Image Credit: State Representative William Lamberth / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
With funding reportedly already in place to aid victims of Hurricane Helene, lawmakers most likely will not convene in Nashville for a special legislative session.
According to Governor Lee’s spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson, funding is already available in the state budget through Lee’s HEAL disaster loan program, calling it “a comprehensive effort to help communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.”
Instead, legislators are putting their focus on upcoming elections, according to House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland-District 44).
“No decision has been made about special sessions on any particular topic,” Lamberth told The Tennessean. “Our efforts are focused on expanding our supermajority in the House and encouraging Tennesseans to make their voice heard on November 5.”
Adam Kleinheider, a spokesperson for Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, says legislators will be ready if a special session is called.
“The devastation in Northeast Tennessee has been heartbreaking. The heroic work of our first responders, state employees, and ordinary Tennesseans in coming to the region’s aid has been inspiring,” Kleinheider said. “If the governor determines a special session is necessary for Northeast Tennessee to get all the help it needs, the General Assembly will absolutely answer the call.”
Meanwhile, Governor Lee has already announced his assistance program to help affected counties bridge the gap between needs and assistance provided by the federal government.
Twelve counties will be eligible for up to $15 million in a no-interest loan. Counties can take up to 10 years to pay back the loan, but funds must be repaid within 30 days of receiving federal reimbursements.
Only counties are eligible to take the loans, but they can allow “second borrowers” such as municipalities or private utility companies to take loans from them to help with things like cleaning up debris or repairing water/wastewater systems.
Some Democrats have openly criticized the plan, arguing that the state should use some of its reserve funds to provide grants instead of loans.
“The idea that Governor Lee is requiring these counting, which were already struggling financially and facing tens of billions of dollars in decaying infrastructure, to repay the state from badly needed federal emergency assistance funds is especially galling,” said House Democrat Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville-District 55). “The last thing these folks need is the additional financial and administrative burden of a state loan looming over their head.”
Governor Lee also announced approval of FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance on Friday. Individuals from Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties are eligible for this assistance if their home received major damage or was destroyed in Hurricane Helene.
“Approval for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance ensures that families displaced by the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene have a safe place to live while they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives,” said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “TEMA’s focus is supporting survivors every step of the way, providing them the resources they need to recover and regain stability.”
That assistance must be requested by December 2.
One Response
Clemmons is right.