A letter sent by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and Governor Brian Kemp to Senator David Perdue about concerns over the pace of federal relief efforts for the citizens of southern Georgia affected by Hurricane Michael on Oct. 10, 2018:
The Honorable David Perdue
United States Senate
455 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Perdue:
We are compelled by necessity to report to you that quality of life conditions throughout rural Georgia remain in peril as a result of Hurricane Michael. Through tax credits, short-term financing, and direct assistance for forest debris removal, the State of Georgia has responded to needs in an unprecedented way. Crop insurance settlements are near completion. Yet, far too many farm families face heightened uncertainty approaching this planting season.
Storm victims universally appreciate the post-storm commitment expressed by leaders in the highest levels of the executive and legislative branches of the federal government to pursue avenues of assistance. While the solution-oriented cooperation displayed by members of the Georgia Congressional delegation serves as a model for our nation, we confess that the process of consideration of recent disaster relief proposals confounds our understanding.
We ask that you utilize every sphere of influence, expand every previous limit of compromise, and exhaust every pathway of negotiation to ensure swift fulfillment of the promises made to – and heard by – our producers and rural communities. Integrity and economic vitality hang in the balance.
We continue in gratitude to pray for your strength, wisdom, and understanding.
Sincerely,
Brian P. Kemp
Governor of Georgia
Gary W. Black
Commissioner of Agriculture
See signatures from Georgia State Senate, House of Representatives, and farmers and agribusinesses voicing their concerns over the pace of federal relief efforts for the citizens of southern Georgia affected by Hurricane Michael on Oct. 10, 2018.