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Missouri Gov. Parson Seeks Federal, State and Local Damage Assessments in Prep for Federal Major Disaster Declaration Request

Press Release
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Missouri Gov. Parson Seeks Federal, State and Local Damage Assessments in Prep for Federal Major Disaster Declaration Request

Below is an official statement from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.

Governor Mike Parson announced that the state has begun the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance in response to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began impacting Missouri on July 29.  

“Beginning July 29, a severe weather pattern has repeatedly struck Missouri with damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding, causing extensive damage in 26 counties across the state,” Governor Parson said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working closely with local emergency managers and believes the damage clearly warrants the need for FEMA to participate in joint assessments in preparation for a federal disaster declaration request.” 

The state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in the following counties: Adair, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Dade, Greene, Grundy, Henry, Jackson, Knox, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, Morgan, Osage, Ozark, Perry, St. Genevieve, Scotland, Scott, Taney, and Vernon.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from, FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency managers who document storm damage and estimate recovery costs. Requesting joint PDAs is one of the first steps the state must take in order to request a federal major disaster declaration. Joint PDAs are being requested for FEMA Public Assistance. For Public Assistance, both state and county thresholds must be met in order for a county to be included in the request.

On August 4, an EF-2 tornado in Baring, Missouri, located in Knox County, destroyed or caused major damage to more than 35 residences as well as the town’s post office, fire station, and several other buildings. More than 30 people were displaced from their homes. That same night, torrential rain in Adair County led to flash flooding and dozens of emergency calls. Hundreds of thousands of Missourians have lost power over the past month due to strong winds downing trees and utility poles.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Announces New Georgia State Economist

Ben Burnett
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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Announces New Georgia State Economist

Below is an official statement from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

 Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced his appointment of Dr. Robert “Bob” Buschman as Georgia’s State Economist, effective September 1. Dr. Buschman currently serves as Interim Director of the Public Finance Research Cluster at Georgia State University.

“I look forward to benefiting from Dr. Buschman’s wealth of knowledge as he steps into this new role as a partner in crafting our state budget and ensuring our state economy remains strong,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With his help, I’m confident we will continue to maintain our AAA bond rating, balance our state budgets, and deliver more opportunity for hardworking Georgians.”

Robert “Bob” Buschman serves as Interim Director of the Public Finance Research Cluster (PFRC), Associate Director for the Fiscal Research Center (FRC), and a Senior Research Associate with the FRC and the Center for State and Local Finance. He is FRC’s key contact for fiscal note analyses of proposed Georgia revenue legislation, the state tax expenditure report, and tax incentive evaluations. Dr. Buschman’s research interests include corporate and personal taxation, growth and equity effects of tax reform, state and local fiscal policy, and other fiscal matters. He has also taught macroeconomics at Georgia State University. Prior to joining the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Buschman worked for several years in corporate banking and corporate financial management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Duke University, an MBA in Finance from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, and a master’s degree and a doctorate in Economics from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.

DeSantis Awards $6.9 Million through the Florida Disaster Fund to Support Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts

Matt OHern
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DeSantis Awards $6.9 Million through the Florida Disaster Fund to Support Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts

Below is an official news release from the office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced $6.9 million in awards through the Florida Disaster Fund to support continued Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in Southwest Florida. These funds have been awarded to support efforts on the ground and ensure that the impacted communities have ample resources to support the long-term recovery efforts. With today’s awards, the Florida Disaster Fund has awarded all $63.2 million in committed and received funds raised to help Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian.

“When Hurricane Ian struck Florida, the First Lady and I made a promise that we would be with the people of Florida every step of the way,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Just under a year after the storm, I am happy to be awarding these funds to continue helping Southwest Florida in the recovery process. The Florida Disaster Fund has helped to cut through red tape and get money quickly into the hands of those who need it most. We’ve worked hard to raise more money than ever before and to disburse those funds faster than with any other storm.”

