Missouri House Set to Vote on $100 Million Tornado Recovery Package for St. Louis
JEFFERSON CITY — As St. Louis continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating tornado, the Missouri House is poised to vote as early as Wednesday on a substantial $100 million package aimed at disaster recovery and cleanup efforts. Sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, the funding is intended to aid the city’s recovery, mirroring federal emergency relief processes.
If the funding receives House approval, it will be managed by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, covering essential costs such as debris removal, repair or replacement of damaged property, child care, medical expenses, and more. "The intent is to help out with the associated costs of disaster relief in the city," Hough stated.
Following legislative approval, the city could quickly access funds, including seeking reimbursement for recovery efforts already initiated. Typically, state contributions comprise 10% of public assistance costs, with the federal government covering 75%.
Notably, this package also encompasses $25 million for emergency housing assistance and a $5,000 tax deduction aimed at alleviating insurance deductibles statewide. Sen. Steve Roberts, D-St. Louis, emphasized the urgency of ensuring swift deployment of funds to address the pressing needs of impacted communities: "Lives were lost. Families were displaced. This isn’t about politics. It’s about people."
While the tornado response funding emerged during a special session related to Kansas City’s professional sports teams, it is seen as critical support in the wake of a disaster, echoing past efforts similar to responses following major calamities in the state. The $100 million allocation is a crucial step as Missouri awaits further federal assistance to support its recovery initiatives.
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