's Calls to Action:

(1) Invite a US Senator, member of Congress, mayor or state lawmaker from your area to endorse the Climate March. Click here for a full list of endorsing individuals and organizations.

(2) Check out this heart-warming story about a retired Des Moines minster, Bob Cook, who plans to go the distance in next year's March. Please share it with your local media contacts. Better still, share your own story about why you are marching and/or supporting the March. We inspire others to take action not only through our commitment to marching but through the power of our personal witness as well.

Thanks, and have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! Oh, and if you're planning to come to the 80-35 Festival this weekend in downtown Des Moines, check out our booth, which will feature a big map showing the March route, and a fine beverage we're calling "climate-aid."

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 (DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for one county in response to recent storms and flooding.

Today, the Governor issued a proclamation to activate the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in Clinton County. A governor's proclamation of disaster emergency had been issued June 1 to make state resources available for disaster response in Clinton County.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.

###

Branstad also activates Iowa Individual Assistance Program for two counties

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed a letter to be delivered to President Obama requesting a Presidential Disaster declaration for 47 Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains and thunderstorms resulting in severe flooding beginning May 19 and continuing through June 23, 2013.

The governor is making the request for federal Public Assistance Program funding for the counties of Appanoose, Benton, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clay, Clayton, Crawford, Davis, Delaware, Des Moines, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hardin, Henry, Ida, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lyon, Mahaska, Marshall, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, O'Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Poweshiek, Sac, Sioux, Story, Tama, Wapello, Webster, Winnebago and Wright.

A joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessment of the 47 counties found severe weather caused an estimated $22 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program. Public Assistance funds may be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during, and debris removal after the storms.

Iowa Individual Assistance Program activated in two counties

 

In addition to requesting the Presidential Disaster Declaration, Gov. Branstad also activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in Lee and Webster counties.

The Governor originally declared the counties disaster counties on June 7. Both proclamations are a result of storms and flooding that began in the state on May 19.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.

 

###

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today marking the fifth anniversary of the Floods of 2008.

"As we look back today on the Great Flood of 2008, we remember the homes that were destroyed and the businesses that were lost. But we also think about the neighbors who helped neighbors; the strangers who showed up with a shovel to help dig out a basement; and the first responders who worked around the clock and ensured no lives were lost. We saw Iowans come together and prove just how resilient we are. The rising rivers that were recently seen across our state tested our preparations and showed just how far Iowans and our communities have come.  It was a powerful reminder from Mother Nature about living with the threat of floods.

"While we can't predict what future floods will bring, we have seen time and again the importance of our state and communities being prepared for the uncertainties life near our rivers brings.  Remembering the 2008 floods is important to help make sure that we remain prepared for anything year after year, and to be proud of the progress we've made even as work on our recovery continues today.  No Iowan will ever forget the Great Flood of 2008 and I will make sure no one in Washington ever does either"

###