Awards announced today include $2.3 million to 17 long-term recovery groups in the counties hit hardest by Hurricane Ian. These funds will help the long-term recovery groups that are coordinating the recovery process on the ground in Southwest Florida.

Additionally, $2 million has been awarded for Lee County Working Waterfront repairs. Lee County’s historic working waterfront on Matlacha experienced severe damage following Hurricane Ian. This project will help ensure the fishing industry is maintained in the area while they continue to await approval of a Federal Fisheries Disaster Declaration.

Lee County Emergency Management in partnership with the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties will receive $900,000 to house and manage the distribution network of commodities to Hurricane Ian survivors. This funding will support the long-term recovery efforts and connect available commodities and building supplies with Floridians in need and other non-profit organizations engaged in construction efforts.

To further support the hurricane recovery process, the Florida Disaster Fund is awarding $500,000 towards public boat ramp repairs. Southwest Florida is a hub for fishing and boating. Hurricane Ian destroyed many of the public boat ramps in the area and the funds will expedite the use of these facilities rather than causing residents and visitors to be further delayed with the FEMA reimbursement process.

The Pine Island Beacon of Hope Organization will receive $500,000 to continue their work in supporting local businesses and self-employed contractors to purchase tools that were destroyed in the storm in addition to assisting seniors in navigating services to support their recovery and helping to rebuild the playground for the only preschool on Pine Island.

$500,000 in funding will be awarded to help rebuild the Fort Myers Bayside Park. In August 2022, community members came together to build this community park and less than a month later, it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The funds will allow the community to rebuild this park which drives traffic to businesses in the area and gives the families of Fort Myers Beach a place to bring their children to play.

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties has been awarded $200,000 to continue their work in helping residents of Lee and Charlotte counties as they continue to recover following Hurricane Ian. Since Hurricane Ian made landfall, the Jewish Federation has helped impacted Floridians with food, debris cleanup, clothing and household items and many other important services.

The Florida Disaster Fund raised nearly $64 million to help in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian. This was more than double the support the disaster fund received following hurricanes Michael and Irma combined. In addition to raising more funds, Volunteer Florida was able to award more than 84% of those funds in the first 24 weeks following the storm, in comparison to 9.3% of funds awarded in 24 weeks following Hurricane Michael and 12.8% of funds awarded following Hurricane Irma.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton Comments on Biden’s ‘Ransom’ to Iran

Press Release
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Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton Comments on Biden’s ‘Ransom’ to Iran

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after reports of an intended prisoner swap and ransom paid to Iran in exchange for captive Americans:

“While we always welcome the release of American hostages—if they are in fact released after President Biden pays Iran $6 billion in ransom—this craven act of appeasement will only embolden the ayatollahs to take more hostages and use these ill-gotten gains to attack our troops, fund terrorism, and arm Russia. This cycle will continue until President Biden stops dancing to Iran’s tune and starts responding firmly and decisively to their aggression.”

Cassidy Announces $11.8 Million in Hurricanes Laura, Ida Relief

Matt OHern
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Cassidy Announces $11.8 Million in Hurricanes Laura, Ida Relief

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $11,769,782.27 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in relief for Hurricanes Laura and Ida. Cassidy pushed to advance the Calcasieu Parish School Board grant application.

“The road to recovery from these hurricanes has been long, but our communities have shown great strength,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will ensure that our children will have the full school experience they deserve.”

Grant AwardedRecipientProject Description
$8,907,509.50Calcasieu Parish School BoardThis grant will provide federal funding for loan interest and other fees incurred to initiate repairs to damaged facilities within the school system as a result of Hurricane Laura.
$1,812,815.35Diocese of Houma-ThibodauxThis grant will provide federal funding for mold remediation on school buildings as a result of Hurricane Ida.
$1,049,457.42Lafourche ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to minimize adverse impacts to health and safety of the communityas a result of Hurricane Ida.

