2 September 2005

Governor: We mourn the loss of thousands as a result of Katrina
Governor calls for a day of prayer, compassion and hope for victims

Governor Kathleen Sebelius proclaimed Sunday, September 4th as an official day of prayer, compassion, and hope for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“The people of Kansas mourn the loss of thousands of their fellow Americans in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as a result of Hurricane Katrina,” Governor Sebelius said.

“Kansans are citizens of uncommon compassion, committed to help those in need—whether in their own neighborhoods, or halfway across the country. The people of Kansas continue to give generously of their time, their talents, and their treasure to aid relief efforts and speed the recovery in the affected states and communities. I commend our National Guard members, emergency personnel, and private citizens who place themselves in harm’s way to aid the victims of this devastating disaster,” Governor Sebelius continued.

Kansas will send about 150 Kansas National Guardsmen and two Black Hawk helicopters to Louisiana this week to assist in the rescue and recover efforts. Over six hundred are on stand-by, waiting to be called.

On Thursday, Governor Sebelius signed a disaster emergency proclamation that activates the disaster response and recovery portions of the Kansas Response Plan.

Governor Sebelius also issued two executive orders. One allows state employees, who are certified by the American Red Cross to serve in relief efforts, to be eligible for disaster leave. The second executive order suspends the enforcement of limits of overweight and oversized vehicles and requirements for licensing/operating authority/registration as required by the Kansas Corporation Commission for vehicles assisting in the restoration efforts.

“It is our State's heritage to trust in God's mercy, and to maintain an abiding faith in His wisdom and providence, even in the most difficult times and challenging circumstances,” Governor Sebelius said.