People who truly need help aren't getting it

I read that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined that flood damage done by torrential rains June 17 was not severe enough to warrant a federal emergency disaster declaration ("FEMA Denies Funds for Flood-Ravaged Areas," July 21). It's a shame with so many mindless giveaways of funds from the stimulus plan that there is nothing left for those truly in need of financial help.

Perhaps a well-worded request stating that you will be hiring union workers to repair the damage and that the site is shovel-ready might do the trick.

SHEILA THOMAS
Ross