Murray and Senate minority leader Bruce Tarr say action by the federal government is critical in directing money to the area.
State Sen. James T. Welch, Senate President Theresa Murray and state Sen. Michael R. Knapik, from left, survey damage caused by Wednesday's tornado at the corner of George and Union Streets in West Springfield.
WEST SPRINGFIELD - State Senate President Therese Murray Friday called on the president to declare a federal emergency because of the tornado-caused devastation in Western Massachusetts. That would help direct federal money to the area, according to her.
“The president needs to act immediately,” the Plymouth Democrat said during a press conference Friday morning from a command post in West Springfield’s Merrick neighborhood, which has sustained massive damage.
Congress should stop partisan bickering and take action, Murray said, pledging that the state senate will do “whatever it takes” to assist when it convenes in formal session next week.
Action by the federal government is critical as it is the most important funding source to shore up the situation, state Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, R-Gloucester said. The senate minority leader was also at the press conference along with other legislators. Following the press conference, they took a tour of the Merrick neighborhood to survey some of the damage.
More details coming on MassLive and in The Republican.