News from the South - Georgia News Feed
U.S. Ag secretary stops by Georgia Capitol and vows Hurricane Helene relief coming for farmers
U.S. Ag secretary stops by Georgia Capitol and vows Hurricane Helene relief coming for farmers
by Jill Nolin, Georgia Recorder
March 13, 2025
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said federal disaster relief will soon be on the way for farmers left struggling to move forward in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Rollins, who was confirmed last month, told reporters Wednesday during a visit to the state Capitol that her agency would beat the March 21 deadline set by Congress to distribute aid packed into a $100 billion disaster relief package passed late last year.
Helene ripped a path through the Southeast, devastating communities and farms along the eastern side of Georgia. The storm killed 34 people in Georgia and left a lasting mark on the state’s top industry, causing an estimated $5.5 billion in damage to agricultural producers and timber growers.
“That money will begin to move in the next few weeks,” Rollins told reporters. “We were given a deadline by Congress, which isn’t often met, but for me, it was very important we meet it, of March 21. We will actually beat that deadline, so you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming days.”
House Speaker Jon Burns, who was part of a group of state leaders who met with Rollins Wednesday, said the assurance that the funds will soon start flowing is important to both farmers and their lenders as a new planting season gets under way.
Dispatching additional relief has also been a top priority for lawmakers this session.
“The problems from Hurricane Helene have slowed down the marketing process. The low prices have impacted the ability to repay loans and get ready to go again another year,” Burns told reporters Wednesday.
“So, the certainty coming from the state and from the federal government on some of those disaster dollars is critically important right now. The timing of it is to make sure it gets out so we can get this crop in the ground,” he added.
Defending funding cuts, tariffs
Rollins also defended President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy and the administration’s recent cuts to a food aid program during a press conference Wednesday.
Under Rollins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently cancelled the rest of a $1 billion program that schools and food banks were using to buy food from nearby farms. An agency spokesperson said Monday that the programs “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency.”
It was a cut that Georgia U.S. Jon Ossoff, who is a Democrat, has called on the Trump administration to undo.
“This will hurt Georgia kids and Georgia farmers,” Ossoff said in a statement Tuesday. “We should support our schools providing kids with fresh, nutritious food grown locally by Georgia farmers. It’s a win-win for childhood nutrition and Georgia agriculture.”
Rollins told reporters Wednesday that the funding was cut because it was for a COVID-era program that she said was specific to the pandemic.
“As we are re-imagining and reconfiguring and restructuring the federal government that includes looking very hard at programs that on their face may sound really, really good, but are they actually reaching the intended recipients?” Collins said. “Are they actually doing what the taxpayers have asked us to do, which is to use their tax dollars as smartly and efficiently as possible?”
Rollins also acknowledged the worries of the agricultural community over tariffs and suggested that assistance would likely be offered to farmers who are caught in the middle.
“This community has been very patient, but they’re hurting, and we understand that,” she said.
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Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.
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News from the South - Georgia News Feed
Schools navigate challenges in federal clean bus program | FOX 5 News
SUMMARY: The Biden administration’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Rebate Program, launched in 2022 to transition school districts to zero-emission electric buses, faces significant challenges. Mechanical issues and lack of affordable repairs have sidelined hundreds of electric buses, worsened by the financial collapse of major supplier Lion Electric. Lion’s bankruptcy led to maintenance warranty voids, leaving districts like Yarmouth, Maine, and Illinois struggling with non-functional buses. The EPA is monitoring the situation and supporting affected districts. However, other districts, such as Little Rock, Arkansas, using different vendors like Blue Bird, continue to benefit from the clean bus initiative, viewing it as an investment in student health and safety.
The Biden administration launched a program to help schools transition to cleaner buses. While some districts have reported success, others are experiencing difficulties tied to certain suppliers. Federal officials say they are continuing to monitor the situation as schools adjust.
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News from the South - Georgia News Feed
Aiken neighbors join Labor Day rallies for workers’ rights
SUMMARY: On Labor Day in Aiken, S.C., neighbors joined the nationwide Workers Over Billionaires movement to advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. Among them was Anthony Espinoza, whose husband was detained by ICE, highlighting personal struggles with mental health and financial stability. The diverse crowd united in demanding fairness, criticizing government policies favoring billionaires over vulnerable citizens. Speakers emphasized the need for democratic preservation, equitable tax policies, and support for the working class. Organizers urged civic engagement through protests and contacting representatives. Future rallies, including a statewide event in Columbia, are planned to continue the fight for dignity, fairness, and hope.
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The post Aiken neighbors join Labor Day rallies for workers’ rights appeared first on www.wjbf.com
News from the South - Georgia News Feed
Labor Day crowds hit Tybee as beach safety warnings rise
SUMMARY: Over Labor Day weekend on Tybee Island, Georgia, strong winds and waves created hazardous water conditions, prompting lifeguards to warn swimmers about dangerous rip currents. White-capped waves and rough surf led to a red flag warning, with officials considering a double red flag to restrict swimming to knee-deep water for safety. Rip currents cause over 80% of US beach rescues, especially during busy holidays. Lifeguard supervisor Jackson Vrisco emphasized alertness and monitoring conditions, while Mayor Brian West advised those caught in rip currents to stay calm and let the current carry them before swimming back. Visitors should heed flag warnings near lifeguard towers.
The post Labor Day crowds hit Tybee as beach safety warnings rise appeared first on www.wsav.com
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