FRANKFORT, Ky. — There wasn’t really any debate on the Western Kentucky tornado relief package lawmakers passed on Wednesday, but several lawmakers expressed their gratitude to those who helped the area. 

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky lawmakers unanimously passed $200 million for tornado relief in Western Kentucky

  • $30 million will go to help schools with costs associated with the tornado, including transportation costs, while $15 million will help people with housing

  • Gov. Andy Beshear requested $200 million in tornado relief during his State of the Commonwealth address last week, although it wasn’t clear if he would sign the bill lawmakers passed Wednesday

 

“Before the sun even came up, you could hear chain saws. You could see farm implement equipment; tractors,” Rep. Chris Freehand (R-Benton) said. “Everybody was out clearing roads, helping people whose house has been destroyed.”

And several lawmakers, including Rep. Michael Meredith (R-Oakland), were personally affected by the storms that ravaged Western Kentucky last month.

“There’s a house right across the field from me. It was built in 1854; large, brick home,” he said. “And you think about all the weather and all the storms that house has seen over the years — completely destroyed.”

House Bill 5, a bill spending $200 million on relief efforts, passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

“I’m proud of this General Assembly’s response because it shows, Mr. Speaker, that we are working for the people of Kentucky every day,” Rep. Daniel Elliott (R-Danville) said.

Some of the money would be spent immediately: $30 million will go to schools, and another $15 million will go to help with housing for people who lost their homes.

“ We are in constant touch with our elected officials, our judge executives; talking to our city mayors, our emergency management people, what is the immediate need?” Sen. Mike Wilson (R-Bowling Green) said. “For us, it is temporary, long-term housing.”

Everyone agreed the $200 million is necessary, but many lawmakers said the need in Western Kentucky is ongoing, so lawmakers need to stay attentive.

“It is a long road,” Rep. Patti Minter (D-Bowling Green) said. “It is one, though, that this bill will ease.”

The rest of the money in the bill, $155 million dollars, will go into a new state fund to help tornado relief efforts.

Gov. Andy Beshear asked for $200 million to help with tornado relief efforts during his State of the Commonwealth address last week. A message seeking comment from his office about whether he intends to sign this bill was not returned Wednesday.

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