A Red State: White House Says Forget It

From KOCO TV, Oklahoma City and published by Tulsatowner:
Oklahomans affected by last month's record floods will not receive help from the federal government.
Gov. Brad Henry announced in a news release that the White House has denied his request for disaster assistance.
This means grant programs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will not be available to residents.
However, the news release said that the state is working to find other ways to help Oklahomans, including attempting to secure Small Business Association low-interest loans.
Only 2 percent of the structures damaged by the June 13 floods were insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Most of the homes with damage were located outside of an identifiable flood zone so most homeowners did not have flood damage covered by their homeowner insurance.
"I had some co-workers and some friends who received damage because of the floods," said Edmond resident Richard McPherson.
Edmond was hit particularly hard by the floods.
"It's not good. They spend money on everything else. Then, when somebody does need help, we don't get it," said Edmond resident Rick Machacek.
The White House gave no reason for denying the disaster aid request.