After snub, California to get relief from $81 billion federal disaster aid plan
An $81 billion emergency federal disaster relief bill unveiled this week by GOP Congressional leaders in Washington is expected to provide much-needed aid to California, where record-breaking wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes and killed dozens this year.
The bill doesn’t actually name California — although it names other disaster-stricken states, such as Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, that were hit by Hurricanes Maria, Harvey and Irma this year. The legislation, however, says relief will be provided to “states affected by wildfires” — and for some California representatives, that was welcome news.
“I like the disaster bill,” said Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena.