Hurricane Helene Recovery + Georgia Pre-K Week
It has been a busy week as we’ve traveled the state surveying hurricane damage, working with state and federal officials to secure federal aid, and meeting with constituents to discuss the issues that matter most to our fellow Georgians.
Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
On Monday, I joined several House members in Lyons to support relief efforts in Representative Leesa Hagan’s district. Georgians from across the state came together to make over 3,000 meals for the families and first responders who are working tirelessly to rebuild their communities.
We’re grateful to Representatives Lauren McDonald, Matt Hatchett, James Burchett, Robert Dickey, Beth Camp, Clay Pirkle, Rick (Marcia) Jasperse, Carter (Jamie) Barrett, Brent (Tonya) Cox, Leesa (Mike) Hagan, as well as Senators Steve Gooch and Blake Tillery, Jason Murphy, and David Moellering who are organizing efforts to support our hardest-hit communities, and to all of the Georgians who are dedicating their time and resources to helping their neighbors.
Supporting Relief Efforts in Lyons with members of the General Assembly and community partners.
I also had the opportunity to meet with the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents to provide an update on storm damage and offer our support to our higher education institutions that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Speaking to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
Yesterday, I joined Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Governor Brian Kemp, and members of the General Assembly in Soperton to offer our support to the Georgia farmers and agriculture communities who have been devastated in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The University of Georgia’s preliminary estimates of Hurricane Helene’s economic impact on Georgia’s #1 industry is $6.46 billion, including preliminary direct losses to farm families and forest landowners of almost $3.2 billion.
We will continue working alongside our local leaders and federal delegation to ensure our farmers receive the urgent relief they need to recover.
Providing an update on agriculture damage from Hurricane Helene with Commissioner Tyler Harper and Governor Brian Kemp, along with members of the General Assembly
Assistance Filing Insurance Claims
As a part of their recovery efforts, the office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King will be hosting an insurance claims village in Vidalia. There, members of the community will have the opportunity to speak directly with their insurance company, ask questions, and file a claim. Please refer to the photo below for more information.
How You Can Help
Our staff has been working with House members in heavily impacted areas to compile a list of local charities that are on the ground assisting victims of Hurricane Helene. If you are interested in supporting relief efforts, please see the contact information and links for the organizations listed at the web address below.
Remembering October 7th
October 7th marked the one-year anniversary of Hamas' brutal attack against the people of Israel. We continue to mourn for those who were lost and pray for the safe return of the hostages who have not returned home.
Now more than ever, it is critical that our commitment to supporting Israel remains strong as they continue to defend their freedom and sovereignty.
I was honored join the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, Anat Sultan-Dadon, in Douglas. It was a privilege for our House members to work alongside her as the Consulate’s team provided disaster recovery supplies and meals to our South Georgia communities, and we’re grateful for Israel’s continued support and friendship with Georgia—even as the state of Israel faces a time of incredible uncertainty and tragedy.
Meeting with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, Anat Sultan-Dadon
Georgia Pre-K Week
This week was Georgia Pre-K Week, and we celebrated by sharing the importance of reading with students in the district.
Thank you to Mrs. Stacy Leonard at Blandford Elementary School and Mrs. Liz Stratford at The Learning Treehouse for inviting us to share storytime with your classrooms. We look forward to continue championing causes that bolster literacy rates throughout the state.
Reading “Owl Babies” to Mrs. Stacy Leonard’s class at Blandford Elementary School with two Georgia Southern education students, Jkwon Heath and Josie Haskins
Reading “If Dinosaurs Came Back” to students in Mrs. Liz Stratford’s class at The Learning Tree
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on Wednesday, Dayle had the opportunity to speak with women at the Effingham Health System’s Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon about the importance of regular screenings.
Thank you to the Effingham Health System for their continued efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and detection.
Dayle speaking to women in Effingham County at the Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon
New Opportunities for Mental Healthcare in Effingham County
Increasing access to mental healthcare has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for the Georgia House. That’s why Dayle and I were excited to join members of the Effingham community to celebrate the new Effingham Behavioral Health Center in Partnership with Curtis V. Cooper and the Effingham Health System.
Thank you to Dr. Fran Witt for her tremendous dedication to bringing this facility to our community, and to Albert Grandy for his willingness to pursue this critical partnership.
We appreciate everyone’s continued friendship and support. We look forward to the opportunity to speak with each of you across the state soon!
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns