Georgia's House overwhelmingly approved $270 million on Thursday to help communities devastated by Hurricane Michael, citing a dire need for help with ruined cotton fields and shattered timberland across a swath of the state.
The aid money sought by Gov. Nathan Deal passed the House 162-1 on the third day of a special session called after the storm inflicted severe damage in the heart of Georgia's agricultural economy. The proposal still must pass the state Senate.
The bill adds $69 million in state matching funds required for Georgia to receive disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It also includes $55 million to help farmers saddled with production loans and destroyed crops that would have repaid them. Another $20 million will help owners of commercial timberland clear broken trees.
Lawmakers acknowledged the money won't come close to covering Georgia's losses.
"This may well just be a start to what we need to do to help our folks across the state," said House Appropriation Chairman Terry England, a Republican from Auburn. "In some areas, we know there are some immediate needs."
Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black blames the hurricane for more than $1.6 billion in ruined crops from pecans and cotton to corn and squash. The Georgia Forestry Commission estimates timber losses exceeded $762 million.
Georgians also claimed $696 million in insured losses to homes, businesses and vehicles — a higher cost than the state's combined losses claimed from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Irma last year.
"The timing of this storm could not have been worse," said Rep. Sam Watson, a Republican from Moultrie and a farmer. "The timing of our harvest, the timing of paying back notes, the timing of asking for help from the federal government could not be worse because of holidays and the election."
Watson said having the legislature act now rather than wait until its regular session in January has given hope and encouragement to his constituents in southwest Georgia.
Only Republican Rep. Matt Gurtler of Tiger in northern Georgia, who campaigned against the state income tax, voted against the spending measure.
Two other proposals remained before the House. Deal is also calling for $200 million in tax incentives to encourage replainting by owners of ruined timberland.
Lawmakers also are reconsidering a $40 million tax break on jet fuel that senators killed earlier this election year, to punish Delta Air Lines for ending fare discounts to National Rifle Association members.
