| Welcome, Find Out What's Happening The Tennessee State Capitol |
|
House of Representatives
CAPITOL HILL REVIEW
A weekly
wrap-up of legislative news
April 12th
– April 15th, 2010 from
Representative Steve McDaniel
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tennesseans volunteer to help after devastating floods
Tennessee was hit with unprecedented rain over the weekend,
causing disastrous floods across Middle and West Tennessee.
Although much of the water has receded, some communities are
still faced with flood water. As clean-up efforts began Monday,
the extent of the devastation was becoming apparent. As of
Thursday morning, the Governor had declared a State of Emergency
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had
designated 10 counties as federal disaster areas: Cheatham,
Davidson, Dyer, Hickman, McNairy, Montgomery, Perry, Shelby,
Tipton and Williamson Counties. More are expected to receive the
designation, as the Governor asked for a federal disaster
declaration for 52 counties total. Parts
of Middle and West Tennessee received a record 13 inches of rain
in 24 hours over Saturday and Sunday. The Cumberland River,
which winds through the state, finally crested late Monday
night, well over the 50 feet expected by officials. The flood
level for the Cumberland is 40 feet. As of Thursday morning, 19
people were killed, and thousands of homes and businesses were
destroyed. Tens of thousands went without power for several
days, and water supplies in Middle Tennessee were threatened as
a result of damaged water treatment plants. Federal and state
officials estimated Wednesday that Davidson County’s damage
alone would be upwards of $1 billion. The cost of damage in
other counties is expected to be assessed in the coming weeks. In
addition to the homes that were destroyed, many Tennessee
landmarks also suffered extensive damage, such as Gaylord
Opryland Hotel, historic businesses on Lower Broadway in
Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole
Opry.
Despite the mass devastation, criminal activity has not
dramatically increased. Living up to its nickname of the
“Volunteer State,” Tennesseans have been helping neighbors, and
many media reports have focused on communities pulling together. Those
in disaster designated counties can contact FEMA for assistance.
Tennesseans can apply at
www.disasterassistance.gov
or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). In addition, organizations like
the Red Cross and Salvation Army are also organizing massive
assistance efforts. Affected people can call the Red Cross at
615-250-4300 and the Salvation Army at 1-800-725-2769.
National Day of Prayer takes on new meaning The
Tennessee House of Representatives passed a resolution on
Wednesday commemorating the National Day of Prayer and
encouraging Tennesseans to take part. House Joint Resolution
1191 passed with an overwhelming majority.
Lawmakers said they were publicly supporting the National Day of
Prayer due to a ruling recently handed down by a federal court
saying the day was unconstitutional. The sponsor said people
have the choice of whether or not they want to participate, and
their actions are supported by the First Amendment. Many members
of the House also felt the day takes on new meaning as thousands
across the state are still reeling from floods that paralyzed
communities for days. The
National Day of Prayer acknowledges the important role of
religion in the United States, and was a tradition started by
President Harry Truman via proclamation. Events are being held
across the country today, including several major events in
Tennessee.
In case you missed it…
The Week Ahead
HOUSE
SESSION:
4:00 p.m. Monday, May 10, 2010 in the House Chambers
HOUSE
SESSION:
1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2010 in the House Chambers
HOUSE
SESSION:
9:00 a.m. Thursday, May 13, 2010 in the House Chambers
Tuesday,
May 11
Committee
Room Time
Wednesday, May 12
Committee
Room Time |