While President Obama was visiting Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards gave him a letter asking for more federal assistance. The governor’s communications director, Richard Carbo, says it was important for the President to see the devastation first hand, but he doesn’t want to discredit what the federal government has already done for Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “weeks ago”

Carbo says Governor Edwards’ letter includes requests for assistance for flood victims, as well as more flood protection along the Comite River.

Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy says Congress will vote on an assistance package for Louisiana when they convene after Labor Day. He says thousands of people across the country have been affected by natural disasters, and Congress wants to help them all.

Cut 15 (07) “disease”

The Department of Environmental Quality has issued an emergency order that expands the range of items that can be accepted in certain landfills in the hopes of speeding up the cleanup process. DEQ spokesperson Greg Langely says many people lost appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, and they also have a plan for handling those.

Cut 11 (08) “disposed of”

The emergency order ends September 30.

The Louisiana School Board Association is assisting flood damaged schools with repairs and supplies, with some help from First Lady Donna Edwards. LSBA Executive Director Scott Richard says they’ve helped raise about 8-thousand dollars over the last few days. He says it’s unfortunate they’re losing instructional time, but he understands how many families have been affected.

Cut 6 (10) “learning environment”