(Milwaukee)—Governor David M. Beasley discussed South Carolina’s drought with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, getting assurances that the state’s disaster declaration will be examined quickly.
     “I appreciate the Secretary’s interest in joining with me and others in South Carolina to help our farmers, who are suffering through the worst drought I can ever remember,” Governor Beasley said.
     The Governor, here in Milwaukee attending the National Governors’ Association summer meeting, talked to Glickman at a Committee on Natural Resources meeting.  Secretary Glickman did not give the Governor any estimate for when he would decide whether to grant the Governor’s request to declare the entire state a disaster.  But he assured the Governor the request would get close examination soon.
     “I understand how busy the Secretary is, considering how many states are suffering from the drought.  It is my hope that his visit last month will prompt him to act soon,” Governor Beasley said.
     At this week’s meeting, the Governor also attended a Committee on Human Resources meeting which focused on the role of fathers. The panel discussion at today’s meeting featured Wade Horn, director of the National Fatherhood Initiative, who also spoke at the Governor’s Summit on Fatherhood last September.
     Governor Beasley also met with fellow Republican Governors today, and will have lunch with his colleagues from both parties this afternoon.  “These are valuable gatherings, where I can interact with colleagues on a bipartisan basis to discuss solutions that work and that save the taxpayers money,” Governor Beasley said.
     Yesterday, the Governor presented Greenville’s Lisa Van Riper with one of the NGA’s eight Distinguished Service Awards for her role in establishing the Putting Families First Foundation.  Governor Beasley will return to Columbia on Tuesday.