CA governor seeks more FEMA money for fire victims

(The Center Square) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom has requested an extension of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for survivors of last year's devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The request asks for another 12 months of the Individuals and Households Program through FEMA. IHP is a service or tool used by FEMA to aid people after disasters such as the Palisades Fire in the Los Angeles-Malibu area and the Eaton Fire in the Pasadena-Altadena area. Previously Newsom called for FEMA to release more than $732 million in public assistance funding associated with the wildfires. The money is approved at the regional level, but the governor said California is still waiting for final approval from the Department of Homeland Security. Only $37 million has been distributed, according to the Governor's Office. Newsom also has expanded direct financial support for survivors. This includes making more than $100 million in grants available throug