Senate Passes Tornado Relief Bill

BOSTON – The Senate on Thursday acted quickly to pass emergency state funding for communities recovering from the deadly tornadoes that ripped through western Massachusetts earlier this month. Lawmakers approved $15 million to help offset the costs of emergency response, clean-up efforts and setting up temporary shelters for displaced residents.

“This funding is an important step in the recovery process,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “The people in these communities need our help, and our emergency workers and volunteers need our support as we continue to rebuild neighborhoods and businesses in this part of the Commonwealth.”

The tornadoes and storms that swept across 19 communities in western Massachusetts on June 1 left 200 people injured, three dead and caused $90 million in property damage, according to initial cost estimates by homeowner insurance carriers.

The federal government this week also announced it will provide necessary aid for residents and businesses hardest hit by the tornadoes and storms, including reimbursements for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and infrastructure damage.

The state Senate bill, which passed unanimously today, also includes the following:

•    $10.78 million for deficiencies at the state’s sheriffs’ departments;
•    $10 million for child care services related to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program;
•    $10 million for youth violence prevention programs;
•    $3.4 million for costs associated with approved collective bargaining contracts;
•    $1.2 million for short-term housing assistance; and
•    Funds for debt relief at the South Essex Sewerage District and for the cost of the special election in the sixth Worcester district.

Additionally, the assistance bill includes a provision that permits cities and towns damaged by the June 1 tornadoes and storms to assess property values based on pre-storm conditions for the purpose of assessing fiscal year 2012 taxes.

The bill passed the House on Wednesday and will go to the governor for his signature.