President approves Missouri disaster declaration after lawmakers’ request

The Trump Administration approved a major disaster declaration for Missouri on Thursday following a request from the entire Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and U.S. Reps. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Billy Long (R-MO), who urged the president to help their home state access critical federal resources to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

“In many Missouri communities, efforts to prevent and mitigate the spread of the virus are constrained by inadequate access to resources, including personal protective equipment,” the members wrote in a March 25 letter sent to the president. “We respectfully request your prompt action to ensure that our communities receive the immediate support needed to respond to this unprecedented disaster.”

The lawmakers noted in their letter that businesses around the state have been adversely impacted, with multiple sectors of industry and state and local governments lacking the capacity to counteract the negative economic impacts caused by the coronavirus.

“Access to federal resources may better equip Missouri communities to appropriately respond to this public health emergency,” wrote the bipartisan contingent.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on March 25 requested Individual Assistance for Disaster Unemployment Assistance and the Crisis Counseling Program, Public Assistance for Debris Removal and Emergency Protective Measures, as well as Hazard Mitigation, some of which are still under consideration.