Hurricane Helene Relief + Hispanic Heritage Month
Just over a year after Hurricane Helene made landfall, critical federal relief has been approved for families and farmers in Southeast Georgia. On Tuesday, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that Georgia will receive over $531 million in federal funds through the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program.
Commissioner Tyler Harper, his team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, House Agriculture Chairman Robert Dickey, and countless others advocated for months to secure the maximum amount of funding to help our state’s No. 1 industry recover and support our farmers as they build back stronger than ever.
Administrative details are currently being finalized, and additional information regarding the application process is forthcoming.
You can learn more about the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program and covered commodities by visiting agr.ga.gov or clicking on the link below:
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Georgia House is celebrating the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino Georgians to our communities, economy, and state. From building strong businesses, leading in the state legislature, and serving in uniform to teaching in our classrooms and protecting the places we call home, the incredible impact of the Hispanic community is evident in every corner of our great state.
Last week, I was proud to welcome Hispanic leaders from across the state to the Capitol for a celebration that highlighted the rich traditions of Georgia’s Hispanic community through a Hispanic art exhibition and the recognition of several individuals dedicated to Hispanic advocacy.
We were proud to recognize their enduring heritage and lasting legacy as we continue our work to create a brighter future for every Georgian.
Pictured at the Capitol with attendees of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
Check out some more highlights from this week below:
On Sunday, I had the privilege of presenting our dear friend and my former elementary school teacher, Mrs. Lee Ellen Hanberry, with a resolution in honor of her 90th birthday. Mrs. Hanberry taught alongside Dayle and had both of our boys in her class at Effingham County Middle School.
On Saturday, I caught up with my good friend, Dr. Joseph Snooks, a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine, at the University of Georgia game in Athens. Joseph is currently completing a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship with the Andrews Sports Medicine Clinic in Birmingham. Wishing you the best of luck, Joseph!
On Thursday, Dayle spoke to a group of Let’s Read Georgia literacy coaches at their annual training conference in Statesboro. Georgia’s literacy coaches are making an incredible difference in strengthening literacy rates in schools throughout the state.
I had a great meeting with South Carolina Speaker of the House, Murrell Smith, in Columbia discussing how we can continue collaborating to strengthen opportunities throughout the Southeast.
The Georgia General Assembly will reconvene for the 2026 Legislative Session in just a few short months. I hope to hear from each of you as the House prepares to champion the policies that matter most to our fellow Georgians.
My Best,
Speaker Jon Burns