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Daniel Cameron Statement on JCPS Transportation Disaster

Matt OHern
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Daniel Cameron Statement on JCPS Transportation Disaster

Attorney General and Republican nominee for Governor Daniel Cameron released the following statement in light of new developments regarding the Jefferson County School System (JCPS):

“It is unacceptable that kids in our largest school district will likely miss out on a week of classroom instruction,” Daniel Cameron said. “Our students are already suffering from historic learning loss as a result of Andy Beshear’s school shutdowns. This lack of leadership has put bus drivers, teachers, parents, and students in a terrible situation. 

“Imagine being a parent on Wednesday night and not knowing where your child was. Even worse, imagine being that child on your first day of school. Parents should be able to trust district leadership in this basic responsibility. This is not the fault of any teacher or bus driver; it lies with the Jefferson County Board of Education. Although my confidence in teachers remains steadfast, I am disgusted with the political leaders who have failed our teachers, parents, and students.”

Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl Cosponsors American Confidence in Elections ActAlabama Congressman Jerry Carl

Press Release
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Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl Cosponsors American Confidence in Elections ActAlabama Congressman Jerry Carl

Below is a press release from Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl.

U.S. Representative Jerry Carl (R-AL) issued the following statement regarding his cosponsorship of the American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act, which is comprehensive legislation to address issues in our nation’s federal elections.

There’s no doubt the 2020 elections had issues, which is why the ACE Act is critical to restoring our election integrity by providing states with important tools to help with the delivery of ballots, verification of signatures, using voter ID, giving observers access to the process, updating voter lists, and conducting post-election audits.

With the Democrats’ constant attacks on the integrity of our federal elections, I’m proud to join my colleagues on this important effort to strengthen our elections and guarantee their security. Our elections should always be free, fair, and secure, and this legislation will go a long way to ensuring Americans that their vote matters. It’s time to restore confidence in our elections.

The ACE Act prohibits:

  • Non-citizens from voting and allows states to use REAL ID as proof of citizenship
  • Same-day registration and ballot harvesting
  • Federal funds for payments in support of congressional campaigns
  • Contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with ballot initiatives
  • Funding for a potential “Disinformation Governance Board”

The ACE Act requires:

  • Photo ID to vote in person or request an absentee ballot
  • Annual list maintenance

More information about the ACE Act can be found here.  The bill was introduced by House Administration Committee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL) and House Administration Subcommittee on Elections Ranking Member Bryan Steil (R-WI).

Congressman Troy Carter and Leader Hakeem Jeffries Tour the First 72+

Press Release
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Below is a press release from Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Congressman Troy Carter for a tour at The First 72+, a nonprofit that provides formerly incarcerated people in Louisiana with resources and support so that they are given the greatest opportunity to grow and thrive.
  
“It was an honor to join Congressman Troy Carter, a champion in Congress for criminal justice reform, on this informative tour of The First 72+,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “The work that this organization is doing is critical to reducing rates of recidivism and breaking the cycle of incarceration that is tearing so many communities and families apart. It was inspiring to hear about their successes in the New Orleans area and learn about how we can continue to partner with them at the federal level. In 2018, I was proud to be the lead Democratic sponsor of the First Step Act which helped stand up an infrastructure so that formerly incarcerated individuals can successfully transition back into society and become productive citizens. I’m grateful to Congressman Carter and The First 72+ for their tremendous leadership in providing individuals with housing, job support and more so that they can return to their communities and pursue their God-given potential.”
 
“I am truly honored to have Leader Hakeem Jeffries join me in visiting The First 72+,” said Congressman Troy Carter. “The First 72+ is a non-profit based on returning those incarcerated and returning them to mainstream life. Leader Jeffries and I both believe that once the debt is paid to society, they must have a fair chance to live a respectable and normal life. This auspicious organization assists with housing, employment, health care and a host of other programs that aid in returning citizens to the community where they can thrive.”

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