Sebelius signs orders expediting relief to storm victims

With residents assessing the devastation caused by the storm system that leveled Greensburg, Kansas, and caused damage throughout the area, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed three executive orders to help facilitate state services for storm victims.

“We’re going to help our neighbors in Greensburg and the surrounding communities get back on their feet,” Sebelius said.

The three executive orders deal with banking services, duplicate records and disaster leave for state employees.

• Access to banking services.  Executive Order 07-06 authorizes the State Bank Commissioner to take any steps necessary to facilitate access to banking services for the residents of Kiowa County.
• Free duplicate records.  Executive Order 07-07 directs all state agencies to wave any fees associated with generating new copies of state records for victims of the Greensburg tornado.
• Disaster leave.  Executive Order 07-08 directs agencies to allow their employees who are certified as volunteers with the Red Cross to take disaster leave to specifically help in areas affected by this weekend’s storms.

Other state agencies have begun similar efforts to expedite services to storm victims. The Department of Revenue opened the Pratt driver’s license office today to replace licenses and other documents.  

Additionally, the Pratt County Treasurer’s office is providing duplicate car titles since the Kiowa County Treasurer’s office is closed due to damage.

Plans are underway to set up a centralized operation in the Greensburg area for victims to access services from federal, state and local governments, as well as relief organizations.  Additional details will be provided by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management when they become available.

On Saturday, Sebelius declared a state of emergency for Kiowa, Barton, Stafford, Pratt, Edwards and Phillips counties.  Copies of the executive orders will be available online at http://www.governor.ks.gov/executive/Orders/default.htm

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