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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.



ROGER WICKER: State Leaders Will Support Mississippi for the Long Haul
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Like many Mississippians, I was glued to my TV late on March 24, as violent
storms raged across our state from the Mississippi River to the Alabama line.
By 9 in the evening, I had learned about the damage sustained by residents of
the lower Delta, particularly Rolling Fork. I began to reach out to friends
there and their relatives. When the killer system moved into Monroe County, I
watched with thousands as meteorologist Matt Laubhan said a brief, earnest
prayer for Amory and exhorted viewers to take caution.



By the time I reached Amory with the governor and his MEMA director the next
day, the damage was profound, but so was the resolve of the community. By
mid-afternoon, the cleanup had already been underway for hours. Seemingly,
every chainsaw in Northeast Mississippi had been put to use, and neighbors were
tending to neighbors.



The same kind of heart and can-do spirit was in evidence Sunday in Rolling
Fork, when the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of FEMA
joined the governor and members of our congressional delegation for an
inspection of that small town. In the midst of pain and loss, there was a
spirit of thankfulness and determination. I heard stories of prayer and
survival. One elderly resident whose home had been reduced to rubble told about
being comforted by “three angels” – actually storm chasers who immediately
became rescue workers.



The governor requested federal assistance, and the entire delegation promptly
endorsed the petition to President Biden. Thankfully, the president approved it
quickly Saturday night, unlocking significant federal resources for our
recovery. I welcome the president and First Lady’s travel to Mississippi to
visit impacted towns.


How Mississippians Can Get Support


The governor’s request to President Biden was an important step for
Mississippi’s recovery. The disaster declaration provides individual and public
assistance to Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola, and Sharkey
counties and support for hazard mitigation statewide. FEMA can help with
temporary lodging costs, basic home repair expenses, and more. The state is
also deploying significant resources. The Mississippi Emergency Management
Agency (MEMA) is on the ground in several counties, and the agency’s website
has the latest information for small businesses, individuals, and volunteers.



In addition to the government, I have been encouraged by the individuals and
private organizations who have stepped up. The Red Cross maintains a list of
shelters on its website. Samaritan’s Purse is clearing debris. Churches have
been delivering hot meals and toiletries. A barn builder from south Mississippi
has even pledged equipment, materials, and a crew to construct a facility to
store all the equipment relief teams have brought. For all these good
neighbors, we are grateful.


Preparing for the Next Disaster


Unfortunately, our state is no stranger to this kind of disaster. In the
Senate, I have prioritized legislation to improve severe weather alerts, harden
our infrastructure, and help homeowners who have suffered property damage from
storms and floods. Most recently, the president signed into law two bills I
introduced to help forecast floods, hurricanes, and tornados. I will continue
pushing for changes that improve public safety and aid our disaster response.



Some of the damage will take years to undo, but we have been through difficult
times together before. In times like these, we rally around each another and
come through hardship stronger than ever.



You can click here to share my Op-Ed with your friends on Facebook!
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Thank you for your support,



Senator Roger Wicker




 
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