Headline Roundup • October 3rd, 2022
Kamala Harris's 'Equity' Remark About Hurricane Ian Aid Sparks Criticism
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Vice President Kamala Harris's remarks about how to distribute emergency aid to those affected by Hurricane Ian were met with criticism, especially from Republicans in Florida.
Speaking at a Democratic National Committee event on Friday, Harris said that hurricane relief aid "is about giving resources based on equity, understanding that we fight for equality, but we also need to fight for equity." She added that "It is our lowest-income communities and our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions and impacted by issues that are not of their own making."
Christina Pushaw, the Rapid Response Director for the Florida governor's office, tweeted that Harris's statement was false and that "FEMA Individual Assistance is already available to all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian, regardless of race or background." FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that "there are people that often have a hard time accessing our programs" while reiterating that "all Floridians are going to be able to get the help that is available to them through our programs."
Right-rated outlets covered Harris's remarks much more than left- and center-rated outlets did, and many framed them as racist and insensitive. The few reports from the left and center about Harris's comments tended to focus on the FEMA administrator's comments.
Featured Coverage of this Story
Greg Nash/The Hill
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell on Sunday responded to Republicans criticizing Vice President Harris for a remark she made stressing equity in the administration’s response to climate change.
On Friday, Priyanka Chopra Jonas asked Harris at a Democratic National Committee event about the Biden administration’s goals as a global influencer on climate policy when it comes to poorer countries.
“It is our lowest-income communities and our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions and impacted by issues that are not of their own making,” Harris said. “And...
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell assured that everybody affected by Hurricane Ian will receive relief after Vice President Kamala Harris said that relief efforts should focus on “giving resources based on equity” to “communities of color.”
“It is our lowest-income communities and our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions and impacted by issues that are not of their own making,” Harris told actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas at a Democratic National Committee event on Friday.
“And so we have to address this in a way that is about giving resources based on equity, understanding that we...
Leigh Vogel/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutter
Vice President Harris came in for a torrent of criticism after telling an audience that “communities of color” would be first in line for relief in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
“We have to address this in a way that is about giving resources based on equity, understanding that we fight for equality, but we also need to fight for equity,” she said during a discussion with Priyanka Chopra at the Democratic National Committee’s Women’s Leadership Forum on Friday.
“If we want people to be in an equal place sometimes...
