Mayer: First Steps to Rebuilding, Flood Insurance Assistance, A Balanced Budget and Redistricting

As our communities begin to work to rebuild in the wake of historical floods and damage from severe storms, it is important the state brings the information they need directly to those who have been impacted. That is why I would like to remind families and businesses in the 25^th District and other areas in southeast Missouri who have been affected by the recent flooding to attend one of the many community response meetings scheduled to help individuals learn more about the resources, tools and services provided by the state that are available to assist them during this time. From providing unemployment and re-employment assistance and training for displaced workers to receiving drinking water, temporary housing and food assistance, these meetings are designed to help citizens get back on their feet. I understand these meetings are not an overnight remedy, but they will provide much-needed assistance to those who have been affected by one of Mother Nature’s most devastating occurrences. Leaders from various state agencies, as well as county and federal officials, will be available after the meeting to visit with citizens. Here’s the full list of meeting scheduled for this week:

Tuesday, May 10 9 a.m. – Noon Poplar Bluff High School (1300 Victory Ln.) For residents of Butler, Iron, Madison, Ripley, Stoddard and Wayne counties 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sikeston 5th & 6th Grade Center (100 Twitty Dr.) For residents of Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott and Stoddard counties.

Wednesday, May 11 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Charleston High School (606. S. Thorn St.) For residents of Mississippi County 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. New Madrid Central High School (310 US Hwy 61) For residents of New Madrid and Stoddard counties 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Caruthersville Middle School (1705 Ward Ave.) For residents of Dunklin and Pemiscot counties

Another tool that may help citizens in affected areas is a website developed by the Missouri Department of Insurance. The website helps citizens file their insurance claims for their recent flood damage. For those Missourians who have flood insurance coverage on their homes, cars or crops, this site will help provide answers to many of the questions you may have. It is a great resource for flood victims - from contact information for your flood insurance agent, to learning how to watch out for unscrupulous contractors - this website provides a wealth of information. You can visit the Department of Insurance’s website for flood victims at insurance.mo.gov/consumer/weather/floodresources.htm or call (800) 726-7390.

There is also assistance available for those Missourians who do not have flood insurance. Unfortunately, most home and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. But you may be eligible for financial assistance and there are many organizations available to help citizens who fall under this umbrella. Missourians can call the United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect to a variety of resources. You can also contact the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter at (800) 733-2767 for Red Cross services or (800) 526-1417 for their National Disaster Center.

In Jefferson City last week, we met our Constitutional deadline and approved funding to run the critical functions of state government without a tax increase. We sent the governor the 13 budget bills totaling $23.2 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The bills include a $13.5 million net reduction in general revenue spending from the budget the governor proposed. Although we worked with the same revenue estimates as the governor, we were able to identify $22 million in restorations to K-12 and higher education, including $12 million for Missouri’s two- and four-year colleges and universities and $10 million for Missouri’s K-12 transportation needs. These actions mean universities and colleges will work to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for our college students and their families and our K-12 will not have to raid other funding sources to afford busing costs for students. We also voted to maintain the school funding formula at its current level.

An update to last week’s news about having fulfilled our constitutional duty of crafting a fair and equitable map when it comes to Missourians’ representation in the U.S. Congress. Last Saturday, the governor vetoed that map. On Wednesday the House and Senate both successfully voted to override the governor’s veto, meaning the map drawn by the Conference Committee Report for House Bill 193 will be Missouri’s new Congressional districts. We believe the map, that both Republicans and Democrats voted to support, reflects the best interests of all Missourians.

I will continue to keep you apprised of issues important to the people of the 25^th Senatorial District and all Missourians. Please feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments or questions using the information listed below and on my website at www.senate.mo.gov/mayer.